New Grower What is the perfect sized pot (PLANTER)

[Ozzy3277]

Hi. This is my first AF grow, so I have a lot of questions, but for now just one.
What is the perfect size pot? I have 800 watts of HPS in a 15 sq. ft. of space. I bought 8-5 gallon buckets to start my AF grow. I have read that 5 gallon buckets are overkill for AFS. If 5 gallon buckets are too much, i could cut them down to 4 gallon or 3 gallon. What do you think is the best sized pot.
Please everybody's opinion is much appreciated,Thanks

 

[briman]

I would stick with the 5 gallon. I grow in 5 gallon fabric pots and the plant responds well and gets the most out of each plant.

Lots of drainage holes in the bottom, and the sides of the bucket wont let light in.

 

[Muddy]

It depends a bit on what strains you are planning on growing. If they are dwarf strains, like Dragons, Short Stuff, Low Life, etc., that only grow in the 15 - 20" range, then 3 gallon pots are fine. If they are bigger strains, like most of the Dutch Passion line, then the 5 gallon pots would be preferable for maximum yield.

 

[Ozzy3277]

Thanks for the input. I am going to grow AK-47 ,and AMNESIA HAZE so I will grow them in 5 gallon pots. Also I never have put holes in the sides of the pots. How far up my 5 gallon buckets should I drill the holes?
THANKS,AGAIN

 

[hank]

5 gal. Im starting to find the rule is 1 ounce per gal in soil.

Muddy I have had dwarf strains bound a 3 gal pot. Bigger is always better.

Drill lots of 1/4 inch holes (around a 1/4 inch is fine) all over the bottom and then drill them going up the sides.
You are going to get water that comes out of all of them, the advantage is your soil will dry out a little faster giving the roots more air.
It will also prune the roots so they take off in a different direction thus giving you more root. And we all know more root more fruit!

 

[Ronin]

Ozzy,
I'd have to say everything said above to be good info.
I definitely think bigger is better.. But.. in my experience it is strain dependent.
Along with a larger container more light is needed. So with 800w HPS 5 gallon would be great.
Although, I would only do 1 or 2 in a 15sqft area.
Especially an Amnesia x Haze.
Here's a bucket I've used with great results.

Good luck with your grow!
:Sharing One:

 

[hank]

He could do 4 in a 15sq foot area. 3.5x3.5 with 800w should be kicking well.


Ronin nice pics of the buckets man.

 

[Ozzy3277]

Thank you everybody for all the great info.I WOULD'VE never thought of drilling holes up the sides, but when you explained more root = more fruit, then it is a no brainer. Like the saying goes (You can teach an old dog new tricks).
Thanks again. THIS SITE ROCKS!!!