The pictures aren't the best since I took them tonight, but I think with what I write below, it will all make sense...
[img]https://jtnewton.com/Images/Garden/10182011010.jpg[/img]
[img]https://jtnewton.com/Images/Garden/10182011011.jpg[/img]
As in my other post, this fixture, with the exception of the reflector which I bought, was given to me by one of my electrical subcontractors. He gave me two, as a matter of fact.
Once I get the room built in our new house, I intend to get two of these racks and place them back to back giving me a 4' wide x 3' deep planting area on the shelf that has the plants sitting on it in the picture above. Since most 4 by trays are either 2' x 2' or 4' x 2', I'll spread the racks a few inches and let the planting trays hang over the edge 3" or so on each rack giving me the optimal 4' x 4' lit area under the light. The bottom shelf will house the reservoir. Since these shelves are movable, I can raise and lower the light RELATIVELY easily. However, I think I'll remove the wedges and hang the shelf from the ceiling with yoyo's so I can raise and lower it much easier. The light will hang between the two racks.
The fixture came with a plain white MH bulb that, according to the website for the manufacturer is a 4000K bulb. I didn't know this last year, but I was still able to revive the dying meyer there in the center after I completely cut it down to sticks and didn't leave a single leaf on it. However, I just ordered a Hortilux Blue today and I'll be picking it up this weekend. I figure between that bulb and a conversion HPS bulb that will work in this same fixture, I'll be covered for both leafy growth and flowering/fruiting once I get to that point...
Do any of the pros here see any flaws in my plan? I found that on ebay I can order a ballast, reflector/base and bulb for around $150-$200 with the setup for around $200 and the same with the Hortilux bulbs for closer to $400.
I'm thinking I'm best off sticking with what I got until I 'go pro', and using the conversion bulbs. If I get antsy down the road, maybe I'll splurge on a better reflector, ballast and lighting solution...
I'm also thinking I might have a fan installed in the foundation wall so I can vent the room to the outside. Two 400W bulbs going 14-16 hours a day might heat the room up considerably. The room that I will build will be about 6' x 12'.
The ducted reflectors would be the only reason I think I would need to buy a lighting solution - then I can duct it through the wall. Since I'm not growing anything illegal, that won't be a problem...
