Quote Originally Posted by tenaciousb
Here's my idea: One 400+W for both veg and flower....18/6 veg and then switch to 12/12 for flower.....how does this sound? If I could get some approval then I think that this will be the cheapest/easiest for me, for now atleast. I def hear ya Zoidberg, I stopped by my local hydroponics store this morning and WOW! As soon as I can generate some extra income, I will most definitely be doing some major upgrades. I feel a hydro operation coming on in the not too distant future! Also, yeah, I can keep the door open to the closet for vent. Should I leave it open all the time? Do I need to leave it wide open? Thanks so much, yall (I'm from GA, sorry about the lingo) are so very helpful!
You're right on the money here buddy, seriously. HPS might well be more suited to flowering, but is more then suffient for veg, its actually ideal.
Halide is actually best for plants where the mass of the plants vegitation is harvested (herbs, or lettuce for example).
A Halide promoted meaty thick veg, yes, but you're working in a closet, you dont need or want any exceedingly meaty vegitation. You'll find air circulation will be a major problem if you end up with an overly meaty plant.

Stick with the single 400w HPS, you wont look back buddy. Oh and about the heat factor, if you pop into a walmart or other superstore you should be able to find standard bathroom extractor fans. These aren't ideal for a large room unless used in great numbers, but for a closet, one would be fantastic.

If you wanted it to be even better, you could drill some holes in the lower walls of the closet as passive intakes, or if the asthetics is important, any small metal or plastic vent that meets your liking would be even more discreet looking.

I've grown with HPS many times (have 2400W's of HPS ATM), and I've owned and grown with a Halide 1000W. My honest opinion, both might well be ideal, but HPS is overall more suited to any plant where floral/bud development is the goal.
Couple that with the fact that you have the size limitation of the grow area, the HPS is the ONLY choice i would consider i think.

But again, thats just my opinion. I'd probably run this one past someone like Zandor (30 something yrs grow experience) Or Tool fan (16 yrs i think). I myself have grown on and off for 13-14 yrs).

Not trying to pull the 'we're better then you' kinda thing there, just saying that in that many years you try a lot of different methods, lights, and products.
I've had some terrible advice thats lead to some really fubard grows, and ive also recieved advice thats taught me half of what i know. I just think it's good karma to keep the gesture going and share the knowledge passed to us, down to the next guy.

Anyway, no matter what method you go with, ur learning sumthin worth knowing.

Good luck buddy

Fingers :stoned:
fingers Reviewed by fingers on . Lighting Suggestions??? Hey all! I'm setting up my first grow room now. I have a nice sized closet that I'm workin with....3 x 3.5 x 5.5 (effective grow height since there is a big shelf). I've decided on two plants max since these will be strictly for personal use. I've lined the closet with emergency blankets (mylar baby!). So, here's the question: what kind of lighting should I be going for? Will one 400W HPS be sufficient for veg and flower? Should I be using CFLs for veg and switch to the HPS for flower? What Rating: 5