Less Light During Veg?

I am planning a perpetual grow set-up and was wondering if less light can be used when vegging. If so, how much less?

The flower room is 6x5 and I plan on 3x600w HPS anywhere from 8-12 plants in soil. 5-7 gallon pots.

The veg room is 5x5 maybe 6x6, to veg a max of 12 plants what is the minimum light I can use?

If T5s are viable I am am willing to go that route. As I have never used them how many would be recommended?

I am trying to save money on energy costs.

I use VHO t5's, but the light spread is not that great. If you want the minimum that will work nicely to fill that area, I would do 2-400's. 800 watts total. That is not unreasonable, but it will cost you some dough. I run mine 18/4 which works well, and cuts down on energy costs. Good luck

Jimdamick said:

I use VHO t5's, but the light spread is not that great. If you want the minimum that will work nicely to fill that area, I would do 2-400's. 800 watts total. That is not unreasonable, but it will cost you some dough. I run mine 18/4 which works well, and cuts down on energy costs. Good luck

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What happens to the other two hours?

mr2shim said:

What happens to the other two hours?

Click to expand...

Nothing, they disappear from existence for those 2 hours.
It's a twilight zone thing.

As for the topic.

One 600W should do fine vegging that many plants in that area, just make sure you got a lot of 99% reflective material and a nice hood that spreads the light, and put it high up so its a even canopy.

BOOM! Perpetual.

300 watts of 4' daylight tubes should cover the veg room providing the proper reflective materials are used.

If you are vegging plants for the purpose of budding them you can get away with 18/6d. I have found that 20/4d to 24/0d works best for seedlings just starting out. Now if only I can find a timer with a 22hr day.