getting started in growing in my closet !HELP!

[smokenss]

can any one tell me if a 400w hps is to much for 3 1/2ft of hight

[Mr. Clandestine]

This is still up for debate, but an 18/6 photoperiod might be better for your sprouts. In theory, when the lights are on nonstop, the plants have less time to convert all of the energy it has been storing via photosynthesis into it's roots. This results in less foliage, because the roots simply can't keep up in providing the foliage with necessary nutrients. Once the plant is more established, a 24/0 might be more feasible...but the overall concept will still remain, it's possible that the roots won't develop as fast as the foliage, and will possibly limit growth. I've experimented with both, and it seems that the 18/6 produces healthier plants faster than a continuous lighting regimen. But I'm also supplementing with plenty of carbon dioxide, which aides in healthy & vibrant growth. If you are going to go with the 24/0, I'd recommend establishing a continuous CO2 regimen. This can get pretty expensive, and would cost much less if using an 18/6...because you don't need any CO2 supplementation during the dark periods.

Also, if you only have enough money to invest in either a MH or an HPS, go with the HPS. The color spectrum will work for both vegetative stages and flowering...while MH is really only good for veg.

[Austin.Texas.Kush]

Also, if you only have enough money to invest in either a MH or an HPS, go with the HPS. The color spectrum will work for both vegetative stages and flowering...while MH is really only good for veg.
-Mr. Clandestine
Do the HPS lights have a light dimmer or somthing how do are they not too strong for veg but strong enough for flower????

[Rusty Trichome]

i'm having friends gather for me and i want my first grow to go good. I'm new to this so all this stuff is a little confusing but this explains alot thanks again:thumbsup:

First and foremost is security.
1) How often does the appt. manager come over...?
2) Never a good idea to tell the neighborhood you are growing. One broken friendship/jealous lover is all it takes to change your life. Either by a phone call to the police, or by you getting robbed, since you can't call the police to complain.

[Jerry Garcia 2007]

I noticed that you are planning to put this in a sump pump room, Becareful of the humidity in there you may need a dehumidifier.

[Jerry Garcia 2007]

Also what Rusty is saying is very good advice. Do not tell anyone what you are doing. Personaly my closest friends don't even know what I am up to. The only persons that should know about your grow is anyone living in the appartment with you due to they will be in as much trouble as you if you get busted. And if you can not trust them to not tell anyone then I do not recomend growing. IMO

[Jerry Garcia 2007]

Smokeness,
to answer your question "is 3.5 feet in hight enough for a hps or mh light". Answer: NO
After taking in consideration space for light 6 to 8 inches, pot hight 8 to 10 inches, distance between plant and light 12 to 16 inches that leaves you with around 1 foot of grow space. You will need to use florecents or cfls.

[ilovetv247]

Reading through the forums will really answer all your questions. There are SO many threads for all sorts of questions, it's really great. Use the search function too, it is quite helpful.

Also, when you're browsing through the threads, you'll get ideas/insight on things that you never even thought of before. Good luck! I'm on my first grow too, and everyone in these forums is amazing for sharing their knowledge!

[keeko]

Reading through the forums will really answer all your questions. There are SO many threads for all sorts of questions, it's really great. Use the search function too, it is quite helpful.

Also, when you're browsing through the threads, you'll get ideas/insight on things that you never even thought of before. Good luck! I'm on my first grow too, and everyone in these forums is amazing for sharing their knowledge!

i wish every newcomer was more like you in being able to read and use the search function. your off to a great start..heres some rep

[cwesto]

Also, if you only have enough money to invest in either a MH or an HPS, go with the HPS. The color spectrum will work for both vegetative stages and flowering...while MH is really only good for veg.
-Mr. Clandestine
Do the HPS lights have a light dimmer or somthing how do are they not too strong for veg but strong enough for flower????

My :twocents: on a HID for a starter.... buy a HPS MH conversion light, u can get a 400w economy light for like 180$us, complete with both HPS and MH bulbs. It will kick ace in a closet that big. I like mine at least. Its about the same size closet too.

This way u can use MH conv. bulb for veg. then switch it out for the HPS bulb for the bloom. Walaa

All for 180$us, if thats not a good deal i dont know what is. Id tell u the website, but i dont think Cannabis.com likes that.. so lemme know if u want, and ill send it:thumbsup: