400w HPS vs. 600w

[Backpacker420]

If I'm gonna have a grow room approx. 4W x 4L x 6H, and perhaps 2-4 plants, would a 400w or 600w HPS be better?

I don't wanna buy a 400w and then always be wondering if I should have gotten the 600w...

[Twentyinches]

I don't wanna buy a 400w and then always be wondering if I should have gotten the 600w...

imo I would go with the 600. someone might say the 400, which in the end you will be wondering if you got the right one like you said. Sooo...

[Mr. Clandestine]

A 1000W HID would be perfect for that size room, as long as you can keep things well ventilated and cool. But if you're leaning between the 400 and the 600, I'd go with the 600 too. That's like an extra 15,000 lumens or so, and the plants will take as much light as they can get. Remember to spend about as much on ventilation as you would on your light, which will alleviate a lot of problems right off the bat. Good luck!

[Backpacker420]

What would be the price difference per month between a 600w and 1000w HPS?

[Mr. Clandestine]

What would be the price difference per month between a 600w and 1000w HPS?

It's impossible for me to generalize cost with any accuracy because I don't know what you're paying per kilowatt hour. The amount used will also fluctuate when you cut back from a 24/0 or 18/6 photoperiod to a 12/12. And, on top of all that, you have the option of going with an energy efficient digital ballast, which has been getting all sorts of raves because of how much power they're supposed to save over the standard core/coil magnetic style ballasts. The magnetic ballast aren't as efficient as their digital counterparts, and many actually pull more power than the bulb is giving off. Digital is much more efficient, and saves you money on your electric bill.

Sorry I couldn't be more help. There's not going to be too much of an increase between the 600 and the 1000, but if you've never grown with HIDs before, it may seem pretty significant. For a 1000W standard magnetic system, look to spend anywhere from $5-15 extra per week on your power bill... which, again, may be higher or lower depending on where you live.

[keeko]

If I'm gonna have a grow room approx. 4W x 4L x 6H, and perhaps 2-4 plants, would a 400w or 600w HPS be better?

I don't wanna buy a 400w and then always be wondering if I should have gotten the 600w...

lights are one thing but ventilation is another.........a 600 will work but only if you have the needed ventilation.

Mr. C. I like how you said 'sorry i couldnt be more help'.....to me that was so much more help than he asked....rep for ya

[keeko]

sorry mr. cland. i must spead more rep before giving it to you.....next time:thumbsup:

[Mr. Clandestine]

sorry mr. cland. i must spead more rep before giving it to you.....next time:thumbsup:

No problem at all Keeko, I appreciate the gesture. ;)

[Backpacker420]

OK well I definitely appreciate your input Mr. Clandestine but I think for practicality I will stick with the 600w for now. But as I become more experienced and have a larger 'crop' then I will look into selling my 600w and investing in a 1000w.

[Mr. Clandestine]

OK well I definitely appreciate your input Mr. Clandestine but I think for practicality I will stick with the 600w for now. But as I become more experienced and have a larger 'crop' then I will look into selling my 600w and investing in a 1000w.

Understandable, my friend. You'll still be able to grow some killer crops with the 600W system. I hope you don't think I was trying to downplay its effectiveness. Just remember to be mindful of your temps and you should get some amazing results! Best of luck to ya. :jointsmile:

[Twentyinches]

OK well I definitely appreciate your input Mr. Clandestine but I think for practicality I will stick with the 600w for now. But as I become more experienced and have a larger 'crop' then I will look into selling my 600w and investing in a 1000w.

who says you have to sell the 600 to get a 1000k? some ppl would rather have 2 600's then a single 1000. you can cover the area a little bit better, just add to it!?

If you get a switchable ballast then you can use it for vege or flower. (i say switchable because those damn conversion bulbs cost an arm)

[Forwhat420]

How much off of a 600 watt sog? If environment dialed in how many would you do?

[brussels]

When using HID's, I always attempt to have 50watt per sqft. <Optimal lighting in every grow publication I've read> Your 16 sq. ft in that case could certainly use 800w. Two 400w lights cost almost as much as one 600w. The 600's are disproportionately expensive for some reason.

I've always liked the 400w lights as you can hang them somewhat closer to your plant canopy, getting the most out of your lighting. Light deminishes very quickly, and every inch helps.

Is it nessary to follow a 50w/sqft rule? No. If going with less light will you have optimal growth and yield? No. It's a lession I've learned with somewhat disappointing yields in the past...B

[Revanche21]

just want to remind you that the 600 watt HPS is the most efficient HPS vs the 150, 250, 400, 1000

[hatch]

When using HID's, I always attempt to have 50watt per sqft. <Optimal lighting in every grow publication I've read> Your 16 sq. ft in that case could certainly use 800w. Two 400w lights cost almost as much as one 600w. The 600's are disproportionately expensive for some reason.

I've always liked the 400w lights as you can hang them somewhat closer to your plant canopy, getting the most out of your lighting. Light deminishes very quickly, and every inch helps.

Is it nessary to follow a 50w/sqft rule? No. If going with less light will you have optimal growth and yield? No. It's a lession I've learned with somewhat disappointing yields in the past...B

Just My 2 Cent's.~~~~But I would agree with this set-up. I run 1000w. HID,Those Bitches, Yes They throw awesome lum's, Along with Alot of Heat!!!!!~~~~~~I have to move alot of air just to keep the Grow Room's in the mid-80's, I also use light mover, Sometime's in the middle of Summer, when it 100+ outside, I wish I had A Bunch of 400w.

Good Luck on your decision!!!!

[gbf4ever]

I'd go with the 600w over the 400 or the 1000. 600w will be sufficient lighting for a few grows, and you can always add another 600w when you can afford it/decide you need it. I use 600 watters, and with an aircooled hood with a decent exhaust fan I don't have problems controlling heat. With my hoods around 8" from the canopy temps at the canopy are at a very comfortable 78-79 degrees.

[oliwog]

id jus go with the 600 watt its nearly twice the lumens for only 200 more watts they have the highest output per wattage when compared to 400watt or 1000watt hps
if your grow area is small the get yaself a good extraction fan i had a rvk100 the smaller cheaper version (175m3) in a realtively small area and it worked fine, i did have the same for intake to though.

the 400 watt does produce less heat and it is noticeable differance so if you cant use an extraction fan the stick with the 400 as you may get some slight heat probs

[Narf!]

I have a 150 a 250 a 400 and a 600w thats digital. No use for the 250 or 400 now. Go a size bigger at least. the 600 is sweet. The 150 will veg 4 plants in 5gal buckets, nicely. Gonna try to push 6 girls under the 600 for a good yield.

[JeffersonBud]

600 bump

[Rusty Trichome]

I would go with two 400w lights. (actually, that's exactly what I've got) Perfect for 12 - 3 gallon pots, or 8 - 5 gallon.

With two lights, you have more flexibility than a single source of light. If it gets too hot on summer days, can stagger the timers. (first one on for 6 hours, second one on the following 6 hours)
In case of mechanical or bulb failure, you still have one working light so photoperiod doesn't get messed-up waiting for the UPS guy to deliver your replacement bulb.
If 1/2 the plants are sativa, and the other half indica, you have the flexibility to handle the difference in height without having to stack phone books and cinder blocks. (if the lights are on a chain or otherwise adjustable)

Having at least two points of light, rocks. :thumbsup: