1000w HPS vs CFLs?

Hey all, i'm pretty new to growing so i need a little guidance. Im planning on building a cabinet to grow 10-12 auto-flowering ak47 plants in. I have access to a free 1000w light, ballast, the whole deal but i am wondering if it would be more beneficial to use CFLs because of heat issues in a "small" cabinet. Im thinking 5 feet long, 2-3 feet deep, and unsure of height if i use an HPS as to not burn the plants. If i were to go with CFLs how much light am i gonna need, and with that many bulbs am i going to have near the amount of heat an air cooled 1000w would put out? Any input is appreciated and if any of you could recommend a premade cabinet from lowes or home depot that sounds like it would suit my needs that i can modify i would really appreciate it!

if you a means to keep the temperature down to not burn up your plants, then i would say go with the 1000w. otherwise, i would start off with a cfl

good luck

if they HPS if free you'd be stupid NOt to take it. Even if you didnt put it to use right away. For a closet that size i'd imagine you'd need some badass ventilation and air movement, but again for FREE?? really? take it

so exactly how much heat does a 1000w HPS put out compared to 1000 watts of CFL? anyone ever actually check? for real?

get a decent exhaust fan and blow that thing up with 1000 watts.

I'd say get that HPS even if you don't use it now, maybe in time you will. Plus, it's free.

fdd2blk said:

so exactly how much heat does a 1000w HPS put out compared to 1000 watts of CFL? anyone ever actually check? for real?

get a decent exhaust fan and blow that thing up with 1000 watts.

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i had 350w's worth of CFLs in my grow room, recently upgraded to a 400w HPS system for flowering, my temp actually went down

just buy a cooltube/air-cooled reflector

use cfls and send the 1000w to me its probably garbage

its my room mate with the 1000w, its not going anywhere just deciding if i should use it. It is in a air cooled reflector, im hoping a modded stanley blower will keep it cool enough. Guess il just try a test run with no plants and see how the temps go. Thanks for the input guys.