first time questions help much appreciated

hello all!

I am a medicinal patient out of colorado an i have become highly interested almost passionate to grow my own medicine as a hobby. There is so much behind the world of growing it is amazing to me. Information and possibilities are endless! I have been trying to educate and i am now purchasing all of my supplies for my first grow! Anyways i have a few questions and any of your knowledge would be so awesome please take the time to read my questions.

First off i am working with a small closet (20"w 41"L 65"H) and i am planning on using soil because i would like to focus on the strain characteristics.
-I am split between a 400w or 600w hps light fixture is 400 enough light? also can i put a compatible MH bulb in a HPS fixture?
-Do you switch bulbs right when you switch light phases?
-can i transplant into 3 gallon buckets through the flowering stage to optimize space? or should i go to a 5 gallon to allow roots room?


There is a shelf above this area that is 18"w 64"L and 24" high that i would really like to use for cloning. I plan to set up a blackout curtain to completely keep light from mixing.
-I have read that normal flourescent lighting can be used for cloning, is this true? What lighting should be used?
-are the small greenhouses used for soil?

i am sorry I know ima noob but please help me!!!! i want to do this right!

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Originally Posted by sensiherbs

hello all!

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Hello there and welcome :jointsmile:

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First off i am working with a small closet (20"w 41"L 65"H) and i am planning on using soil because i would like to focus on the strain characteristics.

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OK so far...

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-I am split between a 400w or 600w hps light fixture is 400 enough light?

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400w should be plenty for that space. My closet now is similar (38in. x 22.5in. x 68.5in.) and I have trouble keeping the temperatures in range. The 600w might be too much, but if you plan on expanding your grow area it could be possible with a lot of ventilation.

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also can i put a compatible MH bulb in a HPS fixture?

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Look for a switchable ballast, with those it is possible (but they cost a little more)

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-Do you switch bulbs right when you switch light phases?

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Some do that, and some switch after two weeks of flowering to reduce the stretch.

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-can i transplant into 3 gallon buckets through the flowering stage to optimize space? or should i go to a 5 gallon to allow roots room?

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The 3 gals are ok if working from clones, but from seed you should look into the 5 gals. Depends really on how big you veg them. One thing to keep in mind with soil is that most potting soil is made from peat, which is too acidic for cannabis. They use buffers to bring the ph up, however those buffers run out in 6-8 weeks. Transplanting early in flowering can therefore minimize this problem.

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-I have read that normal flourescent lighting can be used for cloning, is this true? What lighting should be used?

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One CFL or fluorescent light is enough for clones when rooting. Don't need much light at all. Once they are ready for veg, however, you'll need more light.

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-are the small greenhouses used for soil?

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Are you talking about the cloning trays with the clear plastic domes?


I think you have the right ideas, just need to do some more reading. I've been here for a couple years now and learn something new everyday. It's an endless process really. Check out some grow logs and see how other people are doing it. Ventilation is something that really needs to be looked at closely before making any lighting purchases.

Happy growing :jointsmile:

i'll second everything bigtopps said and do your reading :thumbsup:

the only thing i would put on your list is look at is LED lights..no heat...no bulbs to change...and more energy efficient :D

ty guys! ill definitley be cruzin around this site for a while theres quite a bit to absorb

a lot of raw info...not in order...but, useful...:thumbsup:...Cannabis FAQs / FAQ , Recipes, Medical Marijuana