Indoor Four Plant Lighting Options

[littleT]

yea that why the 2 150s- not 400s--i ran 1 all winter outside and used light for heat also---also the 150s are real cheap to buy 70.00 shipped--

 

[AndyBotwin]

Not trying to turn you away from HID but I thought I'd chime in since I have a similar space. I have a 2'x4'x5' tent and my last grow was 4 plants under all T5 lighting. I'm trying to keep electricity costs down and I have heat issues in my space so it's worked well for me. Two 2'x2' 4 bulb fixtures up top and up to 4 24w strip lights on the side. Everything is in 1 gallon pots to keep them from outgrowing the lights, and I got around 100g total cured from the grow. I'm pretty sure that with a few more tweaks I can consistently turn out at least a quarter pound from this setup. Full grow in my sig if you want to see more.

 

[Monkeypox]

2x150HID would do ok in that space if you are not growing trees . I'm using 2x100 watt LED in a 2x3 but would do 3x100 for a 2x4 .

 

[dwcgrow]

I would rather grow with CFLs than this set up in a small space. My second choice would be LEDs. All high intensity lamps make way too much heat for small spaces.

I agree with Nelson CFLs would do the job here, LEDs would work too but prices are still pretty steep for effective and efficient ones. But still it is your grow and you should do it your own way. Anyway, Really looking forward to this grow, I was thinking of trying out the little cheese too.
Best of luck, hope you'll keep us posted along the grow.

 

[Muddy]

Given the two options you outlined, I'd go with the 250 watt over the 150s. I agree that the 250 will penetrate better and is big enough for 4 plants. But those wouldn't be my first two choices. I'm an LED grower, so of course, that's my preference. If not an LED, I would put a Quantum Bad Boy in there. I'm in the process of helping a friend set up a closet grow. We looked at several options, including LED, out of his price range, (well, not really, but he's a cheap bastard) two 250 watt CFLs or a Bad Boy. We're going with the Bad Boy. His closet is only 22" wide, so we can't fit an 8 bulb unit, so are going with a 6. Less heat to deal with and they do a great job.

 

[Monkeypox]

Muddy , I understand that a 250 does have a bit better penetration but...... not by that much . People have doubted 150s in doing the job but in reality , they can do very well .

Heres a few taller plants under a single 150 ......I would say there is decent penetration and growth .

http://forum.grasscity.com/indoor-g...ackberry-under-150watt-hps-holland-style.html

The reason I say 2x150 is you get two directions for the light to come from . Helps eliminate dead spots .

 

[littleT]

i misread and thought you had 1 -150 already sorry.i would go led also if funds were availible ,but if like me --i cant afford 300 for a light---cheap out of work bastard----so 2 150s will go for 125.00 and get a few desent plants but if you got the money take muddys advice he will not lead you wrong

 

[Bandit]

Thanks for all the help everyone!

Muddy- I know the BadBoy is the ideal option, but forking out 120 is easier for me than 300.

Plus, I can always add supplemental T5 lighting if needed.

~Michael

 

[Muddy]

I hear you, we've all got to watch our pennies in this economy. Just wanted to throw some options at you.

 

[Bandit]

Yeah, the economy....

But I really appreciate all of your help, I imagine that I will be needing it more in the future

~Michael