Almost ready to go!...just need the lights

TheSalesman · Mar 7, 2009

Alright, I spent all last night gathering a majority of my parts and with a little help from my friend and built a nice grow box. The measurements were 4' high x 2' wide x 3' deep.

I'll be growing 3 plants in an 18 gallon rubbermaid container with 3 airstones. I've still got a few minor things to purchase (mylar, rockwool, fans, etc) but I'm planning on purchasing the lights today. This is where I need a little help from my friends (you guys).

My math is terrible, but I'm trying to figure out how many watts I need if I have 6 bulbs (2 per plant). Originally I was thinking having all 65 watt bulbs. After doing research, I'm concerned if this will put out enough lumens.

If my math is correct then I'll produce anywhere between 4000-4500 lumbers per square foot.

I know 7k is suggested, but I'm concerned about the electricity bill. My roommates know I'll have a grow, but I don't think they'll be too happy to see some outrageous bill for my grow.

Would I notice a big jump in the bill if I use 3 85 watts and 3 65 watts? Or do you guys think 6 65watts will do me alright?

Thanks again! Looking forward to getting a high with a little help from my friends! :weed:

lind2388 · Mar 7, 2009

TheSalesman said:
Alright, I spent all last night gathering a majority of my parts and with a little help from my friend and built a nice grow box. The measurements were 4' high x 2' wide x 3' deep.

I'll be growing 3 plants in an 18 gallon rubbermaid container with 3 airstones. I've still got a few minor things to purchase (mylar, rockwool, fans, etc) but I'm planning on purchasing the lights today. This is where I need a little help from my friends (you guys).

My math is terrible, but I'm trying to figure out how many watts I need if I have 6 bulbs (2 per plant). Originally I was thinking having all 65 watt bulbs. After doing research, I'm concerned if this will put out enough lumens.

If my math is correct then I'll produce anywhere between 4000-4500 lumbers per square foot.

I know 7k is suggested, but I'm concerned about the electricity bill. My roommates know I'll have a grow, but I don't think they'll be too happy to see some outrageous bill for my grow.

Would I notice a big jump in the bill if I use 3 85 watts and 3 65 watts? Or do you guys think 6 65watts will do me alright?

Thanks again! Looking forward to getting a high with a little help from my friends!

The difference between using 6 65watt and 3 85watt 3 65watt is only a continuous 60 watt difference which is not considerably more expensive(your average incandescent light bulb around the house uses 60W). If I was you I would opt for the 3 85's and 3 65's there won't be much of a difference in your electric bill. The 6 65's would work fine for veg growth. Come flowering you might want to upgrade with more powerful 2700k 85watt CFL's.

phoenix58 · Mar 8, 2009

I prefer to think in terms of total CFL wattage. A total of between 300 to 400 watts over 3 plants will do just fine for you. 350 watts costs very little to run, and if you try to become more energy efficient elsewhere around the house you can literally save money! Replace all household bulbs with 'energy saver' CFL's, turn lights off when not in use etc, think green :-)

I'd balance the spectrum slightly too, add a couple of 6500k ('Daylight/blue) bulbs to your majority of 2700k 'yellow' bulbs and you can veg/flower sart to finish.

Hope this helps.

Almost ready to go!...just need the lights

TheSalesman

Active Member

lind2388

Active Member

phoenix58

Well-Known Member

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