Lighting Question CFL

Tyrantecks

Tyrantecks

Active Member
LIGHTING QUESTION (I AM GROWING 2 AUTOFLOWER PLANTS. I've spent maybe $95 on it so far and am trying hard not to break $130):

Ok guys, I've done so much research (48+ hours) on the actual grow, reading threads, forums and guides. I think I have the nutrients/circulation/Hydroponics down to a science, but after all the reading I have done, I seemed to have left the most important part to chance...... THE LIGHTS!! I know above I was planning on getting the 23w bulb 6500k Cools (JUST FOR VEGGING*) but I ran into a problem and now I am in a panic as my equipment should be here after this weekend, 2/8/14.

I have as of now

3x 13w 6500k Cool CFLs = we'll call it 40w for 3x (I found out they mean 100 ACTUAL watts per plant rather than equivalent, so this leaves me with a massive problem).

What I am thinking of adding -

3x 13 w 6500k Cool CFLs = 6x 13w 6500 CFLs (= 80w overall 6500k cool)

1x 40w 6500k Daylight CFL = 40w 6500K CFL ( = 120w Overall 6500k Cool/Daylight)

2x 23w 2500k Warm (Flower lights, I heard mixing light can be strong for bud density but am unsure about the "daylight" lights)


So... OVERALL I will have for VEGGING ONLY* (2x auto flower Plants)

- 80w 6500k Cool CFLs

- 40w 6500k Daylight CFL

- 40w 2500k Warm CFLs

Overall Wattage

160w Mixed (Heavy 6500k Cool)


I am not a teenager trying to make miracles out of nothing in my closet, I'm a college graduate. At the moment I really can't afford to sink whatever money it takes into this (or else I would have done MH - HPS grow) but I am willing to bend. I understand a lot of you are very knowledgeable but for right now I dont need the nitty gritty, I need real plausible answers for my budget.

1. Should I say **** it and just go all out 6500K Cool 100w per plant or do you think my setup can work?

2. I don't fully understand the 6500k Daylight CFL light I'm getting, will that hurt my vegging stage or does it contain both spectrum's and will actually benefit and add to the wattage without stunting anything?

3. I am looking for about a z off each auto flower (just to see if I am dedicated enough to produce a decent flush, then I will start venturing into new more expensive methods.), that being said I dont care if going full 6500k Cool gets me an extra 1/4 or whatever, right now I need this to work for as cheap as possible. Please feel free to give me harsh constructive criticism if necessary.

Are 13w completely useless or as long as its 150w overall for 2 plants

Thanks guys for checking this constantly, I've been wanting this for so long but my balls finally dropped at 26:leaf:.
 
Cereal box

Cereal box

Active Member
Tyrantecks said:


1. Should I say **** it and just go all out 6500K Cool 100w per plant or do you think my setup can work?

2. I don't fully understand the 6500k Daylight CFL light I'm getting, will that hurt my vegging stage or does it contain both spectrum's and will actually benefit and add to the wattage without stunting anything?

3. I am looking for about a z off each auto flower (just to see if I am dedicated enough to produce a decent flush, then I will start venturing into new more expensive methods.), that being said I dont care if going full 6500k Cool gets me an extra 1/4 or whatever, right now I need this to work for as cheap as possible. Please feel free to give me harsh constructive criticism if necessary.

Are 13w completely useless or as long as its 150w overall for 2 plants

Thanks guys for checking this constantly, I've been wanting this for so long but my balls finally dropped at 26:leaf:.
Click to expand...
1. I wouldn't really recommend it. Your yield is likely to suffer if you flower with cooler bulbs. I would suggest getting at least a 50/50 mixed spectrum for flowering.
2. 6500 k is better suited for vegging than 2700k. It will help your plant to veg and can add to watt in both veg and flower. But not recommended for exclusive use in flower.
3. Well, most people on here will tell to not have a yield goal on your first grow. As I mentioned earlier, 6500k are better suited for vegging. It is unlikely to increase your yield over 2700k. If your serious about your goal, grab a couple of 2700k bulbs. CFL can produce good buds and, if your committed and have the watts it can have the potential to get really good yields considering. Good luck, and if you have anymore CFL questions feel free to ask.
 
Tyrantecks

Tyrantecks

Active Member
Thaks Cereal Box, I was pretty much just talking about vegging for right now, I plan on replacing a lot of the cool bulb cfl's during the blooming stage but still keeping maybe 50w cool light just to add to the lumens. I will probably have around 120-130w warm 2700k's and 50w 6500k's = 180k wattage overall for flowering.

As of right now, this is what Ive decided to do for vegging.

HANGING ABOVE THE PLANTS
3 - 26w 6500k cool
2 - 26w 2700k warm
1 -13w 6500k cool

HANGING BETWEEN MY TWO PLANTS
2 - 13w 6500k cool


ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BOX
1 -13w 6500k

Im trying to spread the light out as evenly as possible but do you think my plants would be capable of a z per plant vegging under 130w 6500k cool and 50w 2700k warm = 180w overall vegging,
after the first 3-4 weeks i'm going to switch to 50w 6500k cool and 150w 2700k warm = 200w overall flowering
 
guitarisgr8

guitarisgr8

Well-Known Member
Tyrantecks said:
As of right now, this is what Ive decided to do for vegging.

HANGING ABOVE THE PLANTS
3 - 26w 6500k cool
2 - 26w 2700k warm
1 -13w 6500k cool

HANGING BETWEEN MY TWO PLANTS
2 - 13w 6500k cool


ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY BOX
1 -13w 6500k

Im trying to spread the light out as evenly as possible but do you think my plants would be capable of a z per plant vegging under 130w 6500k cool and 50w 2700k warm = 180w overall vegging,
after the first 3-4 weeks i'm going to switch to 50w 6500k cool and 150w 2700k warm = 200w overall flowering
Click to expand...

Those bulbs will prob make a fair bit of heat for very little light output, but I presume you have intake and exhaust fans so it will be ok. You wont get very much light penetration but they WILL grow for sure.... just make sure you sort out decent lighting for flower or it will be a wasted venture. Very nice drawing btw
 
Cereal box

Cereal box

Active Member
No problem, hope I helped a bit. One thing, you said you were gonna grow autos. Some autos don't have a long "veg" period. I've only grown out a couple autos but all of them showed sex between 17-25 days. Just something to keep in mind, although your autos may "veg" longer.

and regarding light/yield...what size pot do you plan on potting in? That will effect your yield and overall plant size. I would suggest at least a two gallon pot. If you have the room 3 gallon would be better.
 
J

jazzyjsd18

Well-Known Member
Ty-
With all your lights, you're running 182w. If you're hellbent on using floros, I would suggest getting a 4x4 T5 that pulls only slightly more juice, but will give you more lumens, and a better coverage area.
Optimally, you'll be best off getting a small HID ballast... they are more efficient, and you will yield much more than the price difference.
Ive grown on the cheap before and was disappointed with my yield. Then I had to go out and spend money on herb.
If that happens to you, you'll be kickin yourself in the ass for not bumping up to HID. It will save you in the long run.
IDK how big your area is, but here's the best deal I could find- http://www.vminnovations.com/Product_10182/Quantum-600-Watt-Dimmable-Ballast-for-Digital-Grow-Lights.html?rd=gpf_10182&adtype=pla&gclid=COOr5bmTvbwCFa9FMgodhicApw
you can get just a bulb and grow vertical... it'll crop you wayyy more.
Sorry for the ramble
 
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