Mars II 400w ×6 or Mars II 1200w ×2 Opinions

[AKsteel]

So the wife and I have been discussing converting an 8'×10' she'd into a spring/summer/fall grow area. Winters are to cold so we would use our current indoor grow for winter time.
The plan is to have a three stage perpetual grow going from April to October. So we would have seedlings, mid-veg, and late flower in the space. So the question is, should I run a couple 1200w lights or multiple 400w lights. My line of thinking is with the multiple 400w (let's just say 6) would give me more options as far as light positioning and height. Where the 1200w (let's just say 2) would have the power and foot print to cover the square footage.
All opinions are welcome. This is definitely a big step out of our comfort zone so all advice is appreciated.
Thanks Folks

 

[bad dragon bzzz]

a shed can be really hard to keep warm,even in summertime there can be some pretty cold nights.doable with a load of insulation,running lights at night and with a few heaters.but could end up costing more than its worth.
then there is safety and security ?

 

[AKsteel]

Good points @archie gemmill.

 

[woody]

Good points for sure. But as far as the lights go id far rather have 6 than 2 especially when doing a perpetual style grow. Much more flexibility for plant heights plus if 1 light shits itself you still have 5 but if 1 of your 1200s went your in trouble without a backup

 

[AKsteel]

Ah, now I had not thought of that. Thanks @sanguine.
I feel pretty good about the security and safety of the out building. Nice thing about Alaska, I don't have to hide what I do and I keep my neighbors happy. As far as heat, I can easily insulate the area and run a small radiator style heater with a thermostat just in case of a cold night.

 

[Duggy]

I'd go with the greater flexibility of more leds...

 

[AKsteel]

I'd go with the greater flexibility of more leds...

Thanks Duggy

 

[Marshydro]

Pretty sure the lights will be not enough Akstell, you might miscaculated as 4x10? Because with the space 8x10, you will need at least 4pcs of 1200 or 12pcs of Mars II 400

 

[Discretepete2676]

I own a 1200 mars II myself and also and old style 200x3 mars. To b honest I wish I had purchased a couple 400 or 700 just because of the flexibility. I love my 1200 and haven't really tested its foot print out to see its fullest potential. Things are looking great so I like the height but only have 4 plants in a4x4 under it. Next round moving in I will b putting 6 in there to see how it does. This is my first led grow but I wish I had went with the more smaller ones route. Still learning to use this thing though. Will b raising it up higher to see if I can get more coverage without too much stretch.

 

[AKsteel]

Pretty sure the lights will be not enough Akstell, you might miscaculated as 4x10? Because with the space 8x10, you will need at least 4pcs of 1200 or 12pcs of Mars II 400

The entire structure is 8'×10'. I am thinking that after putting in some shelving and other items I think the actual grow space will shrink to about 6'×6'. Thanks for your input. So with a foot print of 36 square feet what would you think @MarshydroTina ?