4x4 or 5x5

[Addicted2Grow]

Hi,

If space aint a problem, will the total yield be better?

Lets say I use a 1000w.

What would yield most in a 4x4 space or 5x5?

About 25% more space..

Thanks for any ideas and inputs..

 

[OneTokeOver]

Bigger is better if you have the space. 4x4 is borderline too small for a 1000 w imo, the 5x5 is perfect.

Even given the same amount of plants, more room = better air movement, access to plants and easier to place equipment.

 

[growshopfrank]

for a regular flat garden the reflector that you use will be the determining factor of the most efficient footprint. tip- many reflectors are intended for roughly a 4'x4' space as that is as close to an industry standard as there is (for 1kw lamp)

PS this thread may help you decide https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=51325

 

[Phaeton]

Multiple light sources will outperform a single point light regardless of reflector. If the space is available a set of 4 lights with overlapping footprints will grow both fast and healthy. Even using 250 watts x 4 will outgrow a 1kw, better penetration due to less selfshading.
Setup cost is more, probably about 2 ounces more, good trade. Of course I would think so as I have 7 x 400w with the reflectors almost touching, really excellent coverage and good budding deep inside.:kitty:

 

[Pakrat]

Yield what? Smokable buds and lots of trim or A+ buds? Growing style, veg time and plant numbers all come into play too. It also depends on how close you want to run the light and as mentioned your reflector selection. Raising the light increases the footprint, but at the cost of lost lumens. You may find yourself rotating pots more in a 5x5 depending on your end setup.

If you already have your reflector, turn on your light and see what the footprint of the light looks light. Will it evenly cover 5x5? Keep the good stuff inside the box, and no worries.
Good luck.

 

[Shcrews]

5x5 is fine for 1000w.. with an even canopy you will have fat buds all the way out to the edges

 

[Stranger]

5x5 - go vert.

Perfect grow 4-6 trees.

Good luck and happy growing!

 

[cjk]

i've done 1200 in a 5.5x5 and 1000 in a 4x4 and i like the intensity of the 4x4. the 4x4 plants always grow a little faster and sturdier. i run 9 3 gallon soillless and lst/top to even out the canopy and get awesome penetration in the 4x4. though, if you want to go vert definately grab the 5x5

 

[Shcrews]

i've done 1200 in a 5.5x5 and 1000 in a 4x4 and i like the intensity of the 4x4. the 4x4 plants always grow a little faster and sturdier. i run 9 3 gallon soillless and lst/top to even out the canopy and get awesome penetration in the 4x4. though, if you want to go vert definately grab the 5x5

even horizontal, if we are talking tents, which i assume we are, i would go with a 5x5 over 4x4, simply because the xtra 9 sq feet will yield quite a bit.

if you have a big room, just use the standard one kw per 4x4, pack those lights in haha

 

[thefatman]

Borrow a good quantum meter and you will then actually have good information rather than many differing opinions. However I only know of two people on this site that use quantum meters.

I am with Phaeton as far as the use of multiple light sources rather than a single light source. Most light reflectors still provide a hot spot (most intense lighting) in the middle just under the bulb with lessening light as you move out over their foot print. Even though the total lumen output is lower with four 250 watt lights the four 250 watts lights supply a greater area with good lighting than does a single 1000 watt light. Especially as you can place a 250 watt light much closer the the plant canopy with the smaller lights. Some say that the 1000 watt lights are better for tall plants but that only really pertains to a tall plant very near the center of the lights foot print. My meter and my plants both show that four 250 watt light over a 4' by 4' area supply better Par coverage in an acceptable range than when using a single 1000 watt lights. Those testing results have been shown to be true using a wide range of reflectors. The best reflectors I have found for supplying the most even lighting have been designed for reef aquariums not those sold to growers from typical hydro and grow stores.

 

[Snagglepuss]

Im really happy i got the 5x5 instead of the 4x4.I do a 400 and a 600 in tubes side by side,w portable ac and any smaller ,i would have wished for the bigger tent..

 

[qbert]

I've been running a 4x4 with 1k for a while. Just upgraded and added a 5x5 with another 1k. It's only been a few days, but I'm digging the 5x5, so much room - and the light seems to reach the edges well... If it goes as well as I hope I may swap the 4x4 out for another 5x5.

 

[LeeROI]

. . .
What would yield most in a 4x4 space or 5x5?

About 25% more space..

(25 - 16) / 16 = 56% more (area), I think

 

[Snook]

Screw the reflector/hoods, go neked. Verticle mount the bulb(s), will give you more head room (no hood). They dont stretch as much either. Hood holds heat in, think heat sink: so the room is somewhat easier to cool. You'll never look back.

 

[sof2butch]

I think ive heard more extremely experienced information on this thread than I have on a thread in a long time....
Fwiw, I think using 4x4 drain tables under 1000 lights is the simplest way to go. You can always pack more plants in around the surrounding area, but at some point you need cleanliness and organization or you will go crazy! Keep it clean and neat. Most of the usable light is under the 4x4 area anyway AND if you are using a trellis you can easily spread it to 5x5 .
You will be alot happier this way.

 

[Shcrews]

Most of the usable light is under the 4x4 area anyway AND if you are using a trellis you can easily spread it to 5x5 ..

bingo!

 

[Yah`mon]

I bought a temp veg tent. 5'x5' with a 1000w MH in it. The plants explode under it, and really they outgrow it way to fast. I couldn't imagine having a 4'x4' It would really be a pain in the ass.

Go with the 5'x5'! You will thank yourself later.

Yah`mon

 

[resinryder]

Yeah what they've said above. Go with the 5x5. Give yourself some room to work with.