10k lumens enough?

I have a 4 bulb HO T5 (54 watts) that pumps out a maximum of 20k lumens for my grow. While i am well aware that the more light the better, If I am only growing 2 plants would I technically be able to get away with 2 bulbs on the entire grow (10k lumens I presume)?

you can grow with a living room lamp, you get out what you put in. Plants don't use lumens,lumens are for humans. Photo synthetically active radiation is what plants use, so as long as your plants are receiving between 4-700nm, your in good shape.
http://www.fondriest.com/news/photosyntheticradiation.htm

chuck estevez said:

you can grow with a living room lamp, you get out what you put in. Plants don't use lumens,lumens are for humans. Photo synthetically active radiation is what plants use, so as long as your plants are receiving between 4-700nm, your in good shape.
http://www.fondriest.com/news/photosyntheticradiation.htm

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how can I tell how many nm they are getting?

215roller said:

how can I tell how many nm they are getting?

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I too, would like to know this.

If you have a 4 bulb t5, why would you only want to run 2 of the bulbs, regardless of plant count?

1 or 2 plants is difficult to illuminate efficiently. Since you already have a 4 bulb 4 foot light, I would put the optimum number of plants under it. That probably means 3 or 4 plants, depending on how large your growing them. Ideally you would add another unit for side lighting.

hsfkush said:

I too, would like to know this.

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simple a p.a.r. meter http://www.sunlightsupply.com/p-14301-par-meter-with-integrated-or-remote-sensor.aspx

chuck estevez said:

simple a p.a.r. meter http://www.sunlightsupply.com/p-14301-par-meter-with-integrated-or-remote-sensor.aspx

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For just a simple $350?

Some of us, do not have these kind of funds readily available =] lol.

hsfkush said:

For just a simple $350?

Some of us, do not have these kind of funds readily available =] lol.

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just an example, that is 100% retail, know one pays that any more. I bet you could even rent/borrow one from your local hydro store.

Ever consider Scrogging underneath the T5 setup? Seems to be most efficient in your case if you only grow the two plants.

stonerville420 said:

Ever consider Scrogging underneath the T5 setup? Seems to be most efficient in your case if you only grow the two plants.

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scrogging?

215roller said:

scrogging?

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Using a SCROG or screen of green technique. Use the search feature, you will find a complete outline. Hell, just google "scrog growing". Good luck!

stonerville420 said:

Using a SCROG or screen of green technique. Use the search feature, you will find a complete outline. Hell, just google "scrog growing". Good luck!

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Yeah I googled it..sounds interesting.