What would be better? 2-600W lights set up

[bigbud751]

I am thinking of growing in soil. It probably is not a big difference either way. I have 2, 3X5 tables. I have 2 air cooled 600's. Should I put the tables long ways (10'X3') and center the lights over each table or keep the lights closer and and put the tables side to side
(6'X5')? Thanks

[Roughrider]

I'd go with the 5' x 6'. Here's why. Bulbs with reflectors put out light patterns that are pretty close to square. If you put the tables long ways in a 3' x 10' area, you've got two 3' x 5' areas...but the light that hits spots out of the area will mainly be reflected. That means loss of some lumens and efficiency. If you have a 5' x 6' area, you've still got two 3' x 5' areas...but the extra light will overlap more instead of either hitting a reflective wall or just going out into nowhere. I think you'd get better efficiency with the 5' x 6'. Just my .02.

[bigbud751]

Thanks a lot! I was just about to put everything together and I was going to do it the other way. I thought since the reflector was rectagle it would be better off the other way. If they are made to put off the light square your way will be better. Thanks for the help.