Yields...400HPS vs 600HPS...Opinions Please

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #1

I have been a outdoor grower for several years but only started indoors about 8 months ago. I currently have a cabinet that is 3.5 ft X 3ft X 7ft and I use a 400HPS. I am doing a perpetual grow in soil with White Widow...AK47...Afghan Kush.

I don't sell my herb and only grow it for a couple of patients (in a non friendly MM state) and myself. My yields are about 1-1.5 OZ's per plant and the quality is very good.

My question is...how much better would my yields be if I changed to a 600HPS? I have a big enough fan (Vortex 454 CFM) to not only cool my light but to clean my air as well. I would go with a cool tube reflector.

Would I see a big difference between the 2 lights to justify the cost? I really don't have alot of issues right now, I am just wanting to tweek my current rig. I figured with all the experience at RIU, you all would help answer this question. Rep to those that help!

 

ganjaman13

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #2

i think the lumen is nearly double on the 600 over the 400 much denser and larger buds id do it

 

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #3

ganjaman13 said:

i think the lumen is nearly double on the 600 over the 400 much denser and larger buds id do it

Click to expand...

You are right about the lumens. However, can you reach a saturation point when it comes to lumens? If so, what is that amount. I have always worked under the assumption that 7500 lumens per sq foot is the standard. What is the optimal amount of lumens per sq foot?

 

ganjaman13

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #4

cant help with that but i use 600 in a 3.5 sq and never had any bleaching problems

 

T

tokinman

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #5

i would say go with the 600 if you can keep temps under 75-80 degrees F. if the temp is easier to maintain with the 400 i would say stick with that because over 80 the buds get airy and lanky.

 

nvirgo79

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #6

from what research i've done your better off getting a 1000watt light they are better for the plants and cheaper than a 600watt light.

 

ganjaman13

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #7

i doubt you could keep a 1000 cool in your space rockytop

 

nvirgo79

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #8

yea a 1000watter gets pretty warm, sorry i didn't see the dementions. but a 600 will put some heat off too.

 

BobMarleySpliffs

Active Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #9

from what research i've done your better off getting a 1000watt light they are better for the plants and cheaper than a 600watt light.

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How does that work ? wouldn't the 600 be almost half the electricity bill ?

Just curious.

 

nvirgo79

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #10

it would be a few cents a hour extra. but a 1000w would make some big tight nuggets of love.

 

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #11

Great input guys, thanks and +rep to all. I thought going with a 600HPS would be the way to go and I think I can control the heat. With that said, what is the best reflector out there as far as venting out heat? Is a cool tube better than a easy cool or is it the other way around?

Again, thanks to all for the help. I will be popping some Kali Mist this weekend and I plan on the upgrade before I flower the Kali.

 

blacksnow

Well-Known Member

• Nov 24, 2008

• #12

I'd go with a 600w. If you use a cooltube and that fan you can def keep your box cool and keep the lights quite close.

PS check your PM plz

 

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member

• Nov 25, 2008

• #13

I think you guys have helped make the decision for me to upgrade to a 600HPS. What is the best reflector that I should be looking at? I will be buying my new light within the next few weeks and want to get the forums opinion on what seems to best available. Thanks again for the positive input.

 

Eharmony420

Well-Known Member

• Nov 25, 2008

• #14

I have the same debate going on. I am legal so i not so worried about power. have a 400 for now and want to upgrade badly. A lumatel digi 600 is what i might get off ebay but i not sure if it worth it and maybe i should just go to a 1000. I have a 4x4x6.5 space and heat is a big deal. But with the 400 i also have a 460 cfm inline and a duct booster so i think i could keep the 600 beneath 80 except on the hottest days without air.

 

Eharmony420

Well-Known Member

• Nov 25, 2008

• #15

hey go COOLUBE! I regret getting htg alternative for the same price the eurohood.

 

Whiz Bang

Active Member

• Nov 25, 2008

• #16

I use a 400w in my 2x2x6' grow area. A 400w gives a 3'x3' optimum coverage and with a cool tube reflector I grow 7 plants and I can keep my temps at 78-80F at about 5 or 6 " from plant tops. (40,000lumen MH, 45000lumen HPS.

 

Rocky Top High

Well-Known Member

• Nov 25, 2008

• #17

Eharmony420 said:

hey go COOLUBE! I regret getting htg alternative for the same price the eurohood.

Click to expand...

Does the cool tube give a big enough "footprint'? I have been told that the ONE drawback of the cooltube is the fact it doesn't reflect a very big area. Can you give me your opinion on that?