Heat Management: 400-watt vs. 600-watt

When I first started growing, I was just like every new grower: obsessed with lots of plants and huge yields. However, after my first few grows, I realized that growing 2-3 plants at a time easily provided all the jack that my wife and I could smoke. Hell, my first 2 grows covered us for 8 months easily.

I've been using a 600-watt light (MH and HPS) in a 3.5' x 3.5' grow closet. I got GREAT results, but heat management proved to be more trouble than I anticipated.

So my question is this: If I switched to a 400-watt bulb (MH and HPS) in a 2.5' x 2.5' grow tent, would heat management be easier than a 600-watt bulb in a 3.5' x 3.5' closet?

Thanks.

the more sq ft you have the easier to manage air temps is the general rule of thumb, I dont know what the btu output dif is for a 400 vs 600w ,but proberly not that much ,why dont you go 400w in your 3.5x3.5 closet, I say this becasue the 400w will handle the 2-3 plants you intend on growing with decent results, the 600 obviously would do better,but there are some real nice 400w grows here.

newbie here, is the ventilation system not up to the job? I ask as i have a 400 watt in a 80cmx80cmx160cm thinking of either a cooltube or a standard barn type.
I've seen people on the forums using the same and dealing with heat issues with a single fan while using a barn type reflector. What i'm saying is it seems abit from the norm not being able to control temps inside a bigish tent like yours.
Are you bringing in enough fresh air?

Sounds like not enough ventilation?

WileyCoyote said:

So my question is this: If I switched to a 400-watt bulb (MH and HPS) in a 2.5' x 2.5' grow tent, would heat management be easier than a 600-watt bulb in a 3.5' x 3.5' closet? Thanks.

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Yes. If you have a closed fixture and exhaust.

No. If it's not a closed system.

My 400w is in a 2X3 closet. Intake 70 degrees, room 78 degrees. Holds 5 plants 2.3 oz per plant.

Here is the photos of the equipment if you are interested. https://www.rollitup.org/members/prosperian-552192/albums/equipment-30859/

I think so. I have an 800 CFM intake fan that cools both the light and the grow closet, venting into my attic.

makncsu said:

Sounds like not enough ventilation?

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Well, I may be wrong, but I think I have adequate ventilation. An 800 CFM fan that cools the light and room. It vents into my attic.