400w HPS/MH too much for 4 sqft + 265cfm fan?

[banjobrain]

Hey all,

I am trying to decide on a lamp for my cab. I was initially considering a 250w HID lamp, but I realize that I could purchase a 400w set up for the same price or cheaper.

I know I'd get better yields, but I do have some concerns.

• Would a 400w MH/HPS switchable be overkill for my cab?

The flowering room for my cab is 24x24. It is 42" tall. Airflow is pretty good, with a 265cfm squirrel cage fan and a 8x8" darkroom louver intake on the bottom of the cab.

Thanks - I look forward to reading your responses.

 

[pinecone]

I run one in a 24"X30" cab and it works fine with a 6" Votex and 1 8"X8" darkroom vent.

Pinecone

 

[banjobrain]

I run one in a 24"X30" cab and it works fine with a 6" Votex and 1 8"X8" darkroom vent.

Pinecone

That's a good sized fan, pushing almost 450cfm and one extra square foot of floor space...I'm concerned about my temps running too high and my fan not being able to cool it adequately.

Maybe I should just stick with my original plan of the 250w HID and supplement with CFLs.

 

[LolaGal]

I'd get the 400, you'll like the extra light. Maybe bump up your fan if needed. A 400 is supposed to cover a 3ft x 3ft area.

 

[pinecone]

That's a good sized fan, pushing almost 450cfm and one extra square foot of floor space...I'm concerned about my temps running too high and my fan not being able to cool it adequately.

Maybe I should just stick with my original plan of the 250w HID and supplement with CFLs.

Well - I'm not sure the extra square footage makes that much of a difference but the fan might. The other thing arguing against the 400w is the height. Once you hang a hood 42" isn't much space. A 400w is going to require more distance from the plant tops, plus you are going to want to grow small plants anyway, negating some of the benefits of the bigger light.

Pinecone

 

[sickworm]

I had 2 36"w/18"d/42"h cabs each with a 265cf squirrel fan pulling through a carbon filter in the basement. In the summer I could not get the temps below 90f. I did get a good crop but I think it would've been better with lower temps. If you can aircool the light hood, get the 400. If not, get the 400 and hope for the best.