what is the most optimal wattage per plant? +++rep

im just trying to get everyone's opinion on how many watts per plant is the most affective?

Loaded questiion bro. HPS,CFL or LED? See of green or a couple big girls? If big girls, how many? Veg time?

i think the formula is something like 50 watts per square foot if i remember it correctly.. if i am wrong, someone please correct this, its been awhile since i have seen thie formula..

Ok this is an interesting topic...from what I understand its tough to really measure the proper amount of light using these scales, that said, 30-50 watts per square foot and 10,000 lumens per cubic foot (imitates the sun's levels on a very sunny day). However, you also have to consider the inverse square law. For every 6" your lights are away from your plant's, the lumens decrease dramatically.

Its best to get more of lower wattage lights than to have one or two really powerful higher wattage lights. ... ie 3x 400w lamps vs 1x 1000w lamp or 2x600w lamps. The 400's are really nice if you can get several in a row..you can get them really close to your plants allowing for max lumen consumption, especially if you air cool the lights.

xivex said:

Ok this is an interesting topic...from what I understand its tough to really measure the proper amount of light using these scales, that said, 30-50 watts per square foot and 10,000 lumens per cubic foot (imitates the sun's levels on a very sunny day). However, you also have to consider the inverse square law. For every 6" your lights are away from your plant's, the lumens decrease dramatically.

Its best to get more of lower wattage lights than to have one or two really powerful higher wattage lights. ... ie 3x 400w lamps vs 1x 1000w lamp or 2x600w lamps. The 400's are really nice if you can get several in a row..you can get them really close to your plants allowing for max lumen consumption, especially if you air cool the lights.

Click to expand...

That does make perfect sense. Well Ebay got a 600watt for about $250
http://stores.ebay.com/High-Tech-Garden-Supply_600-watt-Grow-Lights_W0QQ_fsubZ4QQ_sidZ141632882QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em14?_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1513&_pgn=2
Thats air cooled but If I dont go that route then they are cheaper . I plan on having a A/C unit in the room and some really good vent system. What do you think


OR

Get 3 400 watts for $150 not air cooled though over 50 girls.
http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-HPS-GROW-LIGHT-Sodium-400w-w-bulb-hood-ballast-/400133410000?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d29cf4cd0

~5000 lumens per plant, at least