Lighting for "stadium" grow

I am currently working on designing a medical stadium grow and have some question about lighting. Currently we have are running in a traditional manner, i.e. all plants are grown at the same level. Overhead are 9 1000 watt HPS bulbs in parabolic reflectors. The current thought is to continue running the bulbs vertically without the reflectors. Would it not be more efficient and effective to run them horizontally due to light emitting from the sides and not the ends? The space we are using is roughly 20x20x8.

9kw grow.... I think your posting in the wrong section my friend.

If your just looking for an answer then vertical gives you bigger yields and better light coverage if placed correctly.

Swims_GD said:

9kw grow.... I think your posting in the wrong section my friend.

If your just looking for an answer then vertical gives you bigger yields and better light coverage if placed correctly.

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Thank you for the feedback.

I guess I should have worded that one different. This project is that of an experienced grower that is teaching me. He wants to run the vert., I just thought that they would give better coverage. The first row of plants will be on the floor and the second will be elevated by 2 feet behind the first.

From what i have heard if you go vert it is better with 600 because you can get the plant closer to the lights.
I would say just go and do a overhead setup.

IMHO - That lighting is ample if you are to run vertical with para's, you will fill half the room. but if your planning on two rows back to back then an overhead will be better and keep them at the same level. I would also suggest you use enclosed lamps and have 1/2 separate air exhaust to vent these as your temperatures will soon rise to uncomfortable levels.

key factor - Is your grow limited to plant numbers? I. laws in your state say no more than 'x' amount per person.

if you answer yes -
does the amount your allowed to grow only fill half the space?

if you answer yes -
then yes a vertical setup would be more beneficial for you....

if you answered no to either of the above then an overhead setup would be more beneficial for you.... FILL THAT ROOM!!!

So...I think I have need to clarify my current situation a little more. Sorry for any confusion my initial post may have caused.

The grower I am working with has been at this for a while and has had the above mentioned space on line for a little over a year. Our last yield was just shy of 14 lbs from a total of 77 plants. The same number will be going in this round. As for temperature control, there are 2 A/C units, 8 fans blowing and enough ducting to make a gopher feel perfectly at home.

As my teacher, he has challenged me to come up with new ideas and/or ways to improve yield and quality.

Chris Kavajecz said:

So...I think I have need to clarify my current situation a little more. Sorry for any confusion my initial post may have caused.

The grower I am working with has been at this for a while and has had the above mentioned space on line for a little over a year. Our last yield was just shy of 14 lbs from a total of 77 plants. The same number will be going in this round. As for temperature control, there are 2 A/C units, 8 fans blowing and enough ducting to make a gopher feel perfectly at home.

As my teacher, he has challenged me to come up with new ideas and/or ways to improve yield and quality.

Click to expand...

Well hitting 14lbs on a 9k is pretty bad ass. I would stay stick with your set-up and dial it in.