suggestions for lighting

[heavydro7373]

im making plans to build a 3x3x6 grow box.i want to grow 3-4 plants.do you think thats enough space?also i was wondering what kinda lights i should get.or how many watts do i need?im kinda on a price budget too.thanks

[Ocotillo]

im making plans to build a 3x3x6 grow box.i want to grow 3-4 plants.do you think thats enough space?also i was wondering what kinda lights i should get.or how many watts do i need?im kinda on a price budget too.thanks

I'm no expert although I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. Elders, correct me if I'm wrong;

That space cries out for a 400W HPS/MH with cool tube and electronic ballast. Since you are on a budget it will actually help you to buy the most efficient system you can with a bit higher initial investment. The savings will come in the form of; lower power usage per lumen, cooler running ballast by going digital (electronic), cooler room by running an air cooled fixture, and getting a "package deal" such as cheaphydroponics.com or ePay. You could get away with a 250W if big, sticky, dank buds don't interest you. You could also buy a fluorescent here and a CFL there but in the end you'll probably spend more than on one sweet HID system.

I think it's good room for 4 plants just so long as you have enough light.

"On a budget" is a relative term, yes? This is not a cheap thing to get into even if you do go cheap. You'll need a carbon filter or other odor control and very good ventilation for such a small enclosed space. Plug strips, fans, timers, mylar, PH tester, soil, pots, Ferts, etc, they all add up to $erious money. Hundreds, many hundreds if you go with fairly decent quality.

Get good seeds. To do all that and save $30+ on dirt weed bag seed would be like a trip for two to Hawaii and then you take your sister.... Unless that's your thing, who am I to juge.... I digress.

Sure you could go with a CFL grow but it'll take much longer, produce smaller, and again lumen per dollar could actually cost more than a HID system. YMMV

Keep growin'
Doc Oc :cool:

[heavydro7373]

so can i put the plants threw veg and flowering with the 400w hps?

[heavydro7373]

DIGITAL AIR COOL TUBE GROW LIGHT 400 WATT HPS+MH 400W for sale (http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/store/DIGITAL-AIR-COOL-TUBE-GROW-LIGHT-400-WATT-HPS-MH-400W_320480711265.html)

how does that sound?and thanks for all your help..

[bigtopsfinn]

DIGITAL AIR COOL TUBE GROW LIGHT 400 WATT HPS+MH 400W for sale (http://www.hydroponicsonline.com/store/DIGITAL-AIR-COOL-TUBE-GROW-LIGHT-400-WATT-HPS-MH-400W_320480711265.html)

how does that sound?and thanks for all your help..

That looks pretty good to me :thumbsup:

Just FYI, you can go through the entire grow with just an HPS, although it is recommended to use the MH for veg and HPS for flowering.

Ocotillo gave a lot of good advice :jointsmile:

[heavydro7373]

That looks pretty good to me :thumbsup:

Just FYI, you can go through the entire grow with just an HPS, although it is recommended to use the MH for veg and HPS for flowering.

Ocotillo gave a lot of good advice :jointsmile:


thanks for all your help does anyone know about how much this will raise my electric bill a month?

[Ocotillo]

Just to use as a quick estimation.... At 10 cent kilowatt hour, a 1,000 W bulb run at 10 hours a day for 30 days will cost $30. Sorry for the very basic numbers but I did not want to strain my brain too much. :confused:

I think I'm cheating by giving you all the answers without making you read but I enjoy helping out on the very rare ocassion I'm able. You can always read up as you go. :thumbsup:

Keep up the great work!
Doc Oc :cool:

[heavydro7373]

Just to use as a quick estimation.... At 10 cent kilowatt hour, a 1,000 W bulb run at 10 hours a day for 30 days will cost $30. Sorry for the very basic numbers but I did not want to strain my brain too much. :confused:

I think I'm cheating by giving you all the answers without making you read but I enjoy helping out on the very rare ocassion I'm able. You can always read up as you go. :thumbsup:

Keep up the great work!
Doc Oc :cool:

actually doc i have been reading while waiting for replys and i figured were i live ill be payin an extra 17.28 a month for a 400w to run 18 hours a day.:thumbsup:
im gonna be startin the build very shortly jus tryin to make sure that i do everything right and have enough money to do it.i really appreciate all your help.ill keep ya posted