2-400w hps vs. 1-600w hps?

I already have 1 400w hps and I want to get another light. I can get two 400w lights with ballast, etc for considerably less than 1 600w light. Any ideas on which would be better? I understand I could cover more area with two lights. How would this affect resin production or denseness? Just finished second grow, not bad, but could be much better. Any help much appreciated!

Word man i was gonna ask a similar question, right now im runnin a 400w hps in a 7ft tall, 2ft deep, 3 1/2ft wide wardrobe and was wonderin the benefit of adding another 400w hps to the wardrobe?

yo mike phelps i got almost the same size tent its 7 high 3 feet back 4 feet across. i had a 400 watt but it wasnt an external ballast so i sold it and got cfls, is heat in issue?>i got an inline fan, a 12 inch fan inside and a 4 inch blower with a scrubber sucking out air and my tent wuth cfls and leds is 83 degrees

I was wondering about the heat too Phelps, it's a pretty small area, were you going to put the light vertical? I am using my basement and space isn't much of an issue, but I am only using about 3x3 at most but it just doesn't seem to be cutting it.

jimcity21 said:

yo mike phelps i got almost the same size tent its 7 high 3 feet back 4 feet across. i had a 400 watt but it wasnt an external ballast so i sold it and got cfls, is heat in issue?>i got an inline fan, a 12 inch fan inside and a 4 inch blower with a scrubber sucking out air and my tent wuth cfls and leds is 83 degrees

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Heat really isnt an issue, ive been running at 84 degrees. Thats with the 400w and 8 cfl's, If i can i would rather just loose the cfl's and run 2 400w hps.

Im currently running a 6 inch 435 cfm squirrel cage fan for exhaust and a 135 cfm inline fan for an intake.

I guess the question im asking is, Can i run two 400w hps right next to each other? I mean literally they would be no farther then 6 in apart.

jaybirdjaybird said:

I was wondering about the heat too Phelps, it's a pretty small area, were you going to put the light vertical? I am using my basement and space isn't much of an issue, but I am only using about 3x3 at most but it just doesn't seem to be cutting it.

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Heat actually isnt really my issue, i was just curious of how effective it would be to put two of them side by side.

Btw no, i have my light hung horizontally

Seems like you would have adequate air flow to keep it cool, I say go for it if you can keep the temp regulated.

Word im probably going to. Any luck with your resolution?

jaybirdjaybird said:

I already have 1 400w hps and I want to get another light. I can get two 400w lights with ballast, etc for considerably less than 1 600w light. Any ideas on which would be better? I understand I could cover more area with two lights. How would this affect resin production or denseness? Just finished second grow, not bad, but could be much better. Any help much appreciated!

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IMO, resin production is going to depend on genetics and growing skill. Density should increase by adding wattage, but it also depends on some similar variables. Light intensity and genetics will play a large role; skill/experience a small role. I used a 430W Super Hortilux HPS, but still got whispy buds. This was partly due to lack of light, but partly due to genetics.

However, if you know what your working with, adding more light should yield denser buds. I would add at least another 400W. And yes, you can run them side by side each other.

Heat will always be an issue. It just depends on each individual situation. In an enclosed area, such as the both of yours, it will most likely be an issue unless you are in a colder climate or have the tent in a basement, etc. You will obviously have to have ventilation to both lights and may have to increase your cfm on outtake. You will have to dial the system in yourself considering all the variables. If you can stand it, a 600W lamp would be ideal. Plus, it is something that you can use long term even if you upgrade to 1000's. And a 600W is the most efficient lamp for the amount of light that it radiates. Reflector can be as important as wattage. Also, its beneficial to be growing in the tent due to the close proximity of plant to wall.... good reflection and optimization of available light.

Hope this helps... Cheers, dak

I think 1 600 watter would be better for your guys' confined area. Like dakine mentioned you won't have to upgrade the 600 because it's the most efficient light you can get. It will cover your area very well and produces almost as many lumens as the 2 400 watters. Having two lights gives the benefit of more light sources but also means more ballast more heat more maintance more bulbs.

I think I will be going with the 600 watt. I have a pretty open area in my basement and have seem to have good air circulation with just oscillating fans in the grow area. What kind of a difference will the type of hood make? Do I have to have an inline fan for the light? Everyone's input's greatly appreciated!

jaybirdjaybird said:

I think I will be going with the 600 watt. I have a pretty open area in my basement and have seem to have good air circulation with just oscillating fans in the grow area. What kind of a difference will the type of hood make? Do I have to have an inline fan for the light? Everyone's input's greatly appreciated!

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Can't go wrong with a 600 my friend..

but i also suggest going 1 step further and heres why.

Ya never want to spend more than ya need to and everyone usually wants to upgrade down the road..

Buy a 600 watt digital dual hood/lamp (not a dual hps/hal).. They run about 450 for the ballast new..

Down the road when your ready, ya just go get a new hood..

find the light first and maybe they'll cut ya a deal for a combo (hood and ballast)

~cheers

im friggin stoned and i hope i made sense

jaybirdjaybird said:

I think I will be going with the 600 watt. I have a pretty open area in my basement and have seem to have good air circulation with just oscillating fans in the grow area. What kind of a difference will the type of hood make? Do I have to have an inline fan for the light? Everyone's input's greatly appreciated!

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Type's of hood's make a big diff with how the light is directed. If you want the light more focused, a batwing will do the trick. If you want it more spread out get a parabolic. these are both open type reflectors. As long as your circulation is good it won't be prob having an open bulb, especially if it's in a basement. I have a 600w hps along with a 430 in a medium sized bedroom in the basement and the temps never go above 25 with only a 195 cmf exaust and a household fan blowing air into the room.

I have the same tent, I have a single 400 watt Nextgen Ballast so I run both MH/HPS but Mine never really get above 82 degrees and so far no problems and my humidity is at 65% With humidifier off now.

I am going to add another 400 but the nextgen switchable ballast 400 and 600 SO i can change is I come into issues. I really plan on running to 600s in a 2 by 4 tent!~

filter funker said:

Type's of hood's make a big diff with how the light is directed. If you want the light more focused, a batwing will do the trick. If you want it more spread out get a parabolic. these are both open type reflectors. As long as your circulation is good it won't be prob having an open bulb, especially if it's in a basement. I have a 600w hps along with a 430 in a medium sized bedroom in the basement and the temps never go above 25 with only a 195 cmf exaust and a household fan blowing air into the room.

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He's right, hoods can/do make a big difference, and there a number of variable reflectors that you can get depending on your specific application. However, I would clarify that parabolic reflectors aren't something that you want to use in your situation flowering w/ only one or two lights. The light is spread out so much that it decreases the lumen efficiency significantly, but it is applicable in the vegetative room.

An A-wing supposedly delivers the most light (and usually economical), while the SunSys (US made), Bell Light(Canada made), Hydrofarm are all examples of brand name hoods that are good horizontal, typically w/ the option to air vent, reflectors. There are many more that are sufficient, it just depends on the size of 'blueprint' that you want. Btw, I would recommend Hortilux bulbs, if that isn't what you already use. Typically higher lumen output.

Depending on where you live, I would start by checking out plantlightinghydroponics.com. If they don't have what you want move on, but they have some of the best prices on the web. Dchydro.com is decent, but website sucks, there are a couple more just Google it.

here is a quick article outlining options: http://www.planetnatural.com/site/xdpy/kb/grow-light-reflectors.html

heres a quick vid from high ass 'big mike' from AN (not a fan, but decent, quick breakdown): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExAucI_B9d0

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Look up chrome domes, or gravita bulbs. no hoods, no trapped heat. I have three, but currently using two of them. I have run three 400 watters before in an enclosed 4x8 tent, with only fans to cool. Never above 80...

Great info guys. Thanks so much! If I have an open room could I run a 1000w with an open hood?