Lighting Choosing the configuration for 4x4...

[TxOld Dude]

Ok all you lighting aficionados!

I'm getting ready to flip from veg to bloom on my first DWC photo grow in a 4x4 closet. She's mostly Indica and has been vegging under a single 400w MH in a cool tube XL fixture. This is my first grow in near 30 years since I was doing outdoor and closet fluorescent photos, back in the day. This is, of course, a training grow to learn DWC/hydro before throwing down on good auto seed.

Available equipment:
2 - HID HPS 400w each
1 - Blackstar 240w HO UV

Now the question of what configuration to use:
A: dual 400 HPS
B: Blackstar 240w
C: All Of The Above

Fish

 

[TxOld Dude]

Come on all you gurus! Tell me what you think. :grat:

 

[Budson420]

I'm no guru but if i had your options I'd go both (considering heat isnt a problem) blackstar in the center and the HPS on either side, I mean more light the better right? using the combo id imagine the spread of light spectrum would be great for the plants, but dont take my word for it haha im sure an acutal guru will let you knwo whats the best haha best luck! :Sharing One:

 

[Son of Hobbes]

What's your ambient temperatures inside the tent and outside the tent? Adding another 400W HID is going to add some heat to your space for sure. How are you currently venting your cool tube? Do you have a 2nd cool tube for the 2nd light?

I'd run 'em all. HPS on the outside, LED on the inside. Have you trained your plant down at all? How's your canopy look?

 

[TxOld Dude]

Thx guys!

Budson420
That's exactly what I was thinking. The LED level and centered with the 2 HPS at around 30-45 deg angles (facing inwards) to the left and right of the LED.

Now notice the LED is a veg rig but it has some 600 and 400nm range as well as the 6k and 12k whites. I figured they could use the supplemental light mixed with the HPS. Kind of a "full solar spectrum" leaning toward fall colors thing, you know?

Son of Hobbes
Currently, I'm not venting the cool tube (yet) as the closet door stays open. When I change out, I'm going back to the little wing reflectors that came with the system. As for training (LST), it turns out she's indica dom and short stature. This was a training grow to learn the DWC process prior to dropping Stone Dragons in 30 gallon tubs, so this plant is not that important (bagseed). If these SD meds are what I need for my Lupus and insomnia, it'll be SD grows forever!

Re temps: I'm currently planning to relocate the grow or severely modify the closet. I have a Lighthouse 4x4x7 tent that I'm going to either fit to the closet (after cutting the shelving back) or relocate to the garage. If in the closet, I already have blower and duct that will be added. If in the garage, I already have blower and duct that will be added. ROFL!!
Actually, I have a small garden room in the garage that may fit with some minor modifications. The problem with the garage in general is that with winter temps what they are, my heat signature is going to be HIGHLY visible to LEO FLIR units. In fact, it's going to stand out BIG TIME. In the closet, I'm venting to the attic so heat dispersal and blending is much better and won't be so discernible to FLIR.

I'm in a very UNCOOL state! My current grow link is below. SCROGging has been cancelled.

Fish

 

[wwwillie]

Hey Tx!
I'm using a 240 watt blackstar clone and just shy of 400 watts of CFL. I am another vote for everything! LED center and HID on each side. Then again that's an F-ton of light and with the one plant may be a tad overboard and costly to run. But what the hey, it'll be awesome!!

 

[TxOld Dude]

World Wide Willie! I'm gonna SQUEEZE her for all she's worth! LOL!! With that much light she ought to pack on the buds.

Talk about penetration!

 

[wwwillie]

Talk about penetration!

Bad ump Bump! Thank you, thank you, folks. Try the veal...