Hello all, I am in the process of creating a cloning/vegging shelf using CFLs. Each shelf is height adjustable, etc. I'm not really worried about the whole design aspect of it other than this..

I plan on training to keep all the plant tops around 1" away from all light sources. In doing this how far apart should I mount my CFLs on my shelf. How does the lumen output of a CFL work. I am trying to give my plants every lumen per inch that I possibly can. I am using 8 42w cfls on roughly 5 plants as of now.

lol I'm pretty baked right now so I don't know if I asked my question clearly enough through all my rambling so I'll try to sum it up quickly. What kind of area/volume will a 120w CFL cover with maximum/good inensity.

Since CFLs are omnidirectional, calculating their overall light output over a three dimensional area is pretty complex. If possible, always use a reflector with CFLs.

960 watts of fluorescent power is plenty for five plants vegging. Clones don't need a lot of light.

Is that 120w CFL actual wattage or incandescent equivalent?

That's the real question to answer before we can go much further.

I understand that their helix shape would make predicting their 3D output very complex, but I know it can be done with calculus. (Definately wouldn't want to do it though)

Also their actual wattage is 42w. Looked at 'em wrong the first time I looked.

42w per plant is great for small bushy plants using CFL.

Okay well thanks for the complement, but you didn't quite answer my question. I'm planning on using this setup to root my clones and take them into the veg cycle. They are in very very early veg right now nearly 5 inches tall. I want to use this setup to get them around 18 inches tall but increadibly stout. I'm trying to cover as much area comfortably with my 8 lights as I can on my 18 x 48" shelf. As of now I am planning on mounting them evenly about 6" apart in two rows.

We can't tell you much without visuals. This isn't computer desktop support, yaknow.

lol okay man I know what you mean.. It's done now so what ever. I like the way it looks and works. I'll post pics when I get a decent camera tho. The one I got is a digital camera from like when they first started coming out. Real shitty pics, 4mb mem card, holds 6 pictures on highest quality. I'll be pickin a new one up here in the next few weeks.