Too Cold?

I'm setting up to grow four to six plants in the basement... I'll be using 4 40W fluors to start which won't produce much heat... Can I grow with temps in the mid-60's F?

If not, what is the best way to heat the 2' x 5' plywood-enclosed space?

Should be fine. Mid-70's is ideal. Just don't let it get any colder than 65*.

In a tight enclosed space you'd be surprised what heat flouro's can produce.

Thanks for the notes guys... I haven't started the lights yet... I'll do that tonight and see how the temp is affected.

If you need more heat.. add more lights.... : )

skunkushybrid said:

In a tight enclosed space you'd be surprised what heat flouro's can produce.

Click to expand...

You're right... It's holding at about 70* with the lights running.

add more light.. : )

get the temp up to 75-76

iloveyou

Alright, thanks. I'll see about doubling the lights up tonight...

Right now, I have 160 fluorescent watts (23 per ft2). If I go to 320 watts (45 per ft2), I'll probably just stick with the fluorescents through the entire process.

I think I know, but being the overly cautions sort I'll ask... Am I open to any sort of IR/heat/light signature or red-flag electric bill? Caution is first. The grow is a close second. Money is not an issue (within reason)... Any precautionary advice?

In reality you're good for 79f/80f. Even more if you get extra C02. If the basement floor is cold remember to have the pots raised from the floor. Also get a fan oscillating between lights and plants. This will make your stems stronger and prevent them falling over as they grow. Also helps lower the temp' of the extra light you'll be getting. If you can't afford it, improvise.

keep fluorescents as close to your plants as possible.. 1 inch or less preferably.. they will not burn your leaves..

: )

Good-to-go.

jlast01 said:

Alright, thanks. I'll see about doubling the lights up tonight...

Right now, I have 160 fluorescent watts (23 per ft2). If I go to 320 watts (45 per ft2), I'll probably just stick with the fluorescents through the entire process.

I think I know, but being the overly cautions sort I'll ask... Am I open to any sort of IR/heat/light signature or red-flag electric bill? Caution is first. The grow is a close second. Money is not an issue (within reason)... Any precautionary advice?

Click to expand...

you may produce a small heat signature but i wouldn't worry about it. and your powerbill will raise approx. $10

Like GK already said if u need more heat add more lights a couple cfl´s more will add a few Fº...

You may need a small fan heater for night or lights off. we have lights off at midnight to avoid heat sig's and it's cold in this country. We have a fan heater with a built in thermostat, as soon as temp' goes down to a certain level the heater kicks in and warms the room again. I believe (I'm not sure right now) that the plants can take a 20 degree drop in temp' during the night. Although they may be able to handle it I would never do it to them. The temp' at night (or lights off) in our grow room is 66-70. The fan heater has the added bonus of drying the air in the room.