About to purchase first lighting system

[Rusty Trichome]

Do you feel a 250w hps would be more suitable for my situation?

Yes. Personally, I'd think seriously about getting a 400w HPS, but you might have slight heat issue. Will it be a closed closet door at all times, or just when someone comes over to visit?
Were it me, if closed all the time, 250w...if open most of the day...400w.

To test your ventilation (sort-of) put 250 watts (a couple of regular 100w bulbs) in there, close the door(s) and see how hot it gets. Then add the fans, and look at the results. Won't be a perfect test...but will give you an idea of what to expect.

I would avoid buying shit just to have shit. Cool marketing does not make an item, nutrient or additive necessary, and is all too often a frustrating waste. See if you need it, first. If there is a need, buy the best you can afford. :jointsmile:

[brisey]

It will mainly be a closed door. Thinking is I can have door opened when im home, though this all depends on the smell. Dont really knwo how bad the smell will be, suppose I wont know for sure until well into the grow.
Been looking for seeds with the least odour, northern lights keeps popping up for this. Any other good ones???

Think I will go with the 250w hps, will be a bit cheaper and my thinking is I can spend the saved money on a better extraction system than what I was planning.

All help and advice is greatly received once more.

All the best.

[brisey]

HI all,

I purchased a 250w hps in the end, I also got a 150w blue cfl.
I plan to use the cfl for the seedlings so I can get it nice and close.

When should I start using the hps? And will it be ok to use the hps and cfl together during the veg? And thirdly, I take it I will need to turn the blue cfl off during the 12/12 flowering period??

Many thanks in advance.

[bigtopsfinn]

HI all,

I purchased a 250w hps in the end, I also got a 150w blue cfl.
I plan to use the cfl for the seedlings so I can get it nice and close.

When should I start using the hps? And will it be ok to use the hps and cfl together during the veg? And thirdly, I take it I will need to turn the blue cfl off during the 12/12 flowering period??

Many thanks in advance.

I'd say keep the cfl for about a week, then bring the hps in. Some people might say use it right away, or some say after two weeks. It really depends on you and your growing conditions. Start with the hps at least 2x the normal height, and gradually lower it so the plant can get used to it.

No problem using the hps and cfls throughout veg and flowering. :thumbsup:

[brisey]

Cheers Mate.
The grow hath commenced.

[Roughrider]

I'd wait more than a week before using the 250w HID light. Wait until your plants have a decent root system...there is some shock when you switch to the big light. I know I've made that mistake--just thrown plants under an HPS and watched them stop growing for a week (or more). It happens. What CFLs have problems with is canopy penetration...which isn't a problem with small plants. CFLs are actually better for small plants, IMO. A 150w CFL will be plenty to take quite a few plants through the first couple of weeks.

Also--I agree about starting your light up a good 6 inches higher than you'll keep it, and lowering it a couple of inches a day for 2-3 days. Again, this will keep your plants from getting any sort of shock. Start your lights about 12-14" above the plants, and end up around 6-8" (or whatever seem to be working).