Grow space...appropriate HID lighting...

[The Corsican]

Hello,

I'm new and need some information from the experienced. Here's the dimensions of my grow area:

70"L x 33"W x 50"H

I figure to properly utilize the space it would best to go with two 250w HPS but what do I know? Since the grow area is twice as long as it is wide I figured I'd get a more efficient light spread by using two HIDs. I was originally going to go with one 400w HPS but have been leaning towards the two 250w HPS lamps for better overall coverage.

Am I on the right track or am I completely clueless?

Thanks,

-the Corsican.

[Doobiedude]

Go to this site:
http://www.elights.com/plantgrow.html#question6
Scroll down and there's a chart that shows the proper grow area relative to your wattage.

[Zigzagman]

Sounds like a winning idea to me. A pair of 250's sleeved in a cool tube should be about perfect for you.

[dagobaker]

i personally would use 2 400 air cooled
they will give u maximum yield and the bulbs are super cheap to replace
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics....lb-p-1181.html

[The Corsican]

I appreciate the advice fellows.

The light chart works well with square spaces but when you get into odd shapes it isn't as effective for gaging the best setup. I'm dealing with a rectangle where one side the height drops a few inches (steps down because of...well...steps!)

I'd love to get two 400w'rs but that's a bit pricey and it may be too much heat to deal with. Right now I'm leaning towards 500w's (250 HPS X's 2) or one 400wHPS. I guess it will come down to cash and the completion (organization) of my usable space. I'm building platforms today (to keep the pots off the cold concrete) and I might even get to painting the walls flat white but I'm not sure.

The space was permeated with mold and moisture. I had to cut out some bad studs and heavily disinfect the area. I even had to remove 40 year old floor tile because of the accumulated moisture and mold. The space hadn't been touched for about 50 years so everything was degraded and needed to be refurbished.

My next big obstacle will be ventilation. At this point I just want to get the flowering room clean and ready to go for paint. After that I'll deal with electrical and ventilation.

Thanks people,

-the Corsican.

[6951A]

Do not get two 250 watt lights, they are not very effecient and will be out yielded for less money by a 400 watt. I think your best option is to start with 1 400w HPS and add a second (at which point I'd run each 400 for 6 hours if you have concerns about temps) when you can afford it

[The Corsican]

Would a 400 cover the the space efficiently though? The space is about 33 inches wide, six feet long by about 50 inches high.

-the Corsican.

[SirBudAlot]

Originally Posted by The Corsican

Would a 400 cover the the space efficiently though? The space is about 33 inches wide, six feet long by about 50 inches high.

-the Corsican.

Hello m8,, Why dont you cut back the length by 2 feet. the 400 will cover that nicely, ive got a space which is 33" wide n just under 4 feet long n mine does well.

Or keep it as it is and put a 400 in the middle and put CFL lighting on the outsides just a thought.

Cheers SBA.

[The Corsican]

Thanks Sirbud, I think I'll try that.

-the Corsican.

P.S.,

What type of reflector would you recommend?

[Michael]

If you aren't sure about ventilating heat, maybe you should consider CFLs. They're cheap and cool and you can grow good nugs with them.

[The Corsican]

Good morning Mike,

Ventilation is very important and I'm still thinking deeply about the best way to keep things cool. My first grow will be focused on environmental control and learning the most basic techniques in order to cultivate superior buds.

I figure if I'm going to take the risk I may as well do it right and to me that means HID. I want yields to be worth my time and effort. Money also plays a large role in my decision making process. I can't just go out and buy everything I need in one week or even one month so I have to pay particular attention when spending money. The most important question I ask myself when adding new equipment to my grow is "Will it increase my yield without compromising overall security?"

If money gets tight I'll have to use clf lighting for flowering on my first grow but I'd prefer HID. As long as I can figure out my ventilation issues I think I'll be okay using HID. I've been thinking about cool tubes.

What do you think?

-the Corsican.

[The HSIC]

If you WANT to use the whole space, then 2 x 250 is cherry.
The coverage/light dispersal pattern will be almost perfect with that size.

With the 250's in a cool tube affair you will be able to drop the setup
right down on top of the girls.

[The Corsican]

Hey brother,

What I want to know is the efficiency decrease in light when you go from one wattage to another? I've heard that 600w is the most efficient. If the the drop in usable light is minimal when using two 250w HIDs then I don't think the trade off is that big of a deal. Better light coverage is the prime goal in my situation. It would seem like two 250w HPS would be a better idea with cool tubes as long as I'm not compromising the quality of light.

Sure, a 400w might be more efficient in most cases but is it more efficient in my case?

-the Corsican.

[SirBudAlot]

Originally Posted by The Corsican

Thanks Sirbud, I think I'll try that.

-the Corsican.

P.S.,

What type of reflector would you recommend?

Ive got an Adjust-a-wing now,, before that i had a cool tube. I find the adjust-a-wing gives the best coverage of light and i would recommend a heat shield aswel. my lights only about 6-8 inches from the plants.

Cool tubes are good for lowering temps, So if your worried how hot its going to be then go for a cool tube. bonus with the cooltube is you can get the light closer to the plants. Cooltubes are also cheaper.

I'd also recommend a RVK/RUCK 125 (5") or simular to extract the heat.

Hope this helps

- SBA.

[The Corsican]

Sure,

I need all the help I can get.

-the Corsican.

[Michael]

Buenos dias, Corsicano.

The main difference in wattage is penetration. Comparing a 400, a 600 and a 1000, the 600 gives you the most bang for the buck.

[jangel]

I have a 400w MH ballast with an HPS conversion bulb in it. My flower area is 4 feet wide, 7 feet deep, but 8 ft tall. Right now I have 23 plants in there and am having a bud fest. For my size room, I would love to have a bigger light, but it is working well, and so I cannot complain.

I would seriously suggest you get a switchable digital ballast that can be adjusted to whatever strength light you want. This way, you can dial down the light if it is too hot for your area, but still have the option of going bigger if you decide to increase your growing area. And having the option of MH or HPS for whatever stage of growth you are in will benefit you major in the long run. This type of light might cost a bit more, but the ability to adjust to your needs will be without compromise in the long run. This is the type of system I want to get. But I would like a 1000 w one.

Peace

[I8ntLucky_UR]

Hi there Corsican you might want to get a mold resistant white paint from Home Depot or another home improvement store. These paints are very good at preventing further mold down the road. They cost a bit more but well worth it since they can be used on a variety of surfaces too.
Mold Mildew Resistant Paint - PERMA-WHITE Mildew-Proof* Bathroom Paint

My personal opinion would be to start with a 430W hps and put it in the center of the area and build the grow around it. The lumens output for the 430W is approx 53,000 and the output for the 250W is approx 24,000 x 2 = 48,000 lumens total.

You can always add another light later on down the road. I use a 430W in a 4X4 area and my buds are delicious IMO.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[The Corsican]

Great posts everyone, thank you.

I knew they made ballast that (HPS) can take advantage of both bulbs but I did not know they made ballasts that can adjust light intensity. Pretty interesting...and I imagine digital is the way to go?

I think I'm leaning towards the 430 after hearing Jangel's testimony and hearing about the lumen output of the 430. Thanks for the paint recommendation, I was already thinking of doing that but know I have an actual brand to work off of.

The more information I get the easier the decision becomes.

Thanks everyone,

-the Corsican.

[jangel]

Here is one I found that I would love to have....

https://www.horticulturesource.com/n...60-volt-p6069/?=