Please help :) lighting question

[kiwipaulie]

Hi all, I currently have a 1mx1mx2m tent (4x4) with a 400w MH in a cooltube.

I'm 3 weeks into veg and they are growing really well.

I have a 600w HPS I'm going to use for flowering.

Would I be better to just be using the 600w or is it a waste of power when I can use the 400 MH

 

[GR0WL0]

Would I be better to just be using the 600w or is it a waste of power when I can use the 400 MH

If your question is basically which bulb to use during flowering, which I think it is then:

To my knowledge, it depends on your priorities. MH grown bud is sometimes considered to have a better aroma and flavor, while HPS grown bud will win in the weight department. In a perfect situation, you might be able to take advantage of both bulbs and their corresponding advantage.

 

[Cobnobuler]

I'd go ahead and fire up that 600. I have 2 400's and I wish they were 600's heat issues aside.

 

[morrisminority]

Would I be better to just be using the 600w or is it a waste of power when I can use the 400 MH

Hi Kiwipaulie

My understanding is that the blue spectrum of a MH light will keep your internode spacing nice and tight, so they don't stretch too tall during veg.

HPS has more red spectrum of light, which the plants use in the flowering process - and the extra wattage will make a significant difference too in terms of your final yield.

These represent the sun's light during the year - it's cooler/bluer earlier in the season, and redder towards the end.

I guess you have to decide what is more important - your energy bill, or your final yield.

If it was me, I would flower under the HPS all day long.

To my knowledge, it depends on your priorities. MH grown bud is sometimes considered to have a better aroma and flavor, while HPS grown bud will win in the weight department. In a perfect situation, you might be able to take advantage of both bulbs and their corresponding advantage.

In terms of aroma quality, I have never done a side by side test with identical genetics, but I'd be very interested if anyone else has any opinions on the matter.


Peace

MM