First time grower in need of some advice.

Hello everybody. I'm new to the forums and I'm also new to growing, but I'm a quick learner and hope that I can be successful with what I can work with.

First note: I am only looking to grow 1/2 plants for the time being.

Okay. My grow space is as follows: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&productId=100553101&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=100553101&cm_mmc=shopping-_-google-_-D23X-_-100553101

I decided to choose this since I can manually put it together, and it's already a good white. (I also planned on probably using mylar or aluminum reflected tape). And if needed be, it will be stored in my closet, so if the plant gets too tall i can always remove the top of the cabinet for more space..? (My closet it plain white too).

The first question is, what type of light should I get? I know all about MH and HPS, etc...but I don't know what the best choice of wattage would be for 1/2 plants? I didn't want to go off and get a 400 watt HPS or MH if it would cause too much heat..I'm just trying to be safe and successful.

Thanks in advance!

Peace

As its your first grow and in a smaller grow area I'd start out with 2-3 100w equivelent cfl bulbs 2600k spec. maybe? and a small fan in the top/side with some exit ports opposite so the fan cools the lights. This set up will be easier as Noob to control the environment and will allow you to feel out the process. You can always upgrade your equipment as you go and become comfortable in what you're doing.

What do you mean by 1/2 plants? You mean you're going to flower from seed or what?

g00sEgg said:

What do you mean by 1/2 plants? You mean you're going to flower from seed or what?

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Yes, I planned on going through Attitude for seeds and then work clones from that. I know that given the space I should start from clones, but it isn't available at the moment.

I would go with either CFL's or a 150, or 250w HPS. Probably a 150.

g00sEgg said:

I would go with either CFL's or a 150, or 250w HPS. Probably a 150.

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definately a 150 wattage mh for veg and hps for flower, make sure you get a ballast the supports mh and hps, but 150 is plenty for 1a plant with not so much space, i myself wouldnt waste my time on cfl's, they do work and dont give too much heat but its just not the same, but still thats your decision, but id rather go with 1 lamp then 3 or 4 that dont penetrate as well, youll be far happier with a high output lamp. Good luck -syze-

syze said:

definately a 150 wattage mh for veg and hps for flower, make sure you get a ballast the supports mh and hps, but 150 is plenty for 1a plant with not so much space, i myself wouldnt waste my time on cfl's, they do work and dont give too much heat but its just not the same, but still thats your decision, but id rather go with 1 lamp then 3 or 4 that dont penetrate as well, youll be far happier with a high output lamp. Good luck -syze-

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exactly. Thanks for reinforcing my statement bro! lol

23W=100W cfl bulbs.. They usually come in like a 5 pack

syze said:

definately a 150 wattage mh for veg and hps for flower, make sure you get a ballast the supports mh and hps, but 150 is plenty for 1a plant with not so much space, i myself wouldnt waste my time on cfl's, they do work and dont give too much heat but its just not the same, but still thats your decision, but id rather go with 1 lamp then 3 or 4 that dont penetrate as well, youll be far happier with a high output lamp. Good luck -syze-

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I think I am going to go with the 150HPS not only for space issues, but it just seems that it's a better light overall for the plant. and boy do i want that baby to get whatever she needs.

Also, I don't know if I should use a soil medium, ScoG, hydroponics, or a mix...What would produce the best yield with what I am working with? I am willing to try anything, but nothing expensive.

400 Watt HPS, once you grow your own successfully you will want to grow more. a 400 is the perfect starting light. Fuck CFL, they work, but no where near as well as HPS does. And you can do veg and flower with the HPS and use Fluoro light as bottom or extra lighting.

150 is fine for one small plant, but do not expect the best dankest nugs.

tucknub said:

I think I am going to go with the 150HPS not only for space issues, but it just seems that it's a better light overall for the plant. and boy do i want that baby to get whatever she needs.

Also, I don't know if I should use a soil medium, ScoG, hydroponics, or a mix...What would produce the best yield with what I am working with? I am willing to try anything, but nothing expensive.

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As this is your first grow i would advise a good quality soil, since soil is more forgiving because in many ways it acts as a buffer to all the salts and the such. A hydropnic is a little more sensitive to screw ups and needs a better eye to really get what a hydro system can give you. But dont be fooled you can get just as good results in soil. So stick with soil for your first grows and a nute system that isnt to complicated. PM me if you want some more exact info with certain nute plans and such. But please try to inform yourself first instead of just awaiting answers. Good luck and keep it growing. We really need the extra oxygen our babies give off. Damn World!!