Purchased new set up... Need comments / advice.

So, I germinated some seeds about 3 weeks ago, and planted them about 2 1/2 weeks ago. They have already grew a about 3-5 inches tall and are starting to get there third set of leaves. Since it was my first time I was browsing the net for information / advice. I ran into this site and learned a lot about lighting. I was using some flourecent tubes in a shop light (48" setup) in a closet with 6 plants.(Dunno male/female ratio yet)
So anyways... I noticed the first leaves turning slightly yellow and became worried. I posted a bulletin on here and some said it was normal, but I learned I need some HPS lights. I browsed the web and tried to find some for a decent price rate. I found a site with a - 400 W HPS bulb, A ballast, a hood, and everything needed to grow for a good price.
That brings me to my questions. When my new lights (HPS 400 Watt) arrive should I stay giving my plants 24 hour light, or should I goto 16 on / 8 off? I heard that makes the roots stronger and grow more? When should I goto 12/12? When and what will send my plants into flowering stage?
Any advise on when and how to clip is needed! I have never done this and need to know how to produce max buds.

How much area and plants will a 400 Watt HPS grow?
Here is the site of the light I purchased (similar atleast) - NEW High Pressure Sodium 400 watt HPS Grow Light w 400w - eBay (item 150269566806 end time Jul-26-08 12:21:00 PDT)
THANKS ALL WHO REPLY!

hey, u dont HAVE to use HPS.

if ur still vegging then yes, u can rather pick from normally 18/6,20/4,24/0. i picked 18/6 because the plants will like abit of darkness. when ur ready to flower change ur lights to 12/12 this will make them think the days are getting shorter and start to flower.

ur 400 hps will be fine for 3 plants. more than enought.

good luck

What about like 6-10 plants? Won't HPS lights make there be more bud and better more dense bud?

errm they should be ok. i forgot the general rule of thumb for lighting coverage. if u look in the growfaq that will tell u everything.

yes, HPS are better for flowering, u will get better all round bud.

if ur going all out and want perfect bud, id use CFL's for vegging and HPS for flowering.

sounds like u need to read up abit though. look at the grow FAQ at the top left of the page

Iv got 4 plants under a 400w hps i could not get any more in there as they are monsters rule of thumb is 4ft/4ft for 400watt a light mover will cover a larger grow area and dont forget the plants will at least doubble in size during flower if your plants are going yellow in veg state there is a problem could be a lack of nitrogen

juicemc22 said:

How much area and plants will a 400 Watt HPS grow?

Click to expand...

I am currently flowering 9 plants in 2.5 gal containers under 400 watt HPS. I am thinking the max for me will probably be 12 plants. This is of course dependent on how large you let them get in the veg stage before you trigger them to flower. I usually let them get 14" - 16" before triggering them to flower.

Thanks for all the comments and advice. It is all very useful. I have read up online, and through a couple books. I am currently looking for grow DVD's. Anyways, it is my first time and I have found this site very helpful, due to all the advice from expierenced people.
Anyways... the lighting has got a lot of different views from people. I hear that HPS are the best, but then I get coments from people saying us compact flourecents through veg stage, but some say HPS. Is there a big diff between CFL and Flourecent tubes?
When do you usually clip your plants first? How do you do it? Anyone got a good site or video for me to scope? I am worried about clipping/pruning/pinching, whatever it is called.

HPS is way better than cfl even for veg. MH is the best for veg and HPS is the best for flowering, it you are only going to us one use the HPS. If you still want to use your cfls put on the sides of your plants to help get some good lower growth and let the HPS work on the canopy.

You can grow about one plant per square foot if you are growing big main cola plants, you should be able to get 12 to 16 plants under that light if you have a 4 x 4 area and they should still get enough light with 400 watter. I can get six under my 400 watter and my room is only 3 ft by 2 foot by 7 foot.

How much do you generally harvest per plant MEDGROWER49?