Hi all!
I have spent a few days stalking the site trying to learn what I can before asking a question. You all have been super helpful to read. We are starting our first grow and we just want to be sure we are going about this correctly.
We decided to go with a tent that is 4x4x78. We are only planning on growing 2-3 plants for the first go so that way we can learn all the things we don’t know. The hardest part I am having is the lights. There are SO many recommendations. The grow bible talks about CFL tubes, but most here seem to be using LED panels. Reading through this the HLG Diablo seems like something people approve of.
Would 2 of these be ideal for an 4x4 space?
Can we start with one and if so, do we need to curtain off the additional unused space or is that overkill?
Thanks for the help. Willing to spend money to do this right, but would prefer to stay under a $700-800
When you say 7-800 are you meaning in total? Or for lights alone?
All the equipment needed to fill and light a 4x4 space will get pricey quickly. Lighting alone to match cannabis levels in that space could be that 800$ budget. But running less plant and getting a light for each can work really well and give you the chance to upgrade as you grow.
HLG is a great source for lighting.
Do pay close attention to the recommended flowering footprint listed. They are accurate. Don’t make the mistake of underlighting. You can start out with less light and only use part of the tent but 4x4 tent is 16 square foot and needs a lot of light. HLG has a few options that will work for a 4x4 tent. If you decide to go for less at the moment look for a light that would work for a 2x4 area and plan to buy a second one later.
BTW @CocoaHooves , Welcome to the best Cannabis forum on the planet.
That puts you in a great spot. If you’re looking to expand eventually in a space like that I’d probably lean towards the HLG Diablo 200 and get one for each plant. Start with the 2 and add when you expand your grow
There are other great light companies. I didn’t research much because I like what I got when I started with HLG
Do pay close attention to the recommended flowering footprint listed. They are accurate
I am glad you brought that up. The HLG site says 4x4 for veg and 2x2 for flowering. I am a bit confused as to which stage of the growth is which. Can you clear that up for me really quick.
You can start out with less light and only use part of the tent…
Just to check on this one, if we use part of the tent should we block off the rest or just let it be? Was hard to tell from other posters pictures.
Also when it comes to lighting, some manufacturers inflate their claims. HLG does not. But before you pull the trigger you might post your planned purchase here just to make sure. There is all sorts of deceptive advertising on grow lights right now. Trust me, I fell for some early on and many others here can state the same.
@Spiney_norman - Thanks. That is why I posted here. Reading a lot of these posts it seemed like some vendors were all over the place. Considering the feedback here I might opt for a smaller tent - found a 4x2x7. For the light, I think I will stick with the HLG Diablo as HLG has the better reputation and the Diablo seems like a simpler starting unit.
If you’re downsizing to the 2 x 4 I would recommend 2- HLG 200 Diablos. Great lights, I have 3 of these and 2 HLG 300 RSPECS and prefer the 200 Diablos
Nail dowm what you want to do for tent first. And best way to do that is figure out what you’re looking to get per harvest. Keep in mind that you’ll probably be looking at 3-4 months from seed to harvest. Then have some dry and curing time on top of that. So could be 5+ months before you’re ready to call your harvest ready.
A good grower with healthy plants and decent strain can get a pound dry ouy of 2x4 or 3x3. A newb shouldn’t expect to do that much, maybe half that if things go alright.
HLG here all the way. I just ordered a 350R and a UVA-30 XL for my new Gorilla 2x4 tent. I all most bought 2ea. 200 Diablo. Cheaper than the 350R. But the dimmer is built into the driver and it’s another power cord to manage. Then add the UVA-30 XL thats three power cords. So the 350R is only one power cord and a bit less watts but a better solution for me. If you haven’t bought your tent yet go for a good one and get as tall a tent as you can get. I went with another Standard Gorilla with 1’ extension. My 3x3 is the same. That will give me a 7’11" tall tent. Plenty of vertical for what ever I want to do. And one thing I like to do is grow long legged wicked Sativas. First grow in the new 2x4x7’11" will be two Alaskan Thunder Fuck wild girls. Enjoy your research, purchase process and getting into the grow…
I’ve been watching some of your conversations and I would suggest you checkout california light works as they are having a sale on their lights and another 30% off after that.
For instance you can get a solarxtreme 1000 for $664.30 or a solarxtreme 500 for $328.30,either will handle that 4x4 and as opportunity presents itself and you so desire you can add the UVB system when they run another sale.They’re made in America as are most of the components diodes are one of the only things coming from across the pond. These are big discounts worth considering and they have been reviewed extensively. Good luck.
all truths
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