rkymtnman wrote:hey rbt,
i didn't want to bust your chops earlier but you'd need lead shielding with 2 1k's in a 2x4 area.
SME, i didn't know that about a rectangular shape issue. i figured a square reflector would be good for sq areas (obvious) but a rectangular reflector would compensate for the different shape.
like a cool tube would seem to be better for a rect shape room.
but rbt, you need to decide what your end game is? i thought i read that you want to do just a few grows per year. i want to do the same thing. vacations, life etc gets in the way. when they are in flower, you need to commit to being around them for pretty much til they are done. so figure out how much you need in finished product per grow. if you do 2 grows a year for example and you smoke an 1oz per month, you need 6 oz per grow.
so start at the end and work your way backwards to figure out how what type of setup you need
RKKY
I think 250w/sqft HPS would be beyond the point of diminished returns.
Yes, to a degree, they *do* work in rectangular shaped areas but not so much when the length is 2 x depth. If you use a single light in too long of an area the end plants suffer since the light has farther to travel. Inverse square...blah blah blah.
I always suggest taking your estimated monthly need and doubling it for planning purposes. It's better to have an inventory and skip a grow than to not have enough meds to get you to the next harvest.
YMMV...