Questions About Size/Amount of Light

[BuddyBea]

I am trying my first grow. I've done a lot of reading thus far and know I have a lot of continual learning to go - but I've yet to find a few definitive answers to the start-up questions I have. I don't want to waste space or light - nor have too little of each.

As I said I've done a lot of reading... writing, etc. I've also spoken to folks I know. I've manged to obtain 5 G-Bomb seeds, 11 homebrew Sour DiselxBubble Gum Seeds and 8 Blue Dream's. Yes I know I lucked out with all of those... kind friends.

However theres only so much time in the day and only so much you can ask people at once. Plus these folks have more invested in their setups than I can at the moment. I'm looking for about 10 plants a t a time. Maybe 5-8 to flower each month. From what I've seen florucent lighting is cheaper, even though it has it's restrictions I'm okay with it (for now). Length width, height - etc none of that are issues.

What would be reccomended for room sizes and lighting (in terms of wattage, etc) given my needs? I know what kind of bulbs I need, where to get them - the basics on how to keep my plants. But I've just a little dumb on getting my setup underway.

Hammer in hand!

Thanks.
Buddy!

BuddyBea Reviewed by BuddyBea on 07-18-2011. Questions About Size/Amount of Light I am trying my first grow. I've done a lot of reading thus far and know I have a lot of continual learning to go - but I've yet to find a few definitive answers to the start-up questions I have. I don't want to waste space or light - nor have too little of each. As I said I've done a lot of reading... writing, etc. I've also spoken to folks I know. I've manged to obtain 5 G-Bomb seeds, 11 homebrew Sour DiselxBubble Gum Seeds and 8 Blue Dream's. Yes I know I lucked out with all of those... Rating: 5

[captainendoe]

http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...uch-light.html

[captainendoe]

I can get 6 super cropped plants in a 5x5 area

[Purple Daddy]

Look for lumens vs wattage, the most lumens for the least wattage is your most economical way to go.

[khyberkitsune]

Look for lumens vs wattage, the most lumens for the least wattage is your most economical way to go.

By that logic everyone should buy low pressure sodium lights at 200+ lumens per watt versus the best HPS 150 or so.

But it doesn't work out like that, because LPS is almost pure orange/green and IR, and is in fact horrible for plants.

Lux won't help you out until you see some spectral output charts, then you can make meaningful comparisons and come to an informed decision, with our help.

Also, how big of an area are we talking about?

[BuddyBea]

I can get 6 super cropped plants in a 5x5 area

Thanks for the link and the info Captain!! I appreciate it.

I read that thread a while back when I first signed up - it's a great post. I just don't understand it completely. Although I do get a lot of it.

I know I need about 50w/ft2. However, then like the poster below says, "look for lumens vs wattage". I read that (I've seen it in other places so it's not an unfamilar piece of info), but that confuses me. For example on some websites I you seen T5 setups and they don't show the lamps total watt capability. But then if you look at actual shop florecents at Lowes or HD, it shows the max watts. If I know I need 50W per square, but I don't know how many watts the lamp can throw out - how can I pick a lamp.

I think a 5x5 or 6x6 would be a nice size. 6 plants wouldn't be too little for me, I'm only doing it for myself and to give to a friend and another friends father - both whom are fellow patients w/o anyone as caregivers.

What sort if lighting do you have if you don't mind me asking? Or what would you reccomend as far as T5?

[Dutch Pimp]

4 foot, High Output T5 lights are 54 watts each. They come in 2, 4, 6 and 8 bulb fixtures.

they are the favorite fluorescent lights...but, require plants be kept short and the lights close (SCROG)

Buying online is the best option. HID lighting is better...IF... you can control the heat.

whatever you choose...get a complete package (bulbs, fixture/reflector, cords, ballast)

[BuddyBea]

4 foot, High Output T5 lights are 54 watts each. They come in 2, 4, 6 and 8 bulb fixtures.

they are the favorite fluorescent lights...but, require plants be kept short and the lights close (SCROG)

Buying online is the best option. HID lighting is better...IF... you can control the heat.

whatever you choose...get a complete package (bulbs, fixture/reflector, cords, ballast)

DP,

Thanks for the great reply! I appreciate it.

I've seen the 2 and 4 light T5 fixtures online - never 6 or 8. I guess I haven't found all the right links yet! LOL I definently plan on getting a complete package, well hopefully, the majority I've seen online are - so that helps! Despite the fact that our state has not been mmj friendly for long, we do have a few local hydro shops, however I've never even been inside them. I plan to asap, just to browse at least. In general are they much more expensive than buying online? (I assume as far as lighting, online is best, for nutrients - etc, goto the shop.)

You mention keeping plants short/screen of green while using T5
I've seen the adjustable light fixtures. Having one I can raise or lower - will that help my plants get taller - assuming I actually keep up with it and don't end up lazy by my 2nd grow and leave it at mid height?

Also, if I am just providing medicine to myself, and two patients, one of which only takes about two hits a day (he's had a quarter now sinces fathers day). Myself I consume a pretty good amount. Am I thinking about too much with 10 plants and 5-8 flowering each month?

Thanks all!
Buddy

[Purple Daddy]

I'd try to keep it simple if you're on limited funds you can use a closet, $1 reflective window visors from dollar tree to cover your walls, a few pots, a big bag of potting soil, a timer, your lights and a fan and a box of miracle grow(to start with anyway) so your should be able to do this for under $100. As I've posted before a friend used a moving box wrapped in tin foil and about a half dozen round 22W flourescent lights and grew a few nice plants and didn't even notice a jump in his electric bill.

[Dutch Pimp]

Fluorescent Grow Light Fixtures | Quality Fluorescent Grow Lights at Discount Prices

I do all my shopping here....:thumbsup: