Recent content by rkm

Lumens are fine if you do not want to apply the science and the physics of what and how light actually works. Although difficult to sometimes decipher, PAR(Photosynthetically Active Radiation) is the truest and most accurate way of getting the right light for plants. Although, I cannot prove...

400 watt bulbs are used all the time for legitimate purposes, such as fishtanks. But if "everyone" as you say knows about your operation, it will not be the lights that get you busted. Excess lights are the least of your concern.

Despite popular belief I do not put much emphasis on lumens, actually; lumens are never even a consideration when I am looking at lights. But thats just me and I am not here to debate lights, discussing lights around here is like beating a dead horse. This thread is here to make comparisons on...

They do make 6500k MH in 250w, http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~MB6211~idCategory~FILTBUMHSETW~category~250_Watt-Single_Ended-Metal_Halide-Light_Bulbs-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html. From your description sounds like your ventilation is better...

I can ventilate if I really have to. It would just mean I would have to start cutting into things that I particularly don't want to. But I still have it as an option if need overrides my reluctance. Hence, me investigating the heat issue which is already somewhat of a problem. I am looking to...

Hmmm...something to consider at least. Gonna sleep on it and come back and reread the replies again. My biggest concern the whole time has always been the safety side. If I had a MH in that small of a space, and it detonated I would be screwed. It would all go up in flames in such a small space.

Has any one made any comparisons as far as heat output goes between MH and CFL? I have about a 3x3 area that is very difficult to ventilate. Currently there are two 125w cfl running. Would there be very much difference if I replaced the cfls with one 250w MH? Warmer? Cooler? No change?

Yup. And this is the rest of the babble that I need to do because 'yup' is to short of a message.

I thought he was one of those unicorns. :D

Just curious, anyone in 40503 around here?

If in fact it is the smell of the plants that is giving her the headaches, masking the smell with fabric softner will not work for her. The smell is still there its just being overpowered by a stronger smell. Thats the typical solution of pharmaceutical companies, treat the symptoms; screw the...

Hit some construction sites where they are putting up drywall. Get their empty buckets, they will be fine. Just dont open the ones that are closed. Some dry wallers are pigs, they shit and piss in the buckets then leave them for someone else to clean up.

I guess its all about which train of thought you subscribe to. I subscribe to the one where the plant should be able to hold itself up without any help. If mine cant do that, then there is something missing.

More light and a fan to create a breeze.

I have yet to find a definite answer to this, but my guess is it measures in foot candles. I have found that it is quite useless. Now if you can find a cheap PAR meter, then you are in business. PAR is the only proper way to guage your lights, despite popular beliefs.