Just starting to grow and need some help

[wantafanta]

Hey We just joined this site because we have been moving around a lot and finally found somewhere stable to live. After growing outside and not being too successful, we are now trying to move to hydro. We want to grow anywhere between 4 and 6 plants at two feet tall. We wanted to know if a 250 hps or 400 hps would be needed. We kind of want to keep the electricity low but also want to maximize plant potential. Also we wanted to know if a 5-10-5 solution would be a good root stimulator. Thank you for any help :thumbsup:

wantafanta Reviewed by wantafanta on 07-02-2007. Just starting to grow and need some help Hey :) We just joined this site because we have been moving around a lot and finally found somewhere stable to live. After growing outside and not being too successful, we are now trying to move to hydro. We want to grow anywhere between 4 and 6 plants at two feet tall. We wanted to know if a 250 hps or 400 hps would be needed. We kind of want to keep the electricity low but also want to maximize plant potential. Also we wanted to know if a 5-10-5 solution would be a good root stimulator. Rating: 5

[twoguysupnorth]

you could get 4-6 plants under a 250w, but most will say to go to the 400w. up to you i guess. i have a 4-12-4 that says it is supposed to be used for seedlings and freshly transplanted plants. so i would guess the answer is yes.

[wantafanta]

what would be the major differences between the 250w and the 400? density, yeild, speed, taste, cost per mo? (USD)
thanks again for your help

[horror business]

definitely go for the 400w as long as you can control the heat.

[wantafanta]

about how much extra month is electricity between the two?

[twoguysupnorth]

probably both the density and yield would be better with the larger light. im not sure about cost, since you would have to figure in the costs of keeping the temps down, more fans ect. i wouldnt think 400w would be to expensive to run, but i havnt got mine yet. i only have 150w for now. the bill isnt noticibly different, 5 to 10 dollars a month more than without. so guessing 20 to 30 a month depending on if youre vegging or flowering.

[stinkyattic]

If you are running a 400, you are going to want to keep the plants VERY VERY short. 2 feet MAX... you would want to flower them as newly rooted clones.
Electric costs... you can calculate that yourself by loooking up your cost per kwh... and add at least an extra 10% for associated cooling costs. A big light needs big cooling.

[longhorngrower]

I am kinda in the same situation...I am worried about heat but not so much cost in electricity. What would be the main differences in the 400w hps and the 250w hps when it comes to heat generated and if I was only growing 2-3 plants would the 250 suffice?

[stinkyattic]

IMHO for what it's worth, most of us are going to get to the point where we want "just a couple" more plants... lol!
A 250 is VERY easy to outgrow.
Get a 400 or 600 to flower under. TRUST ME!! Little lights seem soo..... little... so soon!
Before you know it, you're gonna have a 1000 and be wondering what to do with your old light! HAHAHAHA and the next part is lookig for somewhere to put it... IT'S A SICKNESS I TELL YOU!!!