An Easy, Cheap Lighting Solution

**wbd** · 07-23-2007, 09:54 AM

Here's a great light setup for those looking to do things real cheaply and without a lot of construction. This can all be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot:

1 black gooseneck desk lamp -- $12
1 standard light Y-socket -- $8
2 42-watt CFL bulbs -- $20

TOTAL COST: $40 + tax

Total rated light output per fixture is around 5000 lumens, although your mileage will vary as distance increases from the bulb. The gooseneck desk lamp fixtures are perfect for positioning the lights around the plants and are very adjustable -- notice in the pic I actually have the light reaching over top of the plants in order to supplement light to the tops. I'm using these for side lighting, but 2 of these setups could grow 1 or 2 plants from seedling to maturity very well if kept short.

The only improvement I have yet to come up with are reflectors. Hope this helps someone out!

**Gygax1974** · 07-23-2007, 10:32 AM

I have 6 of those bendy type lamps with 4 bulbs in each. I use three y sockets. Seems to be working for me. You did that whole grow with just 2 bulbs? I usually use my HID lighting but when it gets too hot, like July and August I pull out the cfls.

**dog** · 07-23-2007, 10:38 AM

its so hard to get rid of that heat i have the same probs with my hps setup

**Gygax1974** · 07-23-2007, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by dog

its so hard to get rid of that heat i have the same probs with my hps setup

That's why I like CFLs they serve a purpose. Now when it gets cooler I have a ton of side lighting to throw in on top of the HID.

**frankiejay** · 07-23-2007, 11:05 AM

That is EXACTLY what I have right now! How did you read my mind? lol. Okay not exactly, but the whole gooseneck lamp thing with CFL's and the y-thingies is what I did. Pretty awesome for a first grow when you're not trying to drop a lot of cash.

**Gygax1974** · 07-23-2007, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by frankiejay

That is EXACTLY what I have right now! How did you read my mind? lol. Okay not exactly, but the whole gooseneck lamp thing with CFL's and the y-thingies is what I did. Pretty awesome for a first grow when you're not trying to drop a lot of cash.

My advice would be get some more as you go, if you can afford a couple of bulbs next time you see them get em. If you use three y sockets you can get four bulbs in there, just make sure it can handle the wattage.

**wbd** · 07-23-2007, 11:44 AM

I've got a 125watt CFL in a hood above the plants, and 2 of these setups providing supplemental light.

**frankiejay** · 07-23-2007, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Gygax1974

My advice would be get some more as you go, if you can afford a couple of bulbs next time you see them get em. If you use three y sockets you can get four bulbs in there, just make sure it can handle the wattage.

Exactly what I was planning. Grow as your plants grow right?

**Gygax1974** · 07-23-2007, 11:48 AM

Originally Posted by wbd

I've got a 125watt CFL in a hood above the plants, and 2 of these setups providing supplemental light.

Oh, I was going to say that you did a killer job for just two bulbs. Plants look good by the way.

**hearmenow** · 07-23-2007, 12:02 PM

Great looking plants. I'm impressed with what you've accomplished with your lights. Keep up the good work and good luck the rest of the way...

An Easy, Cheap Lighting Solution

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