help a new farmer with lighting!

[xxxnick89xxx]

So my box is 1.5' x 1.5' x 4' and i have two t5 ho 6400k bulbs 4680 lumens a piece on either wall slanted. There is also a cheap $10 reflector with two CFLs one daylight one soft white 23w 1600 lumens a piece. The T5 Ho will be about 9" away at the start but figure when the tomato plant flowers it will be alot closer... Do you think it will be fine or should I mount another t5 on the back wall.

Should I get rid of the reflector and add the T5 or is it important to keep light on the top of the plant.

What do you think about the verticle lighting... would love to hear some input

Thanks:rasta:

[xxxnick89xxx]

let me make my self clear there is only one fixture on either wall. 2 total

:stoned:

[the image reaper]

whoops !, I double-posted ... :wtf:

[the image reaper]

if I understand correctly, you're using 48" fluorescent tubes, correct ? ... if so, keep in mind, fluoros do not 'penetrate' the canopy, meaning you will need to keep the tubes within an inch or two (max) from the tops of the plants (I hear the T5s penetrate better than the T10s I used for years, but I doubt they're 'that' much improved) ... you will likely have to raise them daily ... you may add horizontal tubes midway down the plant, but I personally didn't see much advantage to vertical tubes, too hard to keep the distance correct ... just burn as many tubes as you can, ABOVE the plants, and keep them close to the plant tops ... be sure to use a good oscillating fan in there, too ... good luck :thumbsup:

[xxxnick89xxx]

well i was limited by my length and width so i figure id put them on the walls and rotate the plant. I didnt want to go with a hole bunch of cfls hanging over the top.

i dont want to create a bunch of heat either so im not sure if i should jus add another 4' t5 ho on another side along with the reflector and cfls. Or take out the reflector all together???

Do you think i will have good results???

I mean i turn them on and it looks like im peeking into heavens gates... its pretty dam bright.

Inside is flat white paint.

Two computer fans one 4" exaust, one 6" intake.

:jointsmile: