new grower needing feedback

[leminjuce]

Well I'm a new grower doing my research. I'm going to be doing a small grow for personal use and want to do it right. I'm thinking about using the homebox xs which is 4 sq ft. For lighting i would like to use cfl's for vegging then go to a 150w hps for flowering. I will be doing a soil grow with all the necessary ventilation and what not.

Now here is where i would like to know if i understand everything right.

4 85w 6500k cfls 4200 lumens = 16800 total which = 4200 lumens sq. ft.

Is my understanding correct? Also, would it be better to run 4 65w at 3400 lumens sq. ft. or possibly even 6 42w which would equal out to 4200 lumens sq. ft.?

For flowering would a 150w hps at 16000 lumens, which is 4000 lumens sq. ft., be enough?

Thanks a bunch in advance. Ive been searching my ass off and think I have a perty good grasp on it. Just want some ideas on my specific needs and ideas.

leminjuce Reviewed by leminjuce on 08-18-2008. new grower needing feedback Well I'm a new grower doing my research. I'm going to be doing a small grow for personal use and want to do it right. I'm thinking about using the homebox xs which is 4 sq ft. For lighting i would like to use cfl's for vegging then go to a 150w hps for flowering. I will be doing a soil grow with all the necessary ventilation and what not. Now here is where i would like to know if i understand everything right. 4 85w 6500k cfls 4200 lumens = 16800 total which = 4200 lumens sq. ft. Is my Rating: 5

[SAP420]

Honestly... you are better off just getting a 250 watt hps system with bulb, ballast, and reflector. Just use the 250 watt system for all stages of grow. Perfect for that small of a space. I use a 400 watt system for 9 square feet of grow. The hps does a great job for veg and flower as long as you buy the special "grow" bulb which outputs more lumens than a regular bulb plus more red and blue spectrum for all stages of grow. Also the homebox would be fine and it would keep all the light locked in so you get maximum use of your lamp. I use a hydrohut mini and it is great at keeping the light in and keeping light out. :thumbsup:

[leminjuce]

Sounds like a good deal. Also would a metal halide for vegging? If so what wattage? I would be using the hps for both until i upgraded.