2 or 3 LED for 2x4 tent?

[rydin4life]

I just wrapped up my first grow of two NL autos under two MarsHydro 300s in a 2x4x6 tent. I'm gong to grow two more of these along with two Royal Queen Seeds Diesel autos. Should I add a third light for the four plants? I'm assuming the answer is yes, but just wanted to get opinions on the benefits of two versus three in that space.

[Sheesh]

If those lights had enough intensity to flower your NL's well I would say start with the lights flower coverage listing. If they claim a footprint in flower of 2X2 for each light, I think you're good. If they are less than 2x2, consider adding the 3rd light. You'll get good coverage for sure and will be able to overlap them probably. Other factors are heat and electric costs, although small LEDs usually aren't much of a issue there. I've seen people add a small HPS, like 150W in a case like this too. 2, 300 LEDs and 1, 150W HPS can be a nice combo and probably similar cost to purchase. Comes right back to heat in this case. If your space needs heat in the colder months, like in a basement, the HPS can heat up your tent while supercharging flowering. Good Luck!

[Obi-Wan]

I think 2-300w leds is sufficient coverage in a 2x4 tent. My question is how big did your previous plants grow? I have 3 manifolded plants in a 3x3 and I feel like I've over crowded the space. I have 3-300w led lights in my 3x3 and I have battled heat issues all summer even with my exhaust on high and my central air set to 70 degrees. I originally bought the 3rd 300w so I could give each plant their own 300w light but between the space and heat issues I will be going to a 2 light/2 plant setup as soon as I harvest this round.

[Weed Pharma]

So you are at about 850 BTU's in that tent. What do your temps run lights on /lights off.
I would let your grow tent's heat- be your guide!

[rydin4life]

The coverage on those lights is stated at 2x2 so two of them would be sufficient, just wondering if a third would give me any better results as far as yield goes. If so, I'll add a third.

Temp can get into mid 80s, but it is summer and hot days don't help. I have the tent in a room with ac, inline fan and small desk fan so I can drop tends down to low 70s when needed. ...I just adjust ac as needed. My last grow with two NL stayed pretty short..around 18". I did LST early and often and really spread things out.