Which is better? (2)-400w hps or (1)-600 or 1000?

[latewood]

Actually, my current 400w ballast gives off no heat that I can detect. It feels slightly warm if I rest my hand on it but it's 'comfortable' heat. And I don't need to have the balast in the grow area either.

I wanted to get a 600 but husband talked me out of it. It's frustrating that the prices for the 600's are often more than the 1000. I'd still love to get a cheap 600 but fear the quality of the ballast if I go dirt cheap.

I just hate waiting 3.5-4 months from seed to harvest. Seems everyone with big lights goes 2 months or less. I wonder if I ran a 400 & 600 if I'd have to constantly rotate the lights or plants. Or if the 600 would shine enough for a 3x3 area to avoid that.

Moreover...this last statement is about 2 months or less...is only flowering clones...minimum time from rooting to finish is 8-10 weeks.
from seed...the shortest time you can hope to finish, 12-16 weeks, although the shorter period would effect yield and potency. For full potency from seed you need the full 4 months, or there about.

check this page out:
http://forums.bghydro.com/showthread.php?t=24

and this:
http://forums.bghydro.com/showthread.php?t=25

I don't mean to offend anyone with this offsite info, but I knew right where it was and wanted to provide it quickly for moreover and the rest of the gang here.

Look at the lumens ratings and the watt per SF...I think this will help you alot...600w hps is so expensive due to the fact that is really close to a 1000w in output.

goodluck lw

latewood Reviewed by latewood on 06-13-2006. Which is better? (2)-400w hps or (1)-600 or 1000? Hi. I currently have a 400w PL light setup. I was thinking to augment this with a cheapo 400w hps (used, rebuilt, etc. off ebay or inside sun). Certainly the 400w hps systems are affordable. I wonder though - is it better to have (2)-400's or (1)-600? I'm afraid to go with 1,000 as I'd have heat to deal with and wouldn't be able to get the light as close to the plants anyway so it might be counter-productive. My space is about 3.5 or 4x4 feet. Or - hopeing to not have more than 4 Rating: 5