Tent size

[growenstein]

Hi,

I just purchased a 600W led light and was planning to put it in a 3x3 tent with fan and filter since that's the coverage the light provides.

I've found a used tent with everything I'd need for a fraction of the cost of what I was planning to pay for the 3x3.

The used tent is 4x4, but my light is recommended for a 3x3.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but will my light be as effective in a 3x3 square inside of the 4x4 tent or should I stick with buying the 3x3 tent new instead?

I'm not sure whether I'd lose reflective ability by putting it in a bigger tent.

 

[Virgin Ground]

Is the light 600 watts from the wall or is that the manufacturers specs?
Without showing pics, what kind of light is it?

 

[growenstein]

Is the light 600 watts from the wall or is that the manufacturers specs?
Without showing pics, what kind of light is it?

sorry, should have included that. It's the meizhi 600w model. It pulls 260w from the wall from what I've read.
I'm hoping it will be enough to do 2, maybe 3 autos at a time.

 

[Virgin Ground]

It would be better in a 2x2. You want 30-35 watts per square foot for led. If you get a bigger tent you can grow to one side or get enough light to fill the space. I am running 260 watts in a 2x4, but I'm using a quantum board which has a high ppfd and brings me to 32 watts/ sq. ft. I also have a long heatsink that fits the tent. You need to take tent shape and light spread into account as well.

 

[growenstein]

Thanks for the reply. I wasn't sure about what wattage per sq foot should be, so I appreciate the info.
I might just buy a 32x32 and supplement with some cfl's at flower time.

 

[Blew Hiller]

Just because your light doesn't cover 4x4 doesn't mean a 4x4 (especially a good deal) isn't the better tent for you. Provided you have the space, a larger tent allows you ore flexibility and future options to expand...which is generally the trend with growers. Very few growers wish they got a smaller...anything

 

[growenstein]

Thanks Blew Hiller. That's kinda why I was asking. I'd like the extra space to 'grow' with, but didn't want my first attempt to be a disaster with an underpowered light. I was hoping that if I kept the 2 or 3 plants triangled closer to the center that they would do just fine with the empty space along the walls. I'm now leaning toward getting the 4x4 and adding more light later if needed.

 

[MassMedMan]

You could always move the light or position it so the plant in the 4x4 is in one corner. And move the plant towards one corner. That way you get "reflection" from atleast two sides. Personally, I'd rather have the 4x4 and not need it then a 3x3 and wish I had more. You'll always want more.... talk to me in two years or less if in doubt. seriously though.

And, you can always upgrade the light or add supplemental..... space is good.

Good luck!

 

[Blew Hiller]

Thanks Blew Hiller. That's kinda why I was asking. I'd like the extra space to 'grow' with, but didn't want my first attempt to be a disaster with an underpowered light. I was hoping that if I kept the 2 or 3 plants triangled closer to the center that they would do just fine with the empty space along the walls. I'm now leaning toward getting the 4x4 and adding more light later if needed.

You could always move the light or position it so the plant in the 4x4 is in one corner. And move the plant towards one corner. That way you get "reflection" from atleast two sides. Personally, I'd rather have the 4x4 and not need it then a 3x3 and wish I had more. You'll always want more.... talk to me in two years or less if in doubt. seriously though.
And, you can always upgrade the light or add supplemental..... space is good.

Well said!

I did the exact same thing this winter...bought a 4x4 that was 30% off and then ended up adding another light...and I was able to double my harvest. You won't regret it.

 

[sativuhhh]

Get the 4x4. Extra room for fans and getting in to move stuff around or trim etc is easier with extra space. You would just keep the plants centered under the light.

 

[Rosie44]

I have a 4 x 4, added another light, now I wish I had a 5 x 5 tent just for the extra room.

The money you save from growing your own will allow you to grow "into" your tent. Yes, bigger is better if you have the room LOL!

 

[Sonman]

I was going to get the same light. Ended up getting 2 450 meizhi' for my 3x3 . I was told to aim for 50 true wats per square foot for flower. I'm on my first grow now and not quite filling up the tent. With the 600 I would stick to the 3x3. I just flipped my grow to flower and think I made the right choice. if you got the space then it nice to have the extra room also. You can always upgrade or add a second light later

 

[MrFortwenty]

It would be better in a 2x2. You want 30-35 watts per square foot for led. If you get a bigger tent you can grow to one side or get enough light to fill the space. I am running 260 watts in a 2x4, but I'm using a quantum board which has a high ppfd and brings me to 32 watts/ sq. ft. I also have a long heatsink that fits the tent. You need to take tent shape and light spread into account as well.

For blurples you want 50/sq foot. And around 30 for samsung diodes.