New Grower First grow need some pointers :)

[skunkGee]

Hi I'm new here not really sure if I should have started a new thread or not???
Basicly I've got almost all my equipment except a light and I've just ordered some seeds!! I'm going to use a grow tent measuring 80 x 80 x 160 it seems to me that it is good quality, I'm not sure what light to use though I was planning on going LED bit this is to expensive. I've found a 400w HPS bulb ballast and reflector for �55. Or exactly the same but the 600w version but for �65. I thought more light more yield but as it is fairly small I don't want the 600w to create o much heat, which would you guys recommended I use? Also what size pots would you guys have your plants in just before harvest? I've been reading online that you should have them in 12 gal pots weeks before you crop, 12gal pots seem huge or am I just being stupid, I would have thought 4 or 5 gal pots would e big enough?

Any way cheers for reading any help at all will be much appreciated!!!

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

Welcome to AFN SkunkGee There is a lot of good info on this in the lighting section . You will have to explore a bit but I am sure you can find what you are looking for there . As far as the Pots 12 gallons is way to big ! I would say 3 Gallons would be plenty . If you choose to run Hps you will have to ventilate it with an inline fan through the hood of the light either are good options . I use Hps . I run 1000 watts in a 5 ft x 7ft x 7ft space . Hope this helps I am no expert but I am sure if you look through AFN you will find your answers just look through threads and grow journals on here and be sure to follow those who have proven good results ! Everyone is very kind and helpful on this sight . Good Luck with your grow and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.

 

[dex]

Personaly id go with the 400w HID bulbs they will be ample for your space and would not go above a 15lt pot with your hight skunkGee. just make sure you have good extraction as they get hot mate and as a novice grower id start with 10lt pots so you can get a feel for them then you can upgrade your pots and you'll be able to handel them better

Welcom to the forum SG

Ps, have a look at my diary i use the 400w in a 0.8 x 1.2 x 1.8 tent look at the gear ive got its not fancy but you need it as well

 

[PhilontheClouds]

Welcome fellow Grower there are plenty of experts on her to answer pretty much any question a new grower needs to know good luck on your grow

 

[skunkGee]

Cheers for the speedy replays guys, yeah I was swaying more to the 400w because of heat. yeah of got some fans and stuff my mates sorted out with a computer power pack or something, yeah that's sorted that out then I was getting really confused over the pot sizes if I did think 12 gal would be big enough for a massive tree lol. Ill start looking through the lighting and germ stages now whilst I have time before I start ill be looking at your to dex!!

 

[smith4924]

hello and welcome.... I am 100% sure you will find any and most all answers to your questions here at AFN... There are some really good people here that know there stuff. I have learned a lot and will learn even more throughout my time on here.... The 400w will be perfect for your space but if you was to get a 600w digi ballast you could dial it down to a lower wattage until you get a inline fan to draw out heat and yes 3-5 gal will be perfect depending on strain. What strain will you be growing bud?

 

[skunkGee]

I just ordered some amnesia haze and some knock out k.o which sounded good on the descriptions and reviews. Yeah I didn't think about Getting a digi one I was planning on going bigger when I move

 

[GoAuto6]

I would go with the 600 dimmable and 3 to 5 gallon pots........

 

[smith4924]

its really nice being able to choose what wattage you want.. I run 3 1000's and can dial them to 600 750 1000 and super lumens 1215....makes it nice when you can use it all the way through starting with the smaller wattage working your way up.....im running x-tra sun ballast from hydro farm and they are awesome digi's with a 5 year warrantee and work well with digilux bulbs. there is many brands outs there just watch for there warrantee and if its at least 3 years or 5 its most likely a decent ballast just make sure you get digi bulbs if you get a digi ballast or else FAILER lol if you plan on ordering online not sure where you are located but ehydroponics.com has great deals check this out http://www.ehydroponics.com/600-watt-grow-light-packages-grow-lights.html quantum is a popular ballast but just read read read reviews and info before you buy anything is my advice.... happy growing

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

I agree with you guys on the digital ballast ! Its just so nice to be able to use the one light all the way through especially when growing autos. I use a 1000 watt dimmable and dial it down to 50% to start and then will dial it up as I go . I am on my first Auto Grow and First indoor grow myself but Have been growing outdoor for years. Come check out my thread ...