Have some experience in growing on balcony (summer) - Now, my very first indoor grow (winter)

G

green.thumb.life

New Member
Hi guys, I need help with learning about the best material to use in reflecting the light (in my grow room). I need it not only because it helps the plants to get more light but because the costs in light and electricity consumption is frustratingly high, and I plan on getting the best for my financial effort. So... which material? I will not buy a grow tent, I only need the light reflective material because I have the space (storage closet 2 meters x 1 meter).
The second question is... which kind of light should I use? All I can see is very expensieve light settings... I'm not from the USA, but the pricing is similar... Or sometimes even higher...
I have 2 meters x 1 meter space (also, how many plants should I grow?). I was thinking 13-17. I know, from what I've read, it's about the watt, but is it? Is it the standard of watt per gram? I've read about light settings that consume less and produce more watt pe gram... beats me, I'm a very confused noob.
Alas, I've made some calculations, after calculations... and I don't want to spend 1000 $ (I do have more than that) on lighting materials for 2 meters x 1 meter / 7 feet x 3 feet approximately. I have to pay attention to consumables for the next 4-5 months, ELECTRICITY (which just bacame 20% more expensive this month). I want to get the maximum out of a decent or just a little expensive setting. You can talk to me like I'm stupid, I need to get any details straight when I order something online or when I go to the store in the mall.
 
NanoGadget

NanoGadget

Well-Known Member
green.thumb.life said:
I just calculated, hopefully corectly:
2 (square meters) =
21.5278208 square feet
Click to expand...
for 21 square feet (assuming you use all of that space) will require something like 750 watts of LED lighting (actual watts, not 'equivalent') or 1000+ watts of HPS. I think your best value would be to look at DIY LED options for energy savings or a 1000 watt HPS if a lower upfront cost with higher electricity bill seems preferable.
 
Dank Bongula

Dank Bongula

Well-Known Member
Flat white paint reflects very well. For your first grow, you may want to stick with 2-3 plants at most, and try to keep them all the same. They will have differences just among the phenotypes but it will be easier than trying to deal with 2 or 3 completely different strains.
As far as efficiency, LED is what you want. Cheaper LEDs can put off more heat than seems reasonable. You can get and HLG 350r that will flower a 3'x5' area at 15in. It is a 330watt light. Refurbished from HLG for $419.
If you are handy, like doing research and have the necessary tools and ability, you can build your own LED for much cheaper. You will also need several fans for recirculation and possibly a humidifier and/or dehumidifier depending on your environment so don't forget about those costs as well.
 
G

green.thumb.life

New Member
NanoGadget said:
for 21 square feet (assuming you use all of that space) will require something like 750 watts of LED lighting (actual watts, not 'equivalent') or 1000+ watts of HPS. I think your best value would be to look at DIY LED options for energy savings or a 1000 watt HPS if a lower upfront cost with higher electricity bill seems preferable.
Click to expand...
But what's the difference between the same amount of watt between HPS and Led? I thought there is one price per watt. Please kindly reply, and thank you!
 
NanoGadget

NanoGadget

Well-Known Member
green.thumb.life said:
But what's the difference between the same amount of watt between HPS and Led? I thought there is one price per watt. Please kindly reply, and thank you!
Click to expand...
Modern LED is more efficient than HID lighting and produces more usable light per watt than HPS. a space that requires 1000 watts of HPS to thrive should only require about 650 to 750 watts of LED.
 
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