Quote Originally Posted by sharer6969
I've seen the numbers for suggested light amounts per square foot of actual growing space, but I'm wondering if there is in fact a ceiling for this? So long as you can keep the plants temperate and not allow them to get burned, is their a ceiling beyond which the light can still hurt the plant or at the very least be of no benefit whatsoever?

I recently read an article by a fellow who claims to be using a 1000w HPS for a 3'x3' grow area, but can swing it because of the other measures he's taken to ensure proper climate control. Is this just totally unnecessary overkill, with little realistic ability of improving the crop over say, a 600w light for the same space? Or could this, and conceivably more wattage, really give whopping gains come harvest time?
i'm not sure if this helps...but i use multiple 1000's above 3x3 ebb & flow trays. its not the most effecient use of light/space. its just the way my room turned out and attempting to max out my space instead of maxing out the effeciency. if i had it exactly how i like-i would use 4x4 tables below 1000's. but if you can keep them cool 3x3 should be fine. you will probably have to keep your lights 24-30 in. away. i do deal w/ chrlorophyl bleaching from time to time because of the concentrated light-i usually have to keep them 18-24 in. away and my room never rises above 75. didn't mean to ramble-hope this helps.