grow Tent size Question

my tent is 32 x 32 x 63, I'm planning on putting a 250w HPS in the tent w/ 4 plants. Do you guys think the 250 will be enough power for sufficient yields? I would go 400w but im worried about heat?

400w with a/c hood.
could even go with a 600w

usaburk said:

my tent is 32 x 32 x 63, I'm planning on putting a 250w HPS in the tent w/ 4 plants. Do you guys think the 250 will be enough power for sufficient yields? I would go 400w but im worried about heat?

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I'm thinking that the 250W is a bit on the lean side unless your plants don't get too tall. The light penetration from a 250W will be negligible about 4 ft. down from the bulb whereas the 400W IMHO, would be better (much) but again, you are correct in that heat will definitely be more and a possible issue. I would NOT go 600W in that small of an area, heat would be overwhelming. If you haven't bought your reflector yet, get a "Growzila" sold by most Hydro shops and made by Hydro farm. It is 2 sockets in one reflector. yes you'd need 2 ballasts but you could mix wattage and/or HPS/MH and run one for about 4-5 hours up the middle of the light cycle and mimic high noon. I have this in my Veg area and have been doing this for 3+ years this way. Works wonders too!

Go with at least a 400 watter... the 250 will leave you wanting more. I set up 2'x4' tents for patients all the time, usually with 600 watts, 4" intake, 6" out and temps are fine.

You are smart to be concerned about heat in a small enclosed area.

Height is going to be your limiting factor. Figure a 3-gallon pot is 12 inches tall and a 250W light will be at least 6 inches from
the ceiling -- and you are looking at harvesting 30-36 inch plants. Instead of stuffing 4 plants in the small space go ahead and
grow 2 instead. When you have more than 2 plants under one light it is tougher to keep the light coverage close to even.

Good luck, BigSteve.