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Plan 'B' Set Up Assembled

Phase one now almost ready to run. All of the PVC plumbing fittings in place, metal halide light rewired back to 240V for lower current drain, new circuit box installed, power outlets for pump and bubbler GFCI wired. Will begin water tests this weekend.

QUESTION: What is recommended lighting cycle? Run 24 hrs a day or should there be some X hrs of dark?

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Comment by Bill Moore on December 13, 2011 at 1:25pm: Brian.. I am picking up the second MH light tomorrow. I am getting two MH fixtures and bulbs for $70 for the pair. When I hang the second fixture, I'll also lower the first. Thanks for feedback.

Comment by Brian on December 13, 2011 at 12:13pm: I have been running T8 lights on an 18 hour on and 6 hour off cycle for 5 weeks now in my basement with good results. I lower the lights within 6 inches of the vegetation to get maximum results.

Comment by Vlad Jovanovic on November 4, 2011 at 3:45am: If you use the T5's, create a set up where you can adjust the height to keep the lights within about 6 inches from the tops of the plants. I was blown away by the difference this made in plant size/health. You should be fine with either of the two lights.

Comment by Bill Moore on November 3, 2011 at 8:34pm: Plan to try swiss chard, kale, onions, snow peas in phase one. Early next year, when fish are going good will add NFS pipe system hanging above fish tank to try more leaf lettuce and strawberries. I have the option to use either another metal halide (240V) or go with T5 fluorescents.

Comment by Bill Moore on November 3, 2011 at 7:45pm: Vlad.... the fish tank is covered with the wooden grating. Should provide enough shading. I copied it from Murray Hallam's design.

Comment by Vlad Jovanovic on November 3, 2011 at 6:52pm: Actually, I believe you will get quite a bit more vegetative growth with a 24 hr light cycle. As long as you are not flowering (didn't catch what it was you were growing). Your pocket book might appreciate the 12 hour reprieve from that metal halide bulb(s), but your plants should do (better than) just fine. I have 4 - 400 Watt MH and a 250 Watt MH and they give off some serious heat, proper ventilation and distance from your plants is important (I assume your fish are 'protected' from the light)

Comment by Philip Vanderhoofven on November 3, 2011 at 3:59pm: It may not be beneficial for either fish or plants to keep lights on 24 hour a day 7 days a week. There may be a scientific explanation out there that could be fun to research. My gut says lights on no more then 12 hours a day and allow 12 hours of darkness so the plants and fish can have sweet sleep and dream. They will be healthier given the chance for rest. Do you keep the lights on 24 hours a day for you? Nature doesnt keep the lights on 24 hours a day. We are trying to harness the magic of nature so we should mimic her.