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Plasma light for extra wattage

PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 3:49 am
by neh420
hi,

I am currently in the process of setting up a new grow room.
I use to grow a few years ago just as a hobby never expecting much with Fluorescent lights and now want to set up I good grow room with a grow tent using LED lights (most likely going to choose California Light Works SS400)

I have decided to get a 4x4 tent and grow 3 to 4 plants in soil. Yes, I know the CLW SS400 is best for a 3x3 area but after much thought I want some space to breath, as in space to put a good size osculating fan as well as a bucket to make my own CO2 etc. And just some extra space to work around in but primarily grow the plants in a 3x3 area in the tent (I would ideally like a 3x4 tent but they don't make those)

So considering I will be using a 4x4 tent, i was wondering if I ever wanted to use a little more than the 3x3 area that the LED light best works with or if I just wanted to add a few more watts just in general, especially durimg bloom, instead of adding some T8 lights or CFLs or whatever that most other people seem to do to add more wattage, has anyone ever had experience or just any knowledge with Plasma lights, in particular the one that hydroponics hut sells?

Also, does anyone have any knowledge on the hydroponics hut LED lights, or is the California Light works SS400 the light that I really should be buying?

Thank You

Re: Plasma light for extra wattage

PostPosted: Sun Jan 12, 2014 7:10 pm
by SisterMaryElephant
Assuming you mean cannabis plants, you want at least 50w/sqft, in flower, if you want top-shelf results. So, even adding 50w plasma to a SS400w (~330w LED actual draw in flower mode) you'd still be a little light (no pun intended) in a 3x3 (9sqft) area. They do make bigger/better plasma lights if you still want to use that kind of additional light.

The hydro-hut lights are cheap chinese lights that are sold by different names to different importers. They're nothing special and usually weaker 3w diodes. The CLW lights are good lights but I don't tell people what lights they "should" be buying. *I* would avoid apollo lights (which are probably made by the same company that the hydrohut lights come from) they spam a lot and, if they have to spam, they're probably not worth buying.

Re: Plasma light for extra wattage

PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:27 pm
by neh420
So I should definitely go with the California Light Works light than (I know you said you don't officially reccomend, but nevertheless that would be a good buy?) I've seen the CLW Ss800 but that is way beyond my budget. And honestly I am happy if I can get 4 oz dried per harvest (and yes Cannabis)

Re: Plasma light for extra wattage

PostPosted: Mon Jan 13, 2014 2:51 pm
by SisterMaryElephant
It's a good light. You might be able to get the SS800w for 1/2 price through the growers feedback program (GFP) if they still offer it for that model.

Even the SS400w should be able to give you over 4oz per harvest if you maintain a proper environment but it only covers 3x2 well...and either way you'll want short plants. ;)