I am doing my first grow and everything is pretty shoddy. I'm using a large empty painting frame to support the CFLs. They are duct taped in a horizontal position. To do this, I had to run some tape around the ballast part of some of the bulbs.

I didn't think much of it until I read that most of the heat from CFLs comes from the ballast.

Is it an inconsequential amount? Are there any other down sides to this?

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It isn't much of a deal for the smaller ones, but on the larger wattage lights you'll notice the ballast has vents on the top part, between it and the bulb itself. I wouldn't recommend covering those, though it shouldn't set fire. Will just shorten the lifespan on the bulb.

heat can melt the glue on the tape, could fall/sag and you'll end up with a slimey bulb

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