2000w to 3000w Should I expand or thin out crop?

[CaliJay]

Alright canna family, I am contemplating on adding another light fixture and hydro tray to my grow room. I admit this is my first grow and I am a noob but have been researching since I began shopping. The friend that sold me the equipment and mentors my grow says to wait until my second grow before expanding to 3000 watts.
I can see the final setup in my head and it seems like more of the same stuff. Other than adjusting a few parameters after the additions it seems like an easy conversion.

Please guys and dolls, tell me if you think I am being impatient......


I have two 4x4 trays with an 80 gallon resi. I have 32 two gallon pots in just under 32 square feet. They are on day 13 of flower and already crammed into each other and fighting for space. The strain is 70% indica and 30% sativa hybrid. I don't know the complete lineage but the bud is an excellent phenotype . My friend has been refining the strain for 7 years so I know it is worthy. One thing about the history I do know is that it is a cousin of White Widow but that is all I know for sure.
I have 2 extra 4x4 trays just sitting. I also have a complete 1000 watt hps setup getting dusty. I have two extra plugs available in my 220 power splitter. I would need to buy another A/C unit($500) and an air cooled hood ($150). I could add the 4x4 tray and create an L shape instead of just the 8x4 rectangle I have now. I would be growing 3 filled 4x4 trays upon completion of the grow and only running 2000 watts for almost half of the grow.(veg + 2 to 3 weeks of flower)
I am already running Co2 enrichment and raising the level in the whole room. If I don't expand I would have to kill probably 5-8 plants to give each plant enough room to fill out. I believe they are still stretching and there will be a filling out period after the stretch. Space issues will be really bad once that happens. So all I would have to yeild to make up for the added expense is 2 ounces. With 1000 watts(62 watts/sqft) plus Co2 enrichment, proper lighting and primo genetics I am told 1 oz per plant is probable. 2 oz per plant is fantastic.
The argument my friend is giving me is that it is like I am just learning to drive and 3000 watts in a room is like driving a racecar.
So....what do you think
I apprecieate some personal experience if possible. There is no substitute for experience.

Don't forget to tell your plants you love them. -J

CaliJay Reviewed by CaliJay on 11-17-2006. 2000w to 3000w Should I expand or thin out crop? Alright canna family, I am contemplating on adding another light fixture and hydro tray to my grow room. I admit this is my first grow and I am a noob but have been researching since I began shopping. The friend that sold me the equipment and mentors my grow says to wait until my second grow before expanding to 3000 watts. I can see the final setup in my head and it seems like more of the same stuff. Other than adjusting a few parameters after the additions it seems like an easy conversion. Rating: 5

[BlueBear]

If your this far along and have been able to keep up with the learning curve then you may just go for it, but also remember patients is a virtue. Also, in hydro 2 OZ a plant is average on a basic strain, as a matter of fact that can be done in soil with a 3 week or less veg even with WW and a good feno type. With CO2 you should be pulling about 700g per light at least IMO, but like you say you are a first time grower and since you didn't give that many details then for all I know you may pull of 1500 grams from each 1000W. If you don't even get a pound off of a 1K light you need to rethink your set up and do some extreme trouble shooting.
Like you said this is your first grow and hopefully your friend who has been doing this for years pulls over a pound off a 1K in hydro or he might as well take out the CO2 and stick them in the dirt for the same results. I am not talking about high yielding strains either, potent strains can generally do this with a well picked feno type.
Also, if this is your first grow, it sounds like you have put in allot of work and for what it is worth I give you a thumbs up for that.
Adieu

[BlueBear]

I re read your post and was wondering how long did you veg for? If they are clones, then you must of veged for approx 4 weeks IMO, but your friend should of taken the strains characteristics into account and had you veg shorter. on a 4x4 table 16 plants is doable and 2 oz a plant should be obtainable and you should in theory be able to grow all of them in the 4x4, so next time veg for less time or go with 8 plants, but I imagine you are figuring this out by this time.
Adieu

[CaliJay]

Damn you Bear!!! You have grown a little bit haven't you? I accidentally vegged/rooted for 4 weeks. Nice call brother.
My friend was on my ass to flip the lights but I ran out of coco while transplanting from cups and once I did get more coco I wanted to let the last of the girls root for at least 4 days after transplant before I flipped the lights. I will cut that in half next round. This is more of a bushy strain so I am hoping it doesn't make a run for the lights. I have the lights rigged so I can get them pretty close to the ceiling if need be. Crossing my fingers and stalking up on string just in case.

And your prize for hitting the nail on the head Bear.......

CANNAPORN!!!!!

[aznson01]

ur grow room is nuts i envy u

[latewood]

I would wait. the heat issue is your biggest concern...and BTW. I use a $89.00 5000btu AC from hopot; Temps stay in the 70's... you don't need to spend $500 for ac. It doesn't take too long in too much heat to ruin things.

[CaliJay]

Thanks for the ups AZN. Thanks for weighing in Bear and Latewood. Man I would love to save some dough... 89 buck$? I'm not able to isolate any type of window unit and I like the portability of the stand alone units. The one I have is now selling for somewhere around $370.00US still a bit pricey but much simpler. Is the A/C you have a window unit?
I have already put the wheels in motion based on my trust in my loyal and devoted papa Bear. I will post some pics of the mods tomorrow.


Love - Jay

[latewood]

yes. but I believe I found some portables while shopping for attic exhaust fans a few months ago...I will browse for them later. peace

[Arklenao2]

are you on the power grid?

[CaliJay]

What does that mean? The power grid?