In your opinion Bob, what are ideal temps for a Co2 enriched op with adequate lighting, ect? I've often heard people advocate higher temps, but would like to here your take. Also, how would you say is and adequate amount light for these conditions?
I don't think there is one answer. Like a lot of thing it's going to be strain dependent. Let me address the components separately:
These are only my opinions, based on my experiences:
Light: 50 watts per sq foot minimum. A plant with broad fingers on the leaf will do ok at 50 watts per sq ft, 75 watts per sq ft minimum for a slender fingered Sativa. Indica's can get by with less light because the leaf surface (solar panel if you will) is bigger. I grow Sativa and find it will use as much light as I can keep cool.
Temps: Given lots of light and good humidity control and air circulation, heat can actually help the plant metabolize faster. Up to 90 degrees if all conditions are right. Lots of rookies add co2 because they have high temps, and think the co2 will help minimize the effects of the high temps. It won't, unless the light is intense enough, the humidity is controlled, and the feeding schedule is correct.
CO2 Levels: Ambient co2 levels are usually around 350 to 400 ppm. Increasing to even 700 helps, with 1600ppm being the max the plant can use in perfect conditions.
Humidity: High co2 levels create more humidity. Humidity above 60% isn't great for flowering plants..mold problems may arise. So humidity control is important. A thin fingered Sativa can deal with high humidity better that a fat fingered Indica. The leaves transpire out of the bottom of the leaf. An indica with big leaves, tends to have leaves touching one another, which traps the moisture and sets up the conditions for mold. Lower humidity not only reduces the chance of mold, but will cause the plant to produce more tichclomes in an effort to protect itself from drying out.
Food: As light, co2 and temps increase, the plant will require a heavier feeding schedule.
It's a lot like building a muscle car. The goal is to go faster. But just adding parts doesn't accomplish that. The parts all have to compliment each other. A bigger carb and cam won't help if the exhaust hasn't been upgraded. If the car doesn't get traction, work on suspension and tires, not more power.
For my strain, it would take more light to make revving up temps and co2 have positive effects. I've got 1800 watts over a 6 x 4 (24 sq ft) growing area..75 watts per sq ft. If I added another 600 watts, I'd raise the co2 and temps some. If I were growing an Indica in my room, the light I have would probably be sufficient to raise temps and co2 and see added results.
But again, there is no set formula..each strain will react differently.
I've grown the same strain for years, and come to my temp, co2, humidity and feeding schedule over many grows, tracking the results. I'm certainly not suggesting my room environmental settings as ideal for every strain...just what works for mine.