Preparing to get underway, a few Q's

[Dubsak]

I am prepared to start my first ever indoor grow... that is, except for buying a light. I have a closet space of 45" L x 25" W x 72" H.

I have looked around and have seen a few HSP lights that are within my budget, but I don't know about all of my options (i.e. Air coolings, EYE Hortilux bulb vs. standard, 120 vs. 240 volts).

I also didn't know if it would be worth an extra $100 to get a ballast that will allow me to use MH plus HPS lights, since I was told that MH is better for veg, and HPS is better for flowering.

If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be much appreciated as I want to finally get on with this instead of just thinking about it.

Also, if anyone knows where I can find a faq that goes through all the steps (from germination, to when to start ferts + which ferts to use, to flowering) that would be great. I think I know what I'm doing, but the more info I have the better.

Thanks.

/dubsak

Dubsak Reviewed by Dubsak on 08-06-2006. Preparing to get underway, a few Q's I am prepared to start my first ever indoor grow... that is, except for buying a light. I have a closet space of 45" L x 25" W x 72" H. I have looked around and have seen a few HSP lights that are within my budget, but I don't know about all of my options (i.e. Air coolings, EYE Hortilux bulb vs. standard, 120 vs. 240 volts). I also didn't know if it would be worth an extra $100 to get a ballast that will allow me to use MH plus HPS lights, since I was told that MH is better for veg, and Rating: 5

[Dubsak]

Dam, I wanted to order a light today, but nobody is around to help I guess.

[bongerstonerd00d]

MH is better for vegging, and HPS is better for flowering. Flouro's are also to veg with, and some swear by. Some even do complete grows using CFL's. Bobbong has an entire thread showing 6-8 oz's from CFL's I do believe and two plants.

As far as the digi ballast, to me its worth it because it does not use as much juice. So, it pays for itself. As far as the air cooled hoods, they are nice, but you can also use the kool tubes, and they are really kool. But then you need ducting, fans, and the likes. Its not that easy to just tell you to buy such and such and you are all set.

As far as a step-by-step grow guide, they do not exist. You gotta understand many little things that all become part of the big picture. I can tell you that ALL the growing info you would ever possibly need has already been posted here numerous times.

You need to invest your time and do the research to find it. These guys who grow buds the size you your forearm are not going to type the same thing out over and over again. They are too busy growing.


b0nger

[Dubsak]

What is a digi ballast?

Also, would it be alright just to get a HPS light and use it for veg and flower? I'm sure there is some difference in color, lumens, etc. but if it will work I will probably just do that.

[bongerstonerd00d]

digi= digital ballast, weighs less, runs cooler, and will light either MH or HPS bulbs. Before I went all the way using HPS or MH, I would veg with some cool white CFL and flower under HPS.

Or, you can buy conversion bulbs that means a MH bulb will run on a HPS ballast and vice versa. I dont know much about those, that is not the route I decided to go.

With light comes heat, and that is a serious issue you need to address also. If you need to keep your light 6' away from your plants to keep from cooking them you might as well grow with candles. You want the light(s) as close as you can possibly be (12-18") and your plants are not dropping dead. It can be done but ya gotta have the right setup. CFL's even closer than the 12-18"


b0nger

[BlackBerry]

Cannabis is a very simple plant to grow, if you dont complicate the process with extra shit.

[Jdog7000]

True Dat! lol


Keep it simple and keep it cool in your growroom.
Biggest problems with beginers...Light leaks,heat stress,rootbound and over watered/over fed plants.