400w from start to finish

[cbrown20]

hi i am getting ready to start my first grow (closet) and was wondering what peoples thoughts are on using a 400w hps from start to finish

 

[messn'n'gommin']

That will work. Most will tell you that a redder spectrum during veg will make them stretch a bit more than under a bluer spectrum. Some will say it won't make all that much difference.

For me I use cool white cfl's until they will fit under a 250, then two 250's when they get bigger than what one light will cover, in a 2'x4' closet. But, yeah, start to finish will work ok.

 

[cbrown20]

great thanks for the input

 

[highonmt]

If you already have the hps use it but I would use MH for the whole grow if I was buying a light. Much better all around bulb for most strains. As noted less stretch in veg and an added benefit of less heat. I only use mh anymore just due to the heat and the bulbs are cheaper than hps. Standard Slyvania mh lamps are like 15$ and preform just as well as hortilux's at 100$+ IMO. Good growing.
HM

 

[sweetestsin420]

1

 

[rangergord]

I did the same for many years. If you want better light from your hps consider a ceramic metal halide bulb. Good for veg and flower and runs in HPS magnetic ballasts. Check out the Ceramic metal halide sticky thread in the lighting forum here at IC.

 

[cbrown20]

thanks for the responses guys

 

[blake881]

i use the 400w hps since germinating and while bloom too. but i also made sure that my lamp has enough blue spectrum. at all works with a usuall hps lamp too