Background: I've been reading around and I haven't seen this question posed yet. I plan on using two bathroom vanity lights that have 4 bulb sockets each in a box that is 3'x2'. I plan on putting a 'Y' splitter for each so I have a total of 16 bulbs in this six square foot box.
Question: Should I place both strips (16 total light bulbs) above the plants? Or put one strip on top and have one strip on the side of the plants and rotate the plants every day or two so that I'm getting light from the side and from the top? I see the drawback to this method as some plants won't be close to the light for a period of time whereas if I had both strips on top I would be able to get a lot of lumens very close to all the plants. However if I place 8 bulbs to the side I would be able to expose more of the plant to more light. I appreciate the help .

Hi Muzzie,
I always like to mimic mother nature, She would put the sun on top of the plants. Watch out to not over load the sockets, I think max is 75Watts per socket check the label on the fixtures. Have fun growing!
GSR

__________________
Just in case you are wondering what The Emerald Triangle is.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Triangle


Check out my latest project
http://www.greenpassion.org/f16/south-emerald-triangle-7780/

Hey GSR. Cool that would make it a lot easier if I were to go from the top. I appreciate the advice. Muzz

Your Very Welcome! Remember Mother Nature always Knows Best!

Keep your plants really close to the light to reduce stretch.

FWIW, I've got 12 lights of varying tone and wattage, a 20" fan (I had it out in the garage so why not?), two aquarium pumps, and a small fountain pump running on a 15 amp gfci outlet. No problemo. My setup is 2x2x4 w/two plants. Seams to be working most goodly.

Good luck!