Lights for Grow Tent Setup - Looking for a little help from my new friends

To start I want to thank all who post to this great forum. There is some much great info....maybe a little too much. I have been reading and researching all I can the past month but I am still undecided as to how to setup for my LEGAL grow.

Here is my room dimensions.
room 4'9" x 5'9" x 7'

I have been looking at the DarkRoom 150 or Growlab 145. I think I am going to go with the gl145 as its dimensions are 4'9" x 4'9" as opposed to 4'11" x 4'11".

I am undecided about the light I should buy. For veg. I am going to go with a T5. Still haven't decided if I want to get a 4, 6 or 8 bulb fixture. I will have a separate room for veg but that is not really my concern right now.

What I need help with is my flowring room. I am going to have a 3 x 3 tray to start with 6 - 8 plants(still undecided). As of right now I am leaning towards either 2 600w HPS or 1000w HPS. I have friends that grow and everyone keeps waffling about what I should use.

I am looking at either a Hydrofarm Daystar, Xtrasun, or Radiant hood. From my understanding the Radiant is a more concentrated ligth whereas the Daystar is wider. With my rooms sq. ft. does it really matter? I am also undecided about the ballast and light. I have heard great things about Lumiatek( but those are pretty $$$). While I am not that concerned about the cost right now as I plan on expanding after I get my feet wet yet I don't really want to drop over $500 right now.

What to you all think? What do you like and what to do you hate? Is there a particular setup that you have had good success with? What light/setup will help me I maximize my space.

Thanks in an advance for your input.

I normally use cfls, so I might be a little off, but if you are only using a 3x3 space for flowering, I really don't think you're going to need any more than 1 600 watt HPS. Especially if you don't want to spend more than 500, you should think about scaling back your plans for big lights. Keeping in mind your budget, you also need to consider things like air movement/fliltration, as well as dropping money for nutes, soil, etc. Even a lot of small pieces like hooks and chains and other random things add up.

As far as hoods, there are many different designs, and some work better than others depending on what kind of lights you are using, and also if your bulb is horizontal or vertical. If you haven't already, watch Jorge Cervantes Ultimate Grow DVD. Lots of usefull info in that vid.

It otherwise sounds like you're off to a good start. Just keep reading these forums for more info, and do your best to plan it, THEN grow it. GL

Hey pokesalotasmot thanks for the input.

I should clarify that the $500 was for the lights setup alone...more if needed. I am expecting to send about $1200+ for the entire setup.

The growlab space is actually 4'9" x 4'9" so I think I have a good amount room to work with. I tray I am thinking about using is a 3 x 3 as I think the 4 x 4 is big awkward size. But am still undecided. any thoughts

anybody have any input on lights??

I am using the GL145. LOVE IT! I'm also using a 1000w MH/HPS. For now, my tent will serve flower/veg purposes. I would go with the 4x4 tray because the GL145 opens from all sides so you wouldn't need walking space. I've got pics in my journal.

@smokingrubber. Can you give me details as to what light set up you have? bulb, ballast, hood? I am leaning towards the 1000 as I think 2 600s will produce to much heat.

I am thinking about using a 3x3 tray to start as my room is too small and do not have access but from the front door.

one 1000 wat will make more heat with less light than 2 600 if u are smart and u seem to be go 2 600 more lumens check jorge cervantes bible page 167 if u dont have it i can break down pros and cons for each for u if u like

doublebag said:

@smokingrubber. Can you give me details as to what light set up you have? bulb, ballast, hood? I am leaning towards the 1000 as I think 2 600s will produce to much heat.

I am thinking about using a 3x3 tray to start as my room is too small and do not have access but from the front door.

Click to expand...

Then you may want to reconsider the whole tent option to begin with. With the tent, you need to be able to walk around IT too. How are you going to hook up the ducting? WHERE are you going to hook up the ducting?

It sounds like you should just build your grow room inside the room. Put up some Panda film and hang the lights. What's wrong with that?

Why do you want a tent?

I'm using a Cool Sun 6" Enclosed Hood http://www.hydroponics.net/i/380761

It has hinged glass so bulb swap is easy. My ballast is a cheap 1000w MH/HPS switchable job. No link.

The bulb is a Hortilux 1000watt Warm Sun Metal Halide (I think but I don't have the box or the receipt here with me now).

ledgrowing said:

one 1000 wat will make more heat with less light than 2 600 if u are smart and u seem to be go 2 600 more lumens check jorge cervantes bible page 167 if u dont have it i can break down pros and cons for each for u if u like

Click to expand...

2 X 600's over a 3x3 tray?


1 600 would be MORE than enough to blow out a 3x3! . . . unless you're talking about LEDs . . . I don't know squat about em sorry

smokingrubber said:

2 X 600's over a 3x3 tray?


1 600 would be MORE than enough to blow out a 3x3! . . . unless you're talking about LEDs . . . I don't know squat about em sorry

Click to expand...

two is way better than one though

the room itself is 8' x 5' so I can get in and do any duct work prior to finalizing the room. The reason for the tent was for mobility, if I decide to use a different room at a later time.

I am still up in the air over 4 x 4 or 3 x 3 trays. I just feel the 4 x 4 tray is an awkward size. Especially with the room size.

It looks like I will get 1000w HPS to start maybe with a switchable ballast? If I ramp it up later I can deal with it then.

doublebag said:

the room itself is 8' x 5' so I can get in and do any duct work prior to finalizing the room. The reason for the tent was for mobility, if I decide to use a different room at a later time.

I am still up in the air over 4 x 4 or 3 x 3 trays. I just feel the 4 x 4 tray is an awkward size. Especially with the room size.

It looks like I will get 1000w HPS to start maybe with a switchable ballast? If I ramp it up later I can deal with it then.

Click to expand...

hey heres a good deal for a 1000w
http://cheaphydroponics.com/store/complete-grow-lights/lumatek-1000w-hps-complete-grow-light/prod_639.html

thanks thechronic

dude go with 600 trust me man u will get better results cuz no heat issues