Another config option for the dr150

[skylined]

I was thinking a 1k would be good for a 4'11'' x 4'11'' space, giving 41 watts per square foot. An alternate configuring for this would be 3 430 W lights, thusly making different strains easier to grow b/c each light source is indepedently adjustable. The problem is that this would pull almost 1300 watts and I'd worry about running all of these on a 15 amp circuit. So, is this a viable option? Also, is 41 watts per square foot a good enough amount? A final question - would 3 400s generate more or less heat than a 1k lamp?

Peace,
~Skylined

 

[PurplePotion]

Well, 1300W @ 120V would pull 10.8 amps, which would be okay as long as this is all you're running on this circuit. I would recommend running the ballasts on 240V, which would bring your amperage down to 5.4 amps-- giving you plenty of margin for safety. If you went the 400W route, you could opt to use CMH bulbs, which run a bit cooler than a standard HPS, and have a great spectrum.

 

[skylined]

It would pull 10.8 amps running regularly but isn't there a current spike in first few minutes after startup? I have no idea about running ballasts on different voltages, I am not willing to mess around at all with electricity. I've been electrocuted enough times I never want it to happen again. Do CMH give you the same results as an HPS? I know the 430 W Hortilux bulbs have extra blue spectrum. Which bulb would actually give you better results in terms of internodal length, density and overall yield?

Peace,
~Skylined

 

[PurplePotion]

I suggest you skim through the CMH stickied thread @ the top of this forum. The basic trend seems to be that CMH runs cooler, keeps plants shorter (tighter internodes)-- which leads to better light penetration of the plant of a whole. They also run a bit cooler. CMH does not seem to decrease yield, but there haven't really been any real tests to show that it yields more. People using CMH claim that their plants look healthier than ever before.

I'm not sure about the spike, as I'm no electrician.. I'm sure someone else could chime in and answer that question for ya.

Another thing you need to consider.. What else is on that particular circuit? A lot of the times, you'll find that a whole lot more than you think is tied into one 15A circuit.

 

[HEADDS]

A 1000W air cooled would be perfect for the 150.. I thought about doing that but I'm waiting for the DR300 to come out so I can stick 2 600's in there.

 

[skylined]

My TV and the two fluorescent lights in the bathroom are also hooked onto that circuit. Not much amperage there and I can always wire the TV onto the kitchen circuit. I think I'm gonna go with the 1k in the dr150. One lamp is cheaper than 3 anyways and theres less risk of popping the circuit. Will 41 watts per square foot give you dense, big ass buds provided other factors are well taken care of?

Peace,
~Skylined