250w Or 400 W Hps?

[rosscopico0]

Hi there one and all,

Setting up a flowering area, a small wardrobe 86cm wide, 45cm deep and 142cm high.

Was originally planning on using a 250w hps in this area, but have read it does 2ft x 2ft. Does this mean my extra 25 cm width wont be recieving sufficient light, as Im planning on flowering 3 plants and am worried that the ones on the outer edges will suffer.

Started toying with the idea of maybe using a 400w hps which will give me 97w/sq ft as opposed to the 250w's 60w/sq ft, but with the 400 I then have the problem of extra heat and the extra distance from the light to the plant required and my area isnt really all that tall to start with.

 

So very confused. If anyone can help me I would be very appreciative.

[mrbillz]

Hi Ross, I started out with a 250w hps in my 4'x4'x2' box. I went to a 400watter as soon as i could afford to, most worthwhile investment! Now I wouldn't use any less than 400w. Recently spent the money on a Hortilux Eye 400w bulb ($65usd) and saw another HUGE improvement! As far as heat, if you can- make your ballast remote and leave outside the box, then use intake/exhaust airflow to help cool. I use a cheap 6" elect. fan to "suck" the air thru the box thru the exhaust (top) hole. Of course your 6" intake hole will be at the bottom on the other side. I also put in another 6" fan just inside the bottom hole to assist in airmovement. My temp stays at a constant 78 deg. but I'm in Oregon,USA. You prob'ly already knew all this crap but oh well...

p.s. is your fixture remote? if so, you could hang it with chain for ht. adj when necessary as I did. Hope this helps- any Questions PM me please, I'd be more than happy to help. Would like more info on your box too. MR. BILL !

Edited May 23, 2004 by mrbillz

[rosscopico0]

Hey there Mr Bills,

My cupboard is one I found at a Lifeline funiture store(a charity store for those overseas), The interior is laminated white, except fot the back, which is masonite(going to cover that with panda film).

 

The dimensions are in the first post, but there is a 12" high section on the bottom, where there are 2 drawers-a great cloning area once the drawers are gone.

 

Ill just use some silicon to make sure there are no leaks water-wise, as I will prob put some flouros in there and dont want spilled/leaking water to trip circuit breakers or cause a fire & burn down my apartment!

 

Unfortunately dont have a digital camera atm, but will be getting one before I start my second grow, so I can keep a journal with weekly pictures (as much for me to see the growth rate objectively, as for everyone viewing the thread!)

Figure I will start with a second hand 250w hps(can get one for $60AU without reflector ), due to budget constraints, and can always upgrade to a 400w later on as my budget dictates

[Tom]

Sounds like you're making a good start.

Ill just use some silicon to make sure there are no leaks water-wise, as I will prob put some flouros in there and dont want spilled/leaking water to trip circuit breakers or cause a fire & burn down my apartment!

except fot the back, which is masonite(going to cover that with panda film).

Continue the panda film over the bottom of the main grow cabinet too, that will water proof it and protect the wood from spills.

 

[DopedDownUnder]

What the hell is panda film please

[Tom]

What the hell is panda film please

Basically, it's a plastic film that is white on one side and black on the other, it comes in two thicknesses, the white side is reflective and the black side stops or cuts down on light leakage, it’s used to line the grow room walls.