Quote Originally Posted by sp3ct0r802
thanks people, i will go get a few more lights, a ph testing kit, and another exhaust fan. i kept the plants 6" from the lights because i was afraid of them burning, you don't think that will be a problem with them so close?

i recently read in cannabis culture that putting white sand on top of the soil around your plant is a good way to stop the moisture in the soil from evaporating, and it adds another light reflective surface.
1. do you see any problems with this idea?

2. wouldn't the sand eventually seep down in to the soil and change its composition?

and one last issue

i have drop light hoods over my bulbs. the big silver round ones, there actually 8.5" in diameter and have vent holes cut for the heat to escape.
if i add more lights i would not be able to fit any more hoods at the same hight as the lights that are in there now. my walls and floor are painted flat white for reflection. without the hoods i could fit 4 to 6 more bulbs in the room. with the hoods i can fit 2 more bulbs. i can also pick up some normal 23 watt fluorescent lights( the long rod bulbs) and run them on the walls facing in towards the plants. Without the reflectors you may lose a bit more yield, but I don't think anything drastic, considering your grow room is small.

3. would it be ok to hang just the bulbs without any hoods to reflect the light ?

4. should i place lighting on the walls facing in towards the plants?

all of your guidance is greatly appreciated, and again thanks for the super quick responses to my last bunch of questions.
If your lights are too far away then it won't be using its "max potential" in lumen output. I keep mine about 3 in away now that I have about 10 lights running on my three BB. You shouldn't burn them so long as your not TOO close or touching any foliage. Sand does help to a certain extent. It probably would eventually mix in with the soil. Never used it in a grow except for an accidental outside grow of some seeds I just threw outside in a sandpit. Grew lovely for awhile till I plucked that sucker when tending to the lawn. Yes, it's ok no to use reflectors is in a small grow room or cab. But of course, reflectors are what you need to keep light from escaping up. If you want to put lights all over the walls then shoot for it! :thumbsup: Remember, so long as you can control heating and humidity issues, then you can add as many lights you feel you may want. More lights = better yields! (so long as rest of needs are met)