HOMEBOX XL, 600 or 1000 watt HPS?

[spyvsspy]

G'day everybody,

So I recently purchased a Homebox XL "seconds", which I'm thoroughly pleased with, at almost half the price of the non-seconds, only slightly less shiny white.
Anyways, I'm deciding between a 600 or 1000 watt HPS system. Either way the reflector would be air-cooled with a vortex fan, but my tent will be in the garage in a climate where it generally gets pretty hot this time of year. Furthermore, my girlfriend is kind of a freak about the electric bill, so:

- Would a 1000 watt surpass the threshold of efficiency in a 47.25" x 47.25" room?

- Keeping heat in mind, would a 600 watter be a better choice for my application?

Basically, if you were me, 600 watt or 1000 watt?

Grow on all, Spy

 

[RaptorJesus]

i believe the 1000w is perfect for that size. should be 50wpst on the dot i believe. i just ordered the same tent to go with the 600watt i already have, but i only plan on using a 3x4 footprint

 

[spyvsspy]

Thanks for the input Raptor, its a nice tent by the way, hope you enjoy. I wouldn't say "its so easy grandpa can do it" to put together as they say, but definitely not as hard as some other models.

P.S. I plan to put 9 plants in all in there, 5 BB Blue Cheeese and 4 Double Straw Diesel, which I already have vegging, if that effects anyone's decision-making......................... input welcome people!
thanks, spy

 

[spyvsspy]

Anybody else?? I'm thinking of making the decision and purchase in the next two days............your opinions could make my room!!!.....for whatever thats worth.
-Spy

 

[Mr. Bongjangles]

I've run 1000 watts in a 4x4 tent.

I would recommend against it due to the lack of breathing room on the sides.

In order to take full advantage of the space, the outside plants will always be smashed up against the walls of the tent, especially as the walls suck inward a bit due to the negative pressure.

Instead, I recommend you run a 600w light with a 3x3 tray, or just consider your "active area" 3x3 if you don't intend to use a tray. That way, the plants will not be smashed up against the walls of the tent, air will move much more freely, and you can slide in there and inch around to access plants if need be without removing the others first. I could prolly come up with a few more reasons, but it comes down to comfort for you and the plants in the end.

 

[Neuronaut]

So you like that seconds tent, I have been debating getting one... Looks like a great deal. I would tell your girlfriend not to worry about the electricity. It will cost no more than $10 to $13 more a month to run the 1000 over the 600 during bloom. Your main concern sound like temp. It's good that you are aircooling it but if your garage isn't climate controlled your could have some serious issues during the summer. You could always buy one of each and switch to the 600 during the warmer months. If this is purely for personal stash and maybe a few extra bucks you would be fine with the 600, no reason you couldn't yield a good 12 or more once each cycle.

 

[swampdank]

Personally I would go 1k or 2 600s. If you bought it in America, it's going to be bigger than you think.

I have an XXL and I really think I could run 3 1ks air cooled in there.

 

[Neuronaut]

If two 600's would fit you could do that and take one out the months when heat is an issue.

 

[GoldenCloud]

I agree with the others, either do a 1000w or 2 600's.... push it to the limit! Might have to add some a.c. if it gets too hot in there as you mentioned temps are an issue. I just don't think a single 600w is sufficient enough for that space.

 

[Neuronaut]

I think 600 is Plenty for that space...Shit, a 400 would work, the only thing suffering is your yield.

 

[bambam]

1000watts would be nice but in the summer in the garage no way 1000 would work. Well not in my neck of the woods. Get the 600 and if you can control the temps in the garage be happy. I think you may want to get a 8in air cooled hood with a 8in fan also.......Just my two cents. BamBam

 

[Philosophelon]

I say start out with 1x 600w bulb, and if you are not having heat issues, you can always add another one later on. As Neuro suggested, you could run 2 in the winter and 1 in the summer.