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Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 11:32 am
by briman
Hello, I have posted a journal on here over a year ago In the California Lightworks GFP forum. I have sold my grow tent and have upgraded to a 4 x 4 grow tent. I know the footprint is for a single SS 400 is too small, and was wondering if running dual SS 400's would be better?

Also with all the journals here, What have you found to be the proper distance from conopy with the solar storm 400's in veg and flower?

Thanks, briman

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 12:39 pm
by rkymtnman
hey briman,

i'm assuming you already have one ss400. another one would get you closer to 50 watts/ sq ft (you'd still be only around 40ish). if it were me and you already have the 4x4 tent, get another ss400 (if you liked the first) and try to use like 3.5 ft by 3.5 ft of the tent. keep the plants away from the edges and close to the middle.

post a new journal whenever you get up and running.

RKY

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 12:45 pm
by SisterMaryElephant
Hi briman,

Better? Yes. Enough? The short answer is no, it's not enough for flowering cannabis in a full 4x4 tent if you're looking to maximise yield. You'll want at least 50w/sqft (or more) for top-shelf results. That said, if you don't use the whole tent for canopy or if you're willing to sacrifice a little yield/quality then you might get away with it. Many commercial growers will stuff a 1000w HPS in a 4x4 tent to maximise production and quality.

CLW suggests 18-24" above the canopy but that's partially to increase coverage. It really depends on the strain and other environmental condition but we've had members here drop them to less than 12" so you'll have to experiment. You can start off at 18" and drop them 3 inches every few days while closely monitoring for signs of light stress/bleaching and then raising them back up once you find the limit for your strain(s) by a couple of inches.


Hope that helps,

SME

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 12:49 pm
by SisterMaryElephant
rkymtnman wrote:hey briman,

i'm assuming you already have one ss400. another one would get you closer to 50 watts/ sq ft (you'd still be only around 40ish). if it were me and you already have the 4x4 tent, get another ss400 (if you liked the first) and try to use like 3.5 ft by 3.5 ft of the tent. keep the plants away from the edges and close to the middle.

post a new journal whenever you get up and running.

RKY


With the shape of the SS400w (and 440w) panels I'd suggest 3x4 instead of 3.5x3.5 but you have the right idea... ;)

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 11:10 pm
by briman
Thanks everyone, will get a journal up when I decide if I am getting a new led or go with something bigger!! Appreciate you responses!!

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:37 am
by rkymtnman
how about a 600HPS and the SS400? that would give you roughly 900 watts total.

Re: Running Dual CLW Solar Storm 400's in a 4 x 4 tent

PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 12:35 pm
by SisterMaryElephant
rkymtnman wrote:how about a 600HPS and the SS400? that would give you roughly 900 watts total.

There's more to it than just the total watts, there's also shape to consider. Neither light would properly cover a 4' edge so you'd have weak areas of coverage even though the middle would be fine. A 1000w HPS, for example, can properly cover a 4x5 area so putting that in a 4x4 doesn't have the same problem. 4 x SS400's would easily cover a 4x4 tent with 1320w but that's a little expensive and you'd be better off using most of a 5x5 (or part of a 6x6) instead. Assuming he already has the 4x4 tent I'd just not use the whole thing rather than trying to stuff 4 SS400's in one...or I'd use the right sized HID. 2 x SS400w lights (or a 600w HID) would be excellent in a 3x3...if he hasn't bought a tent yet.