What is my best option...

[Shockeclipse]

Ok so, I want to do an 8 plant DWC setup. I was looking to run a 600w light with a Lumatek ballast until I realized that you can't use both HPS and MH bulbs with the 600 unlike the other systems. I wanted to run an aircooled hood regardless but are the temps going to be way too much with a 1000w? Or should I run two aircooled 400's? Would either of these be too much light for what I want? I would look at different ballasts but I have been staring at the Lumateks for a LONG time now and reading how much everyone likes them. Any suggestions?

 

[NYC_Diesel x Jack_Herer]

Typically lights are selected based on the size of the space needing to be lit, not the number of plants desired to be grown. Can you grow 8 plants under one 600HPS? Absolutely...but you should consider the size of your space first. What are the dimensions of the grow area? Can you vent air adequately into and out of the room?

As far as needing to run MH and HPS bulbs, there is really no need unless you are planning on vegging your platns to the point where they are more than 18 inches tall. Plants can be veged until they are about that height just fine under compact fluro's. Vegging light does not affect final yield, simply speed of growth. But when the plants are that small and young they do not need lots of light anyway. It is not until you start flowering that you really want to crank up the lumens. So just buy the HPS unit, and veg your plants under a 100watt flourescent, it will save on electricity too. You do not need MH unless you are vegging huge plants. MH/HPS conversion is completely unnecessary if you ask me. And don't forget, the MH/HPS bulbs do not determine what happens to the plant, it is the length of light period per day. So you can still veg platns under an HPS light, just run it 18/6 instead of 12/12...but I shudder to think of the electrical costs.

 

[Shockeclipse]

Well thanks for such an imformative reply. You have definately put my mind at ease over the light situation. The location i will be using is large enough for me to run multiple 1000w lights but i am planning on sectioning off an area suitable for the eight plants i need. I believe it was The Hemp Goddess who mentioned to me in another post that for a 600w i need 18sf, which i am hoping wouldnt be too little for eight plants in 5gal buckets.

 

[UKgirl420]

Would either of these be too much light for what I want?

more light = the denser fatter buds ,,,providing you can control the temps

 

[blancolighter]

If you have the space to handle the heat, get a 1000watt. Down the road, if you get the 600 watter, you'll probably wish you could just have a little more light to add a plant or two as your strain collection increases.

 

[Shockeclipse]

So i guess the better question is, assuming i have good ventilation, the right space, will a 600w light be good,bad, the best for my grow.

 

[blancolighter]

Assuming you have all of the above, 600 would be good for your grow, but 1000 would be better...

 

[Shockeclipse]

Assuming you have all of the above, 600 would be good for your grow, but 1000 would be better...

Screw it, I'm doing the 1000w. What kind of space could i grow with that?

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

I run an air cooled 1000W HPS is a space that is 3 x 6.5--19.5 sq ft. Eight plants is the max number that I like to have in that space--and 6 is better. You can go to about 25-30 sq ft with a 1000W.

 

[Shockeclipse]

I run an air cooled 1000W HPS is a space that is 3 x 6.5--19.5 sq ft. Eight plants is the max number that I like to have in that space--and 6 is better. You can go to about 25-30 sq ft with a 1000W.

Picked up my shiny new lumatek 1000w from the local hydro store today, along with some other goodies. I was expecting to have the room built today But I should have pics up next weekend for sure.

 

[The Effen Gee]

I run an air cooled 1000W HPS is a space that is 3 x 6.5--19.5 sq ft. Eight plants is the max number that I like to have in that space--and 6 is better. You can go to about 25-30 sq ft with a 1000W.

While this is great for getting the most bang for your buck I must inject my insistence on understanding how hot these lights can get...

Please be prepared to spend a decent amount of time properly ventilating that hot light too...

Sticking thousands in closets is a recepie for disaster for the novice...
I have seen more than a few grows crash and burn this way...

 

[Shockeclipse]

While this is great for getting the most bang for your buck I must inject my insistence on understanding how hot these lights can get...

Please be prepared to spend a decent amount of time properly ventilating that hot light too...

Sticking thousands in closets is a recepie for disaster for the novice...
I have seen more than a few grows crash and burn this way...

I am not growing in a closet. The average temps in the room I am going to use are 60-70 max. I am using an air cooled hood with what I beleive to be an adequate fan. I am very confident that temps will not be an issue. I will have the room up and running for a test run by next weekend if not sooner. I will post my temps then.