Are cfls right for me?

anc1680

anc1680

Active Member
I have been scanning the internet forums on growing and have learnt alot about what i need to grow the best blaze. -Lots of research on lights
This is a closet grow measuring 3.6-1.5-5.8 feet canvas closet lined with mylar
I have decided that it will be a 4 plant DWC (1 -20 gallon tub) growing using the Scrog method. The plant is either big bang or white widow from greenhouse seeds.
My big problem is what lights to use ?
option 1 -8 6500k 30w cfls about 2500 lumens each give or take and then switch to 2700k 30w cfls for flowering? (apartently they dont have a long life )?
option 2 -250w hps throughout (similar wattage to the combined cfls but more lumens)
option 3 - 400w hps throughout (power grow but scared about energy costs )
option 4 - 6500k cfls 30watt for veg then get a 250/400w hps for flowering
Ps i love the idea of cfls but is it productive ? i would really appreciate any wizdom on the matter as im stuck and want to get growing asap -Happy blazing to all :blsmoke:
 
G

gangjababy

Well-Known Member
you get more lumens per watt with hid's and they penetrate the canopy a lot more effectively. I have a 400watt hps I use for flowering it costs about 20 to 30 bucks a month to run. I veg with cfl's.
 
anc1680

anc1680

Active Member
cheers for the input im looking towards the cfl + hps setup just wanted to get everyones expert opinion -i did try to grow at uni but didnt know alot and used a 60 watt red bulb from the local hardware store - didnt work at all !! but know i am learning and love the idea of my own blaze .ps im in england and power costs lots.
 
On3Tim3OnLy

On3Tim3OnLy

Well-Known Member
HPS not a MH coz (mh) is for vegging 6000k+
a 400w 2100k would be great for 1-6 plants in a area of 1m squared
 
A

abasketfullofpuppies

Active Member
anc1680 said:
I have been scanning the internet forums on growing and have learnt alot about what i need to grow the best blaze. -Lots of research on lights
This is a closet grow measuring 3.6-1.5-5.8 feet canvas closet lined with mylar
I have decided that it will be a 4 plant DWC (1 -20 gallon tub) growing using the Scrog method. The plant is either big bang or white widow from greenhouse seeds.
My big problem is what lights to use ?
option 1 -8 6500k 30w cfls about 2500 lumens each give or take and then switch to 2700k 30w cfls for flowering? (apartently they dont have a long life )?
option 2 -250w hps throughout (similar wattage to the combined cfls but more lumens)
option 3 - 400w hps throughout (power grow but scared about energy costs )
option 4 - 6500k cfls 30watt for veg then get a 250/400w hps for flowering
Ps i love the idea of cfls but is it productive ? i would really appreciate any wizdom on the matter as im stuck and want to get growing asap -Happy blazing to all :blsmoke:
Click to expand...
250 hps is a good choice. only bumps your bill by about 10 bucks a month. cfls put off better color for veg, but you cant argue with the lumens hps puts out. if you can afford it, get the cfls as well. you could combine the two, with the hps being the main light augmented with cfls, giving you a full spectrum. right now im running a 250 hps with 8 cfls. my babies love it.:mrgreen:
 
anc1680

anc1680

Active Member
Good to hear from all of you .this i think will help me make my mind up.
I will bore you all with another question that you will all have a good idea about .
Are enviro lights any good ? could i replace the 8 cfl idea with 2 envirolights at 125 watt each ?
im looking at the digital ballasts -bit more pricey -but can run both hps and mh but would probablly cost the same overall than cfl hps combined .
 
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Lacy

Lacy

New Member
Ok then you should do well with the cfls then :|
anc1680 said:
cheers for the input im looking towards the cfl + hps setup just wanted to get everyones expert opinion -i did try to grow at uni but didnt know alot and used a 60 watt red bulb from the local hardware store - didnt work at all !! but know i am learning and love the idea of my own blaze .ps im in england and power costs lots.
Click to expand...
 
anc1680

anc1680

Active Member
Gqmetalhead said:
check these lights out. High Tech Garden Supply
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Im in the uk so will not work on our might 230v sockets - and a step down volatge converter will cost £30 or 60 of your green backs. plus its not good practise to run them constantly -big bada boom :?

But good sugestion i wish i lived across the pond there is so much more option and ur cfls are half the price.
Thanks -ANC
 
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