Closet Setup

[AleR]

Im a newbie at growing but have done a lot of research. But I have 1 Q is my work light good enough? Its brighter in real life than it looks in the pictures also when i put my hand in front of it I can feel heat so should i move it closer or farther?Also is this a fire hazard? I have 2 fire extinguishers.
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z382/Fighop/IMG_20130306_205233_360_zpsabbc8e9c.jpg
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z382/Fighop/IMG_20130306_210352_616_zpsbb67d8cf.jpg
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z382/Fighop/IMG_20130306_213335_627_zpsf64ae696.jpg
http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z382/Fighop/IMG_20130306_213341_513_zps9f365575.jpg

[low_rdr]

The problem with halogen bulbs is they operate at 5k, which is neutral lighting, its not a beneficial spectrum at ANY stage for cannabis. It will however allow them to grow, just not the way you want.

Considering I've got just shy of 1k watts in a space half that size, I wouldn't be concerned about it being a fire hazard, of course, if that lamp stand of yours falls over, it'll destroy your plant a well a probably catch on fire (I doubt that though, those halogen bulbs break easy) The biggest fire hazard in a grow op is the person over loading wiring, or having wiring on the floor where it can get wet, etc. I did find my wife trying to store a comforter on a shelf over a setup today, and reminded her that wasn't the best of ideas - Aside from stuff like that, and being careless with wiring, there isn't much of a fire hazard to growing.

But there are stupid ghetto grows that catch on fire.

So don't grow ghetto.

(and halogen don't work well, if I didn't get that point across)

[AleR]

So my 250 watt lamp wont work? Little dissapointing but that would be ok considering i didnt spend a penny.
Thanks for the help i really appreciate it.

[low_rdr]

Well, I never said it WON'T work, it will. It just won't give you the results you'll be looking for. Halogens are CLEAR light, cannabis reacts to blue (veg) or red (bloom) lighting. The best ratings as far as *I* am concerned are 6500k for veg stage and 2700k for bloom stage. That being said, there is a wide spectrum range between those that will work, but 5k is dead center, and clear - The cannabis reacts to the color spectrum, just like natural sunlight, the sun doesn't shine clear light.

So yes, your halogen WILL work.... It'll just produce a spindly little sucker of a plant that looks like it should be charlie browns' christmas tree... So if you don't mind making a little charlie brown tree, then this will work. But if you want something you can actually harvest, your going to have to put a few bucks into it. I started out with a $300 cabinet, and I've since added over 5k in materials to my grow - As I said earlier, I'd give you pictures, but I'm waiting on the rest of my material, and some seals to dry. Everything will be finished and here tomorrow, and I'll give you a link to my setup with pictures.

[Farmer Rich]

If it were my closet... I'd be looking at 2 options: 1 - 600w digital system with a switchable ballast. You can dial down the power when needed... seedlings, veg, too hot, etc.. 2 - If the closet is wide enough, a 4' T-5 panel with 8 tubes, which would be equivalent to about a 400w system. You also need to be thinking about ventilation and temperature control.. Lights produce a lot of heat. If you solve these problems up front, you'll save yourself time/energy/$$ in the long run and have a more successful first grow. Good luck! Farmer Rich

[Shovelhandle]

Halogen and Mercury quartz are not much different than a incandescent lamp. Very, very inefficient lighting, especially for growing. CFLs are a much better option for you in this case.

[AleR]

*Update* I made a nursery for the first couple of weeks I also went out and bought a florescent light. Here's the nursery.
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