Little 250W HPS

[Kmakok]

Once again my classical noob questions :P (i promise i will show my grow at some point)

Im wanting to get a 250W HPS for flowering. And 260W CFLS for vegging.

3 plants on vegging and 3 plants flowering all the time.

What you think of the plan?
Im a little concerned, because my sativa strain (PPP) is way bigger than the indica one (white ice) and i dont want that the 250W HPS wont be enought for the 3 (even tho 3 under 250W is kinda decent i think).
i KNOW it would be better with 400W, but im not really spending a fortune for a ballast :S The 250W is 60% the price of the 400W AND the 400W consumes a good amount of electricity.
Well maybe you can convince me to get the 400W, but im reluctant about it :P

[Dutch Pimp]

A 250 watt HPS light is enough for 2-4 flowering plants....:thumbsup:...good luck.

ex. http://boards.cannabis.com/grow-log/162491-white-widow-cabinet-grow.html

[michaelpeg]

250 is a decent size but if you ever want a 400 watt i would first look in your local buysell or kijiji. i got mine off buysell for $50 and it works fine and also got a near brand new grow ace 1000watt for $50, although i asked him for a 400 watt metal halide but im not gonna complain.

[Kmakok]

Ty Ty.
Il stick with the 250W then. Whats the distance between the bulb and the head of the plant?
Btw this will be complicated cause some are indicas and some ares sativas so the *head* WONT be equally high

[Dutch Pimp]

:)...

[everTree]

Anywhere between 18 and 24"

[johnny123]

as i understand it the closer the better without scorching your girls.i have my ac 600hps 10" off tops the only thing stopping me getting closer is light spread.i need to cover a 3x4 area.:D

[Rusty Trichome]

Btw this will be complicated cause some are indicas and some ares sativas so the *head* WONT be equally high
Use bricks, cinder blocks, boxes, books, milk crates under the pots...to adjust the canopy to form a bowl-shaped canopy. (shorter plants directly under the bulb, taller ones twords the outside)

The 250w only has an effective range of 18 to 24 inches, doesn't it? The 400w has an effective range of 3 feet or so. Big difference, unless you only want the top 25% of your plant(s) to get usable light.

The extra electric cost is offset by better and possibly quicker results. (more available energy per day, on more of the plant)

Lighting distance: place the back of your hand up twords the bulb. How close can you get it without discomfort or pain? This is approximatelly the closest distance to canopy. Distances vary with types of bulbs and fixtures, wattages...