New Grower needs help

[MrNiceHigh]

[an]I posted this on GrowKind as well, but I just wanted to make sure I got a full spectrum of opinions on what I'm going to attempt.[/an]

Alright I'm building a simple grow box, the dimensions of which are currently planned at 3x3x4, giving me a total of 9 square feet of grow-space on the floor. I'm planning on putting a 400W HPS for both veg and flowering as I was told that 250 would be too little.
I'm not going to buy a conversion set for the light quite yet, as I don't believe the differences will really make up for the cost - especially since this is my first grow. I'm planning on growing five plants in the area, though I'm not totally committed to sticking with this number if there is a better yield possibility with the space that I'm working with.
The plans for the box incorporate six three inch holes on the bottom panel of the box with pvc pipes coming up into the grow area for ventilation and extension cords. There will be another hole around 6-8 inches in diameter towards the top of one of the side panels for a fan and some ventilation tubing. Not sure if I'm going to invest in some mylar or if I'm just going to paint the inside a flat white.
I was thinking, because of the short overhead, that I should veg to about 1 foot and then force them to flower. Should I go less or more than that? I was thinking if I vegged them to about a foot they would reach 2-3 feet during flowering.
Any ideas as to the yield estimation and any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a lot,
-MrNiceHigh

 

[JJScorpio]

When I started growing I picked a 400 to start out with. I now have 2 of them but if I had it to do over I would get the 600. That will grow some nice buds in your room you have planned....

 

[MrNiceHigh]

You don't think that a 600W is too much in such a confined area? I don't want to burn the plants. I'm only talking about 36 cubic feet with the 3x3x4 box. I've heard that there are concerns with getting small areas like that too hot.

Thanks for responding,
-MrNiceHigh

 

[JJScorpio]

If you have good intake and exhaust systems it will be OK. I have a pair of 400's in a 4 by 4 area. If you plan on staying that size the 400 will do but we all get bigger, lol. If you were to run the 600 in there it might be good to add a foot or two in height for the heat to gather before it is fanned out. If you dont have the right exhaust equip the 400 will be easier to control...

 

[Guest]

MrNiceHigh, I for one think that a 400 will work fine for you and your size area (3x3x4) a 400 will cover an area of that size really well just do not let you plants get too tall as the light penetration from a 400 is only about 40 inches.You could use a 600 if you can control the heat but for the money they cost a 400 should be just fine, here is a photo of a box I use that at the time had 3 - 400 watt lamps in it (2/hps and 1/mh love the mixed lights ) and I would keep my plants 36 to 40 inches tall from the top of the soil to the bottom of the bulbs and the 400s worked just great.I do have 1800 watts in the box now (1 - 1000 watt MH and 2 - 400 watt HPS) and run it with no reflectors just nake bulbs hanging in the canopy and do 1600 grams ever 8 weeks so I am happy. Peace and be safe dequilo



box with 1200 watts 3 - 400 watters





short plants

 

[lumbo]

I've got basically a 3x3 grow with five plants under a 400 watt hps. I'm not the world's greatest grower (yet), but I consistently get 10-12 ounces (dried & manicured) with this set-up every 2 months.

Go with the white paint. It's cheap and just as effective as mylar. Plus, it's a lot easier to put up and maintain.

What dequilo said about light penetration. I think a 600 watter might work for you, too, but you could have heat issues. If you can get by with less, you'll save money and energy.

Speaking of saving energy, I always veg with 43-watt compact flourescent bulbs in a separate cabinet. I can veg 8 plants in 1-gallon pots for 2 months under about 130 watts or flouro light, and they do just fine. CFL bulbs cost about $10 each and screw into a regular light socket.

On plant height, check out Low Stress Training (LST). I don't know if there are threads on this board dealing with the topic, but I assume there are. I use a rubber-band technique for holding the strings down. There's a thread on that I started yesterday here in the soil forum. You got any questions about that, just post 'em and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[Guest]

Hey JJ you will be able to grow them taller with a 600 around 60 inches tall the penetration should give you a noticeable differents, his height is only 48 inches with the pot and reflector (if he uses one) his plant will not be that tall and with a 36 inch x 36 inch footprint a single 400 should work OK not the best.I buy brand new 400 watters for 65.00 us dollars with standard bulbs local so that is why I use them but IMHO if you are spending the dough on a 600 watter buy a 1000 watter and you will save money on bulbs, ballasts and what not and with a 1000 watter if you can keep it cool you will get light penetration . But of course this is only my two cents peace and be safe dequilo

 

[Guest]

JJ, the weather is unreal I get weather off Oneida lake and it will snow like no tomorrow at my place I have no snow and plants in my outside gardens are starting to grow.I am planning on putting up a greenhouse this year about 15 feet by 30 feet and doing some single cola plants outside in six inxh pots at the rate it is going we should be able to finish almost anything outside this year.I am really likein this folks here at IC they are some really fine people I am here to stay more then likely. Peace my friend and stay safe dequilo

 

[MrNiceHigh]

Wow, this thread really exploded overnight!
I'm glad to see so many people respond to it, and thanks to everyone for their great input. I think I'm going to stick with the 400W HPS for sure, as I'm not really willing to give up the stealthiness of my box by adding a few feet to the top. For a little while I was debating whether or not to just put nine plants in there, one per square foot, and do a SOG but I'm really excited about having some nice -full- plants, y'know? I'll be looking for LST around here and other places to see how I can utilize that. Also I'm looking to go straight organic on this grow, as I was raised on organic food and would like to incorporate that lifestyle into my bud as well. I was thinking a nice organic soil mix and then adding some worm castings to really get the plants going.
Any comments on that?

Anyway thanks to you all for responding and the great info I've been getting!

-MrNiceHigh

 

[Guest]

I do not worry much about my pics because photo shop (which is not registered by me) strips the info from the pic b4 I save it to my hard drive..
Also I read a thread by Lothar that you have to admit they are yours before they can use it.. I forget the rest stated about it.....

I say 400 W Switchable if you are going to grow start to finish in the same room.
If not deff get an enhanced spectrum HPS bulb!

If you can cool the light a 600 Watter will deff grow tighter, denser buds, while yielding a bit more...
But without good ventilation you will deff have a hot ass room with the 600 W.....

Good luck with your upcoming grow Mr.NiceHigh!!

 

[Guest]

MrNiceHigh, Yes the best of luck in your grows you got a whole lot of great advice from some really good growers as far as organic soils go I use soilless and salt ferts so I am not the one for that but if I can help you please feel free to PM me and I will see what I can do for you. Peace and stay safe Dequilo


I am with you PassionForMaryJ if they where to grab my PC or raid my house photos would be the least of my problems Peace