OK, first off I'll just say I'm typically on the HPS side of this debate but lets have it. For this situation I am looking for 2 150w lights for a vegging/mother site the area is approximately 5.5'x 1.8'. I want 2 lamps both 150ish and it is just for vegging. From what I can find basically for mh they are 175 watt ballasts/lights that give off 13-15k lumens and 150w hps lamps give off 16-17k lumens. the question is which should I go for. I understand the debate; spectrum vs. lumens, but what is your reasoning. I would certainly like to keep them as stout as possible (for you mh fans), but wouldn't it be better to give them the extra lumens especially since I would be using less watts to deliver more lumens (hps fans). So what is it. Anyone with any real life experience comparing or scientific research to back it up would be appreciated. So here is your chance; fight it out.

thank you in advance.

You are sure using some smaller wattage lamps there. I hope you're not planning on having more than 3 or 4 under them.

According to hightimes and other sources, blue spectrum is much better for vegging. But ideally you would like both spectrums for all stages of growth, with slight emphasis on blue spectrum for vegging and slight emphasis on red spectrum for flower.

Why not use one of each? I have had better results in my couple of grows under both spectrums for vegging. If choosing one man...go with the blue!!!

MH all the way.... the MH will keep it stout, and thats what you want for a mother not some tall beast of a charlie brown tree.

HPS Light system is best light of all...
it gives allmost all light spects what yu need in growth....
but like SNR4LIFE said, MH light or any blue spectrum is good for vege state and when yu use both, then its best yu could have.... but in flowering time, the red spectrum is better... because it imitation of fall time sun so then your buds will come big as motherfucker.....!!!

but MH-light is very good choice too.. with alone... but i will say, USE HPS or USE BOTH.

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Both bulbs-(MH-HPS) one in each lamp
end of story

Thanks for the opinions so far guys. I was considering going with both, was a bit drunk when I started this thread so I guess I didn't think of it. That probably will be the way to go. SNR you claim that this is a low wattage, I somewhat agree with you but the space is under 10 sg. ft. I figured 300 watts would be appropriate for that size. The plan is to have 4-6 vegging (to about 18") from clone at one time along with a mother plant. Do you think it would be better to go with 1 150w and 1 250 w, as I stated this will be just for vegging There is plenty of wattage for the flowering in a seperate room. also the vegging area is only 3-4' tall (I honestly haven't measured) so I am kinda worried about heat and am a bit on the broke side currently so it will be a while before I can get anything air cooled in the veg area. Also the plan is to go with 2 bulbs because the area is rectangular does anyone think that it would be better off with one light?

Thanks again.

you can also consider CFLs/floros for a veg room.

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He said you cats that grow with hps have charlie brown christmas trees.

I grow under a 1000 mh and the buds are tight as fdds butt and stank like it as well.

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I'm not really a fan of flouros I do have a few around but I'ld rather get the most lumens per watt possible. I also don't want to have to readjust the lights every day as they grow. Does anyone think that 2 150's isn't enough light to get the job done?

LOL! I didnt mean it like that.. just from my experience, when i vegged with an HPS they grew a little taller faster, and and didnt get as fat or as much vegetation as they did with my MH.... Maybe it was my fault... i dunno.