Fewer Higher Watt CFLs vs More but Lower Watt CFLs

Was looking to get some opinions on the matter, I have been doing some research, and this is what I have found:

I can get 26w Actual Bulbs, that supply 1800 Lumens, 4 of these for $10 "This is: 7200 Lumens"
"69 Lumens Per Watt"

or
I can get 23w Actual Bulbs, that supply 1600 Lumens, 4 of these for $10 as well "6400 Lumens, or still 69 Lumens Per watt"

or
I can get a 65w Actual CFL, that supplies 3900 Lumens, for $15, Total of course 3900 Lumens, and 60 Lumens per Watt

Now, I have noticed A LOT of people who use CFL's, continue to advise using a few of the Larger CFLs, but I was wondering, would it not be better, to use the Adapers, and more CFLs ?

Cost comparison:
Either way, You will need the fixtures, so we will leave that out

CFLs 1 65w 3900 Lumen $15

4 26w 1800 Lumens $10 + 2, 1 to 2 Adapters, $5, so $15 and 7200 Lumens, or $15 and 3900 Lumens

Plus with more bulbs, I can place them more liberally around the plant... so my question is, am i missing something, or is it true that in fact, Lower Wattage CFLs with more of them, are more sufficient and will give better results then if you just use a few of the bigger wattage cfls ?

In my experience the 23w and 26w CFL is the best option. The bigger ones put off to much heat and dont supply, as you stated enough lumens per watt. I have settled on the 100w bulb replacements that use only 23w. Depending on the color spectrum they put out at 6500k 1450lumens and at 2700k 1600lumens. Not only does the 23w bulb provide a more efficient light, But having more means you can put them exactly where the light is needed.

randomdub said:

In my experience the 23w and 26w CFL is the best option. The bigger ones put off to much heat and dont supply, as you stated enough lumens per watt. I have settled on the 100w bulb replacements that use only 23w. Depending on the color spectrum they put out at 6500k 1450lumens and at 2700k 1600lumens. Not only does the 23w bulb provide a more efficient light, But having more means you can put them exactly where the light is needed.

Click to expand...

Like he said.

I have a bunch of smaller ones hanging at various heights around each plant. It looks like some mad scientist marionette.

For vegging, I like the single stronger, bigger bulbs because I don't want to have to raise a dozen bulbs a couple of times a day.

But once the plant stops growing, I can hang a multitude of smaller bulbs. I can get it so that each branch's main bud has a least one bulb and the smaller ones share bulb with its neighbors. Think cross between a Christmas tree and "Close Encounters".

At the end, I have nearly 20,000 lumens per plant and wind up with about 4 oh-zees each.

And I can later use the bulbs for lamps around the house.

The lower actual wattage of the cfl the better lumens/watt. Also heat management is easy with the 23w. I run 12 23w and 2 42w in my flower cab. Got them gooseneck extenders that allow me to put em exactly where I want, inches away with easy adjustment.

I do the same as keller too. Higher wattage single cfl for veg. 65w to be exact.

surfsem said:

The lower actual wattage of the cfl the better lumens/watt. Also heat management is easy with the 23w. I run 12 23w and 2 42w in my flower cab. Got them gooseneck extenders that allow me to put em exactly where I want, inches away with easy adjustment.

I do the same as keller too. Higher wattage single cfl for veg. 65w to be exact.

Click to expand...

Gee, looks like you invested a whole $15 in your lights.

One thing I do is change my bulbs every grow.

Yes very low cost with the cfls.
I highly recommend getting some goose neck extenders though. Makes it too easy to adjust the lights. Just amazon light extender.

The most accepted ratio for cfl spectrum is 3:1 2700k to 6500k. Keep that it mind when picking up them four packs

surfsem said:

Yes very low cost with the cfls.
I highly recommend getting some goose neck extenders though. Makes it too easy to adjust the lights. Just amazon light extender.

The most accepted ratio for cfl spectrum is 3:1 2700k to 6500k. Keep that it mind when picking up them four packs

Click to expand...

Goose neck extenders! Great idea. Why didn't I think of that?

Hey Deadly,

Definitely go with the 23 watt CFL'S. Less heat, they can spread out easier. I have seven 23 watt bulbs in my grow box. Five on top and two on the sides. Think about reflective material if you do not already have some. My box is small, one plant at a time for me. My box is dull white and produces crazy amounts of flowers. I pick my seeds based on the size of my grow area. Here's a few pictures. And yes, light extenders are also must.

Hope this helps.

Sherman420

sherman420 said:

Sherman420

Click to expand...

Wow! That is one nice set up. Do you describe it in detail elsewhere? Yield? Wattage? Cost?

I use 5. 13 watt cfl but my box is lineed with foil...not heatspots with 13 watters.
but my entire box is adjustable in size to add or lose space.
I'm just vegging for next summer though anymore.
i did this when i started for flower though and got good yieled actually i lst from seed.
50/50 red and blue spec bulbs
foilar feed.
and soil feed time to time

StellerKeller said:

Wow! That is one nice set up. Do you describe it in detail elsewhere? Yield? Wattage? Cost?

Click to expand...

Hey Steller,

If you search around here a little you will find some my old thread's detailing some specific's on my setup. I just started one on my new exhaust system.

Peace,

Sherman420

more lower cfl > less high cfl.

23w is best bang for buck. i ran 12-16 of them in my tent. vegged 4 plants and all 4 sexed in 30 days from veg by themselves. Keep em close as hell and youll get fast growth!