Quote Originally Posted by dieselSmoke
Hey all! I'd like to start by saying I really appreciate the info and help that goes on in this forum. A surprising lack of bashing for a forum :thumbsup:

It is nice that way, eh? I like it.

Anyway, I'd like some feedback on a SOG hydro grow setup for around 20-22 plants. AK-48 from Nirvana will be the initial strain. I'd like to be in the 2 lb range come harvest; however stealth, heat and electricity efficiency are of concern.

My decision is between a 3x6 (Botanicare) or 4x4 ebb and flow hydroponic setup within a GrowLab tent. So either 2x 600x or 1x 1000w HID lights respectively. Both would be well ventilated and scrubbed in a spare room. Heat covers will be applied on the reflectors, and if needed I'll purchase an Ozone generator.
I don't know enough about hydro to comment except to say that if weight is the goal then that probably is the way to go. Me, I can't stand all the setup and maintenance. I have a life too so I'm a soil person. Consider a 4 x 4 tent with a vertical cooltube. 1000w is overkill if you hang it vertical. You could easily accomplish the same output with a vertical 600w light. Penetration in each direction will be 2 feet. You will not be able to get that many plants into either tent. consider 10 - 12 Perhaps a few more if you keep them small. Whatever you do you will not want to grow trees. It's not efficient. Aim for 3 - 5 feet max. You will produce the most volume with the vertically hung light. If you have the space you will want a mother and veg tent so that you can flip into flower more quickly. Get a good scrubber. You shouldn't need an ozone generator. You can always put down a little ONA gel to cover any residual. It is worth paying for a good scrubber though. Don't cheap out on this item...