Maximum Area for a 400W HPS Light

[KiNdBlunt]

I plan on having about 20 plants flowering at all times in a SOG style perpetual harvest with a 400W HPS. What would be an ideal size enclosure for this grow light, space is not an issue i just need the best dimensions for this size light and plants.

I was thinking a 4x4 square flower cab with another about the same dimensions for mother/clone vegging with just cfl's.

[basementbotany]

too much space for that light. you want about 50w of light per square foot. so under optimum conditions, a 400w lamp will only cover about 8 sqft. though they will all grow under that lamp, you just can't make the most out of your space that way.

[basementbotany]

i would say you could grow probably 8-10 plants and still get a decent yield out of them.

[KiNdBlunt]

would a 600w cover the area

[basementbotany]

would most certainly be better, a 1k would be optimum, but then you have to get much more technical as well, with ventilation, etc.

[oleschool]

I plan on having about 20 plants flowering at all times in a SOG style perpetual harvest with a 400W HPS. What would be an ideal size enclosure for this grow light, space is not an issue i just need the best dimensions for this size light and plants.

I was thinking a 4x4 square flower cab with another about the same dimensions for mother/clone vegging with just cfl's.

My plans were very similar to yours my friend with the 400w hps for flowering, but sone learned that it wasnt enough light for the 4x4 space. 600w would be better, what I done was cut my cab down to 40x40x72 to support the 400w hps and now Im getting even growth across the canopy. You can get the 400w close to the tops with very little heat issues. I think anything larger than a 600 would surely bring you heat problems in the cab. oleschool

[GaGrown]

I would have to agree with olescool.. The footprint for a 400 watt HPS or MH is only 5x5, and that is in an 8x8 room. That would be the perfect space you are using to run the 400 and have less problems with heat issues. I use 600's and they get way HOT!

[KiNdBlunt]

I decided to get a 600W digital one and my grow box is 5x5 hopefuly my seeds will start germinating soon and I can get them under some lights.

[PdoubleOTY]

i have a 400w HPS in a 2.5 by 2.5 closet that works perfect..covers the whole area pretty well, so any bigger than that, a 600 or at least some side lighting CFLs or something.

[basementbotany]

you'll love the 600w digital! it's be just perfect for what you want to do...GREAT CHOICE!:thumbsup:

[Backpacker420]

I decided to get a 600W digital one and my grow box is 5x5 hopefuly my seeds will start germinating soon and I can get them under some lights.
Smart choice, where did you get it from?

Remember that a digital ballast runs cooler and is also more efficient!

[KiNdBlunt]

it was from HTG ordered it while on backorder for the free bulb.
got my seeds in some soil and it looks like all of them are germinating and starting to poke above the soil

[GaGrown]

I decided to get a 600W digital one and my grow box is 5x5 hopefuly my seeds will start germinating soon and I can get them under some lights.

Just remember this, your gonna need some fans. The 600 is a GREAT set up. I've used the Lumen Ace and Future-Brite. Future Brite is the choice of many. You gotta have that hood your going to use vented.I vent 2 pro ultralite hoods with 1 465 cfm fan.It runs more than it should with the days being so warm.Temps stay 78-82,depends on the temps outside,whether it runs long or short periods. Don't get junk for ventilation. That is more important than the ballast!:stoned: