Backspace420
New Member
Greetings from the dessert, location is Phoenix, Az. Indoor grow set up in the works. Here's the question, first of many I suppose. The wife and I are going to be using a 4x8 tent from Hydro Planet. The tent has arrived and has been set up. However no fans or filtration system as of yet, TBD after lights have been ordered. So here the question: After doing much research still am wondering which is better for a no-hassle, full spectrum light system. Here is what we are considering.
Agrobrite Fluorescent Grow Light T5 4ft./8 bulb fixture that comes with 8-6400K tubes. (5000 Lumens per tube for full daylight spectrum.) Times 2 of these fixtures in a 4x8. Is this a sufficient system for Veg and Flower without having to change bulbs, just timed light cycles going from 18-6 for Veg, then 12-12 for flower for a no-hassle Germ. to Harvest.
Have done a lot of research about HPS vs. MH and the differences each light accomplish in a grow. We know that more light, such as in HPS yield bigger harvest and flower production depending on medium and feeding for plants. The drawback is the heat that HPS generates and the need for venting and proper circulation of air in the plants environment. We also know that it is said MH is the way to go for veg. and all the scientific talk about UV light and how it's actually harmful in the grand scheme of a plants life. With the quirk that since UV light is actually harmful it's the reason why plants produce more resin glands and crystal formation to try and protect the flower. Sort of like humans putting on sun screen to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays, or at least that's my take on all this so far. So you end up with a so-so yield but the potency of the plant is much better mainly from the plant trying to protect itself.
Cost vs. Watts and needs. I've decided that I'm not so worried about the spikes in my electric bill, hell, anyone who lives in the Phoenix area is used to seeing high electric bills it's just part of life when you live in the desert. But after the monsoon season and the temps start to lower a little extra power usage to run lights and the timers is no big deal since the electric bill drops an average of 60 to 70 dollars in the winter months, basically it averages itself out in the long run cost wise as if it were summer all year long.
So all that being said here's what we are considering in the way of lights. We are thinking of going with two T5 4tf./8 bulb systems with the exact same configuration in bulb placement as follows from Eye Hortilux.
Starting from left to right:
1-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO for photosynthesis and for faster plant growth and a stronger root system.
2-Blue 420 @ 54 watt HO for veg growth, tighter intermodal space and C02 intake.
3-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
4-Red 633 @ 54 watt HO for vertical growth and leaf size also for fruiting and flowering.
5-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
6-Blue 460 @ 54 watt HO for transitioning from veg to flowering and uptake of chlorophyll B, carotenoids and stomatal C02 intake.
7-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
8-Red 660 @ 54 watt HO for enhanced flowering and fruiting.
This light set up would supposedly be good for a full spectrum of UV and UVB and set @ between 8" to16" above the plant canopy would produce UVA of 315nm to400nm and UVB of 280nm to315nm with a timed cycle of 18hr. on and 6hr. off for veg and 12hr on 12hr off for flowering. All that times 2 systems hanging in the tent.
The light is my actual cost vs. wants of watts. Should I plan on buying this type of set up which would run me rounded off to about $1000 for both or do I just go with all HPS, all MH or both? We will be growing mainly the Big Bud and Thai Skunk using a moderate C02 generator designed for indoor tent growing. Then after harvest switching to Amnesia Haze and Light of Jah.
All input and advice will be respected. Peace and a prosperous grow to all my fellow 420'ers out there.
Agrobrite Fluorescent Grow Light T5 4ft./8 bulb fixture that comes with 8-6400K tubes. (5000 Lumens per tube for full daylight spectrum.) Times 2 of these fixtures in a 4x8. Is this a sufficient system for Veg and Flower without having to change bulbs, just timed light cycles going from 18-6 for Veg, then 12-12 for flower for a no-hassle Germ. to Harvest.
Have done a lot of research about HPS vs. MH and the differences each light accomplish in a grow. We know that more light, such as in HPS yield bigger harvest and flower production depending on medium and feeding for plants. The drawback is the heat that HPS generates and the need for venting and proper circulation of air in the plants environment. We also know that it is said MH is the way to go for veg. and all the scientific talk about UV light and how it's actually harmful in the grand scheme of a plants life. With the quirk that since UV light is actually harmful it's the reason why plants produce more resin glands and crystal formation to try and protect the flower. Sort of like humans putting on sun screen to protect ourselves from harmful UV rays, or at least that's my take on all this so far. So you end up with a so-so yield but the potency of the plant is much better mainly from the plant trying to protect itself.
Cost vs. Watts and needs. I've decided that I'm not so worried about the spikes in my electric bill, hell, anyone who lives in the Phoenix area is used to seeing high electric bills it's just part of life when you live in the desert. But after the monsoon season and the temps start to lower a little extra power usage to run lights and the timers is no big deal since the electric bill drops an average of 60 to 70 dollars in the winter months, basically it averages itself out in the long run cost wise as if it were summer all year long.
So all that being said here's what we are considering in the way of lights. We are thinking of going with two T5 4tf./8 bulb systems with the exact same configuration in bulb placement as follows from Eye Hortilux.
Starting from left to right:
1-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO for photosynthesis and for faster plant growth and a stronger root system.
2-Blue 420 @ 54 watt HO for veg growth, tighter intermodal space and C02 intake.
3-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
4-Red 633 @ 54 watt HO for vertical growth and leaf size also for fruiting and flowering.
5-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
6-Blue 460 @ 54 watt HO for transitioning from veg to flowering and uptake of chlorophyll B, carotenoids and stomatal C02 intake.
7-FS/UV @ 54 watt HO again for growth and the root system.
8-Red 660 @ 54 watt HO for enhanced flowering and fruiting.
This light set up would supposedly be good for a full spectrum of UV and UVB and set @ between 8" to16" above the plant canopy would produce UVA of 315nm to400nm and UVB of 280nm to315nm with a timed cycle of 18hr. on and 6hr. off for veg and 12hr on 12hr off for flowering. All that times 2 systems hanging in the tent.
The light is my actual cost vs. wants of watts. Should I plan on buying this type of set up which would run me rounded off to about $1000 for both or do I just go with all HPS, all MH or both? We will be growing mainly the Big Bud and Thai Skunk using a moderate C02 generator designed for indoor tent growing. Then after harvest switching to Amnesia Haze and Light of Jah.
All input and advice will be respected. Peace and a prosperous grow to all my fellow 420'ers out there.
clue as to what they are talking about 
