Tutorial to Growing with Cfl's

**Dirtbmw20** · 09-11-2008, 03:37 PM

Excellent thread Doc !!! I have many, many questions on cfl's. I have a very small space (3' wide X 2' deep X 7' tall) and my issue is heat. Are there any benefits to using cfl's like these versus a flourescent tube set-up. I was looking at using a 2' 6 lamp on top and a 4' 4 lamp on EACH side of the above mentioned room.

Also, I don't want to highjack your cfl thread but where can I find info on the difference of a T5 and a T8 light ?? Which is better.

Excellent post again. +++reps given.

**Dr.Chronic** · 09-11-2008, 05:00 PM

THe biggest advantage being you can put a CFL almost anywhere and with a fluorescent tube your more restricted.

**drevil1981** · 09-12-2008, 08:43 AM

Everyone assures ne I need a 150W HPS.

My buddy and I built a nice grow box that has inside dimensions of 3'1 high, 1'6 deep and 2'4 wide. It contains 1" reflective insulation and weather tight with a door a fan that brings in fresh air and an exhaust that takes air out into a HVAC duct with fabric softner to help dull the smell. I will be using the Aerogarden Deluxe.

So to go along with the 3 Aerolights, if I wre not to go with HPS how many CFL's would I need on each side. I think I might plan to mix 2-1 on Veg and flowering keeping the higher ratio to what it needs (2700-6500)

Or should I do 2 each side with the HPS overhead(there so big and hot compared to CFL's)

PS Im only growing 3 in the Aero

**drevil1981** · 09-12-2008, 08:53 AM

Is it better to have a group 3-4 each side of low wattage CFL's(20-30W) or 1/2 high ones(100-200W) each side

What about those 24" Sunblaster T5's, how good are those guys and do those need to be 1" away from the plant as well. or set back to 4-6"

**ghostsamurai25** · 09-12-2008, 06:36 PM

What information has been given on this thread. I need to start a thread stating the obvious to get rep points.

Drevil, to answer your question its better to go with multiple lesser watt bulbs than 1 big high watt bulb. The light is better spread out. Go over to icmag.com and check out drgreenbudgenes micro cab grow. He uses multiple 42ers through the cab. Best micro sog to date.

**diggitydank420** · 09-12-2008, 06:45 PM

Originally Posted by ghostsamurai25

What information has been given on this thread. I need to start a thread stating the obvious to get rep points.

Drevil, to answer your question its better to go with multiple lesser watt bulbs than 1 big high watt bulb. The light is better spread out. Go over to icmag.com and check out drgreenbudgenes micro cab grow. He uses multiple 42ers through the cab. Best micro sog to date.

So let's see that thread, wiseguy.

**mr.feelgood** · 09-12-2008, 06:46 PM

Great job on the tutorial Doc rep+.

**misshestermoffitt** · 09-12-2008, 06:50 PM

Nice tutorial Doc. Tried to rep you for it, but I must have given you a rep recently 'cause it won't let me. I'll make a point to come back tomorrow and try again.

I've noticed a pattern in store with the soft white CFL bulbs being in the green package, like the one you have pictured. The daylight bulbs are in blue packaging. They seem to all be using this ID method regardless of brand.

**Dr.Chronic** · 09-12-2008, 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by misshestermoffitt

Nice tutorial Doc. Tried to rep you for it, but I must have given you a rep recently 'cause it won't let me. I'll make a point to come back tomorrow and try again.

I've noticed a pattern in store with the soft white CFL bulbs being in the green package, like the one you have pictured. The daylight bulbs are in blue packaging. They seem to all be using this ID method regardless of brand.

Definately. and Warm White 2700K bulbs usually come in red. You won't find many full spectrum bulb's so don't expect to see much of any pattern there. Thanks for the rep.

**wackymack** · 09-12-2008, 10:34 PM

nice tutorial but u forgot to mention that the 23w=100w actually means that the 23 puts out the same light intensity as a 100w but not the same lumen output.

u should ask to see peoples cfl setups,to compare and see there innovations. sry for jackin but just tryin to help out,ive been usin cfls for a few years now with no probs.

heres my set up...1 125w 6500k,4 42 3500k,total of 22,800 lumens at 293w,i had to take down the batwing reflector to help ventilate the heat out,since it has a fan site on top.

id like to join the cfl crew,cus if u know how to use cfls u can pull great yeilds,it takes skill and innovation to use cfls,hids are hot as hell and you need to keep them 2-4ft away from the plants,this can cause strechage to the maxxx