1000W not covering 4'x5' area!

[lampost]

So there's this 1000W HPS over a 4' x 5' area and it doesn't seem to be covering the plants in the corners very well... anyone else have experience with this?

It's got an EasyCool 6" reflector... check it:

Hi-Tech Garden Supply

Also, the light is currently only like 15-18" over the tops (12" for the crazy stretcher). Should it be raised to 24" or so to get greater coverage?

I was under the impression a 1000W would cover a 5' x 5' easily.

lampost Reviewed by lampost on 02-16-2010. 1000W not covering 4'x5' area! So there's this 1000W HPS over a 4' x 5' area and it doesn't seem to be covering the plants in the corners very well... anyone else have experience with this? It's got an EasyCool 6" reflector... check it: Hi-Tech Garden Supply Also, the light is currently only like 15-18" over the tops (12" for the crazy stretcher). Should it be raised to 24" or so to get greater coverage? I was under the impression a 1000W would cover a 5' x 5' easily. Rating: 5

[EvilCartman]

So there's this 1000W HPS over a 4' x 5' area and it doesn't seem to be covering the plants in the corners very well... anyone else have experience with this?

It's got an EasyCool 6" reflector.

That's a pretty small reflector. IME That type of reflector tends to focus the light, giving a more intense, tighter pattern than a wider reflector with a flatter top. They are more suited to a multiple lamp setup. The real advantage to them is that the smaller interior volume makes them very easy to cool, in a string. They flow air nearly as well as a cool-tube, but offer more control of the light. Adjusting the bulb position within the reflector may help some, but it won't give the more even coverage of a larger unit.

Have you tried moving the bulb at all? That's really the only suggestion I have to offer.

Hope somebody else has something more helpful for ya!

[jtsik330]

Yes I think you should raise it like 12 inches. When I was using CFL's I would do everything I can to have the literally on top of the plant. Now With my 400w I noticed If I give it a good distance my plant grow more like a bush then a pine tree. The bottoms just keep growing out trying to find the lights. MH IS AAMAAAZZIINNGGG!

[lampost]

Thanks guys.

I think the reflector is the problem. I don't want to raise my light much because I want the most intensity I can get.

I guess I will have to raise it a bit, or get rid of 2-3 plants...... what a bummer since they're already 1 week into flower. Maybe I'll keep 'em. They'll still grow, but not as much as they should've.

[maro69camaro]

Thanks guys.

I think the reflector is the problem. I don't want to raise my light much because I want the most intensity I can get.

I guess I will have to raise it a bit, or get rid of 2-3 plants...... what a bummer since they're already 1 week into flower. Maybe I'll keep 'em. They'll still grow, but not as much as they should've.

ya i dont know about getting rid of them. if you got the room in there flower them out. may not have the biggest buds but you will be amazed:stoned: i wont take a plant out unless i have no choice and i tend to pack them in there.:jointsmile:

[ditdotter]

The fastest fix is to rotate the plants when you water. I always rotate my pots around for the same reason. Gives everybody an equal share of the light. I think it also increases the amount of yield. Brings all the wallflowers to the dance so to speak.

[lampost]

Thanks. I am starting to rotate them. Need to get some pics of these beauts on here. Maybe later.

So, how close do you guys keep your plants? Mine had plenty of space. But now they're flowering they're crammed in there. Branches from plants are overlapping and covering leaves/branches from other plants. I'm guessing the only problem with this is reduced air flow (carbon dioxide). Would this cause any other potential problems? I guess maybe it would make spread of disease and pests easier.

Lastly, Evil Cartman, are you suggesting to lower the bulb in relation to the reflector? That's a good idea! Thanks. I may end up trying that if I see slowed growth. The one giant GDP in the corner is basically only half lit. The backside is hardly getting anything.

[killerweed420]

I had that reflector and had the same problem with coverage. I bought one of the vertizontal parabolic reflectors and really like it.

[lampost]

I had that reflector and had the same problem with coverage. I bought one of the vertizontal parabolic reflectors and really like it.

Vertizontal?

Aren't the parabolic ones for focusing light in an even smaller area? Like maybe even just one plant?

Yeah, I would say this reflector is good for about 4' x 4'...

[WashougalWonder]

I had that reflector and had the same problem with coverage. I bought one of the vertizontal parabolic reflectors and really like it.

I like them so much I have 2 of them, one for each room

Vertizontal keeps the bulb horizontal to get the proper light. DO not use that type if the bulb is vertical. Sunlight Supply has a new one that is all pebbled aluminum. I would buy that one if I needed one. I will sell you one of my vertizontal so I can get a new one???? LOL