I want to do 5 plants in a 32x32 inch tent. How big should I go? Also how long should I grow in the confined space? I want to grow Norther Lights from Sensi Seeds with a 600 w if that helps.
Hiya UncleJohnsBrand, is that 32" x 32"x??" and Five seems like a lot for that space.. if the Tent is 32" x 32" x 32" then I would say(and I could be wrong) But 3 would be a better No of Plants to go with..I mean sure you can squash 5 into this space..but I've found its a lot of hard work, a a pain in the arse and the plants can suffer because of lack of "Breathing" space.
Then you have to factor in other things> (IF) the Tent is 32" x 32" x 32" you got to allow for the plants to "Stretch" when you Flower them(Flip to 12/12) also think about How Big a Pot size you want to use...as they say BIGGER IS BETTER!!(but this Robs a little OR lot of your Height space 2)
Then think about the Bulb, unless you use a Cool Tube OR Air-Cooled Hood you gotta keep it at least 12" away from the tops of Ladies..(check if they getting HOT by putting hand at same level as plants...IF hand gets HOT so are your Ladies)
And lastly you will need space for Fans and Carbon Filter Kit(IF you using 1) Ducting, etc...
Though you can go quite small in most respect of the Kit you Buy..you can even sit some parts outside the Tent (Ballast) but you do need to take space, Air circulation and Temps & Humidity into account..
Good Luck
Peace
EDIT: Just looking at a Tape measure and if Tent Height is 32" then take 8" off for Plant Pot Height then 5" for hanging Light clearance then you left with 19" of space and at least 6" of this needed for flowering...so maybe start Flowering em at 13-14"...or even a bit lower depending how long you plan to Veg for this itself is an important factor...IF you can Air Cool the Bulb this would give you back some space and you can let the Ladies get quite close to the Bulb then.
and like the OP say's maybe Scrog...
Maybe Topping, Fim, or Lst em...