Hit it with 2x90W lights and you will get better coverage for the space and increased yield (I think) over a single 180W in this same space.

Thanks!
Mathew

First congrats on the site, it’s really cool! I’ve decided to start growing in in a 3×2 box at home, it will only be 3 ft tall so will do a sog and with soil. I’d like to get really good quality, do you think that an Illuminator UFO 90W will be enough or would you go with the 180W? Or is there maybe something in between in terms of power and price that you would recommend ?

LED has come a long way in a short time and I fully recommend using LED from seedling or clones all the way through harvest. No need for HID any more if you pick the right lights! You could use them at the same time and get good results but unless you are doing it for the heat, I would just use LED 100%. For example, some guys I know will stick in a 150-250W primarily to increase heat in the space and the secondary benefit is extra light – however, if added heat isn’t needed, just swap the wattage with LED and really put out some results!

There are several brands that I have tested and a few that I recommend, you can check out the reviews here. Based on results, customer service, warranty, etc . . . ProSource is at the top of my list.

Thanks!
Mathew

I have seen a grow where they used 4 of the 90w lights in a 4×4 and vegged some plants to about 4 ft – yield would be about 2-4 oz per plant. Do this with their 180W lights and get 5-8 oz per 6-7 ft tall plant.

Later!
Mathew

That light would be HORRIBLE for pretty much anything . . . check out this article.

It seems like you are on a tight budget, huh? What I would do is stick with the CFLs – perhaps swapping out a couple of the 5000K lights for 2700K and running them together.

Cheers!
Mathew

If I were to write down everything you need and all the steps . . . it would be like writing a book. How about you check out this one – it is what I use!

http://www.myhydroponicgardening.com/resources/growguide

Thanks!
Mathew

Yes, a 90W (like the Prosource Illuminator) would work well in a 2×2 ft space max. I would recommend using reflective material like Mylar around your plants an even be able to rotate them from time to time to get even coverage.

Thanks!
Mathew

When I grow it, my PPM runs around 800 . . . works well for a wide variety of lettuces from mesclun mixes, red leaf, bib, arugula, etc.

Thanks!
Mathew

I have a few planned – stay tuned!
Mathew