Minimum hps wattage
- Thread starter jimmernmi
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cowboylogic
Well-Known Member
A 250 is good for about 1.5x1.5 ft. You will need a 600 to effectively cover a 4x4 space.
webb107
Well-Known Member
Yep if your on a budget i would say get that 250w hps in above the plants then hang some CFLs around the sides
Serapis
Well-Known Member
According to Sun Systems, lighting experts that engineer and manufacture HID equipment, a 4x4 area is adequately covered by a 400 watter. A 250 watt light will cover 2'x2'. This means that yes, you will not be able to use a 250 for a 4x4 and get good results. A 400 watt light would be sufficient for a 4x4, but a 600 will yield you more fruit. Some will argue that a 4x4 needs a 1000 watts, but that is on the extreme. 140k lumen for 16 square feet is nuts.
You should find some money in your budget for at least a 400w light, or scale your plans down to 2' x 2' for optimal results.
EDIT: YES, you can always supplement light with CFLs... Many do it to add a different spectrum.
You should find some money in your budget for at least a 400w light, or scale your plans down to 2' x 2' for optimal results.
EDIT: YES, you can always supplement light with CFLs... Many do it to add a different spectrum.
webb107
Well-Known Member
i use a 600w hps for a 3x3 area hitting 10000 lumens PSF
Serapis
Well-Known Member
More power to ya.... No one is suggesting you 'cannot' run whatever light you want or desire, I was merely pointing out manufacturer specifications. Technically, you can run as many watts as you can hang.... smart? debatable.
webb107
Well-Known Member
Wasn't saying thats what you was suggesting mate, i was just saying lol
Serapis
Well-Known Member
Aim for 50 watts per square foot, roughly. 5k lumen per square is good to use also. You can go higher, but keep in mind the other variables for yields, genetics, environment, nutrients, etc. 5k lumen psf is a good goal. Plants will grow and produce with 2k lumen psf, but 5k seems to be standard for marijuana, especially if we are pushing it with nutrients, training techniques, etc. I think anything past 5k psf is going to substantially increase yield and justify the added expense.
Serapis
Well-Known Member
The 'more power to ya' was tongue in cheek because you are using a stronger light. 
sorry I didn't make that clearer. I didn't mean for it to sound condescending til the end.. lol
sorry I didn't make that clearer. I didn't mean for it to sound condescending til the end.. lol 
Canon
Well-Known Member
Ran a 250 in a 30 X 36 closet and felt it was just right. Heat was controlable and the growth fine.
You can get a 400 for the same $ as a 250 on Ebay all day.
If it was me in that area you're talking,, I'd go 400. But with some available CFLs for "side lighting". Probably only 2 on a Y splitter in the middle, low down about pot level for the last 2-3 weeks of flower.
Certainly 400 wouldbe too much for cloning/ early veg. That's when you can run only the CFLs to reduce cost. Then when needed go with the straight 400, and in the end you add the CFLs again.
I took some of that foam poster board and added a covering from a space blanket on one side of each panel. I use this as a expandable room of sorts. I keep the panels close to the plants early on and expand them as needed.
Sounds like a lot of work, but it's really not. Plus it drasticly reduces the electric bill (lights & fans add up!) I'm very, very pleased with this setup.
Just another idea. Hope it helps. DON"T let a salesman talk you into more than you really need. They really like to sell. Next will be a fan to dump the heat (and the duct, scrubber, bulbs, endless list).
Olde sayin, "K.I.S.S."
Serapis
Well-Known Member
Go with 2700k for flowering. Some people will mix them. While the 2700k is good for flowring and stretching nodes, the 6500k is good for branching and side shoots. I like the mix idea. I just bought a New Wave T5 system with 4 T5 bulbs and my bulbs are mixed, 6500k and 3000k, alternating.
Serapis
Well-Known Member
Canon
Well-Known Member
Excellent advice, clear, concise and well written. I gave ya a+rep and a like!
Thank you (I try - S)
Agree with the mix on bulbs. But 2700 ish is right for flower, and a spot of blue doesn't hurt.
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