three 600w vs two 1000w hps

I have been debating this for a long time and still cant make up my minded what is best for a 4x8 ebb and flow table.

Three 600w pros: more light sources for light distribution.
Cons: Cost, less light penetration (from what i heard)

Two 1000w pros: Cheaper, deeper light penetration.
Cons: less sources of light for even distribution

Any help would be appreciated and light movers are on option.

I'd say you can't go wrong with either. I'd go with the two 1000's over the two 4x4 spaces.

cazador said:

I'd say you can't go wrong with either. I'd go with the two 1000's over the two 4x4 spaces.

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From what I've read, and based on my own experience, wattage being equal, it's better to have more light sources. I would suggest the 3 600's because you'll have light coming from three sources instead of 2. If you look up some videos on google i'm sure you could find the video where they put a light meter in front of 2 light sources and it shows how 1 of equal wattage puts out less light. You aren't dealing with equal wattage but if you are getting good ballasts you can offset that a bit. Also, most 1000W ballast are magnetic and make a nice bit of noise.

Penetration wise the three 600's should be fine, but it depends on the genetics too as I'm sure you're aware. Generally I find a good 600 watt system has ALMOST the same penetration as a 1000.

Also, think of the positioning of 3 lights versus 2 over a rectangular surface. I'd say you're best running all three, reflectors end to end, and leave your room as it is. Distribution makes up for penetration so long as you have some good reflective surfaces!

Good luck!

Ive done both and you are correct, 2 1000's will get denser buds. But 3 600's will spread your light out a bit more enabling the plants on the furthest edges to produce more. I used to run 2 1000's which ultimately cost a bit more on electricity. Now I have 3 600's and Ill never look back. I can do anything from spreading out a few big plants and getting great results such as the White Widow pick that is my advatar or I can do a SOG which I am currently doing at the moment. Give me an hour and Ill post pics of my current set up.

superdave5 said:

Ive done both and you are correct, 2 1000's will get denser buds. But 3 600's will spread your light out a bit more enabling the plants on the furthest edges to produce more. I used to run 2 1000's which ultimately cost a bit more on electricity. Now I have 3 600's and Ill never look back. I can do anything from spreading out a few big plants and getting great results such as the White Widow pick that is my advatar or I can do a SOG which I am currently doing at the moment. Give me an hour and Ill post pics of my current set up.

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Also, I've done the exact same program for my current Jack Herer grow with a 400 +150 HPS, and previously with a 600. The 550 seems to be further along at this stage a branched out to the sides more. Significant enough that it's a visibly larger plant.

What I have come to realize over time is exactly that... that 3 600s in a hood will def do u better than 2 1k, however i can come to the conclusion. that if your goin to be hanging vertical bulbs and doing big plants. 1k are the way to go because the bud get so thick up and down the whole plant that you really need those 1ks for pentration if u want the best results. So all in all 600s for horizontol hoods or vert with smaller plants or vscrog., but use 1k with big plants vertical

eric8313 said:

What I have come to realize over time is exactly that... that 3 600s in a hood will def do u better than 2 1k, however i can come to the conclusion. that if your goin to be hanging vertical bulbs and doing big plants. 1k are the way to go because the bud get so thick up and down the whole plant that you really need those 1ks for pentration if u want the best results. So all in all 600s for horizontol hoods or vert with smaller plants or vscrog., but use 1k with big plants vertical

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True enough Eric. To the OP, I mentioned in the first post that the genetics matter, and this post pretty much sums that point up really well. If you have very tall plants you will need the extra penetration a 1000W can give you. Very tall meaning 5 1/2 feet high or more at stretching(up to 3rd week flower let's say). Also, due to the variations out there it's hard to generalize...

I assumed since you had a horizontal room you'd be doing a sog or scrog or something along those lines but I could certainly be wrong. What are you plans?

Thank your for the information, I am going to buck up and get 3 600w. My plants stay short (under 3'). As clift709 put in the picture that is what i am going for.

SaRaNaC said:

Thank your for the information, I am going to buck up and get 3 600w. My plants stay short (under 3'). As clift709 put in the picture that is what i am going for.

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Perfect, you're going to love the 3 600's in that case. Good luck with your grow!