4000-5000 watt grow?

[yamaha_1fan]

Real quick background. I set up a 3000W grow almost 2 years. It was an aero system. got through the cloning process, sexing and I think into the flowering process. But then I hit a snag and never finished the grow. FYI, dont leave hoses on and flood your space.

So now I have a new space which is more secure and fool proof.

I have calculated that I can use about 5000 watts of lighting to keep my electric bill in check.

would I be better off using 5 1000watt bulbs or would it be better to use 8-9 600 watt bulbs? I know electric is the same but would i get better light coverage?

I know theres tons of variables, but what can I expect to get in yield? I am hoping to get at least a gram per watt, maybe more. is that doable?

[Garden Knowm]

It depends on how many plants you want to grow... If you don't mind growing a shit load of little plants.. then 600 is the way to go..

But if you are concerned about having a lot of plants ... then you should use the 1000's...

cheers
please keep us posted.. I would like to see pics of your grow..


: )

[yamaha_1fan]

my ultimate goal is yield, plant count doesnt concern me. If i get caught, i am fucked either way

[Tom Green Thumb]

I think a good rule of thumb is 1 and a half to 2 and a half pounds per light bone dry. I usually get 2, but if you really know your stuff you can get 3. I have heard of growers getting a gram per watt but you really need to have it tweaked pefectly. Good luck on your grow and stay safe!

TGT

[Buddahbear]

Go with 600 watts, you get more lumens/watt and better dispersion than 1,000 watts. If you're going with a massive setup like that make sure you've got good electricity, I'd highly reccomend looking into the new digital ballasts.

http://www.texashydroponics.com/shop/product.php?productid=2436&cat=328&page=1

[yamaha_1fan]

i would consider those digital ballasts but i am trying to buy everything local, in cash. I'll have to see if the local hydro store has them.

I also remember reading a while back that multiple lights coming on at the same time can be an issue. It causes a surge and may be of concern to the power company. I think some people were using some device to stagger the lights at 5 minute intervals or something

[BOYZNUS]

JUST PUT EACH LIGHT ON IT'S OWN TIMER.

SET EM 1 MINUTE APART.

[Rabbit1915]

Hey I was considering doing the same kind of set up in the near future... you should check these out. I found them on BG hydro and they are dual 600 watt, either conv. MH or HPS bulbs, hoods of your choice and they are run off a single 1200 watt ballast that splits power evenly to each hood. I myself was looking to run 3-4 of these ballasts... giving me either 3600 or 4800 watts with some insanely great light coverage. I was planning on running these over a 5-gallon DWC/ Ebb and Flow recirculating system which I think is going to be killer...

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/items.asp?Cc=HT6&iTpStatus=0&Tp=&Bc=

[faithlessxxx]

.

I'm so jealous.

.

[CaliJay]

Just curious..How do you deal with heat in a 5000 watt grow.

[Garden Knowm]

600s-- and make sure you have great ventilation..

cheers

[Buddahbear]

Yeah, and if you want a gram per watt definitely get some CO2 in there. Set up your ventilation system so that it turns off while the CO2 turns on. If you're going to be spending that much money on electricity make sure your garden is perfect. Keep everything clean and organized, and definitely have a charcoal filter for all that bud!

[Garden Knowm]

If you're going to be spending that much money on electricity make sure your garden is perfect. Keep everything clean and organized, and definitely have a charcoal filter for all that bud!

i concur :D