Is a daylight cfl way better than a soft white one?

How much more efficient are daylight cfls when it comes to providing light for plants during vegetation compared to soft white cfls?

Is there going to be a huge difference between a plant that has been grown with 4 soft white cfls as opposed to one that had 4 daylight cfls?

I'm wondering the same thing... i have 2 2700k but about 20 or 30 6500 and 5000 k bulbs

AutumnsRedTears said:

I'm wondering the same thing... i have 2 2700k but about 20 or 30 6500 and 5000 k bulbs

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6500k owns the other ratings for veg, hands down. I used 200 watts total of only 6500k for my veg and they took off nicely.

...as far as I know daylight is better for veg. more direct blue spectrum.

if i got say a blue plastic wrap thats transparent and wrapped it around the light would that cause it to give off light in the blue spectrum? therefore better for veggin?

No. No. No.

TeaTreeOil said:

No. No. No.

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why. if i got a transparent blue cover that would the change the soft white light to blue light. wouldnt that then give off the blue spectrum used for vegging?

No, it wouldn't.

He's right. thats like saying THESE would be the best for veg. ..just because you painted it golden doesn't make it gold.

i have a similiar question: is it okay to flower with only 2 27K lights and 9 65K lights? i'm talking two 2foot plants... how much does the light spectrum matter?

AutumnsRedTears said:

i have a similiar question: is it okay to flower with only 2 27K lights and 9 65K lights? i'm talking two 2foot plants... how much does the light spectrum matter?

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i would try to get some more 27k - you can still keep some of the 65k because it doesn't hurt and i think it keeps it more healthy having a wider spectrum (just my opinion)

I wouldn't think only 2 27's would do a whole lot for you besides give you a headache.

THIS is a decent explanation of lighting and spectrums.

Let me explain. Daylight(6500k) are preferred for vegging and soft-white(2700k) are preferred for flowering BUT, you can use these for either stage of the growing process.

Daylights are better for vegging b/c the spectrum imitates the summer sun and the soft-whites are better for flowering b/c it imitates the fall sun. This makes the growing process easier for the plant. But you can use these for wither stage and thats what i do. i like to use a combo for the whole grow cycle. For three plants about 2 feet tall i use six 42 watt 2700k and 4 6500k. my plants love them.

And also, that idea about the clear blue film to change the sprectrum...no, thats not gonna work, sorry

i've changed my lights to this: having a 27K and 65K with a y splitter in each fixture.... my plants don't seem too mind, still going strong..... and lots of people talk about dual spectrum so.... i assume this is a good idea?

I've noticed 2700k bulbs seem to generate more heat.

6500k bulbs actually have about 8% UV output. Whereas 2700k bulbs have practically *none*.

A 5500k bulb would be very close to the actual sun's light at noon on a summer day(the sun is between 5700k and 5800k normally.)

Using a full PAR spectrum is best. Plus higher wattage bulbs are less efficient. Combining spectrums from lower-wattage bulbs would actually produce more lumens and a better spectrum than single high-watt bulbs.

TeaTreeOil said:

I've noticed 2700k bulbs seem to generate more heat.

6500k bulbs actually have about 8% UV output. Whereas 2700k bulbs have practically *none*.

A 5500k bulb would be very close to the actual sun's light at noon on a summer day(the sun is between 5700k and 5800k normally.)

Using a full PAR spectrum is best. Plus higher wattage bulbs are less efficient. Combining spectrums from lower-wattage bulbs would actually produce more lumens and a better spectrum than single high-watt bulbs.

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well i would love to have bulbs 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 K but they dont sell them at the lowes and home depot around here and shipping is expensive... but yes i noticed 27K are hotter too

I'd suggest a mixture between just two of either: 5500-6500k and 2100k-3000k.

These peak in(or near) the wavelengths necessary for peak photosynthetic activity.

If you can only get one bulb type, look for 'full spectrum' labeled bulbs, there are between 5000k and 6000k, typically. But you'd be better off with different bulbs offering maximal intensity for their purpose.

While you can veg with solely 6500k, and flower with solely 2700k. Flowering with both is best. You're not adding much with 2700k bulbs in vegetative periods.