fluorescent light for seedlings and clones

[seanboyxx]

What kind of fluorescent light is reccomended for seedlings and clones that I could possibly pick up at a home depot/lowes walmart type store?

I have a 250hps that I will be growing a couple plants under, but I would like to section off a spot in my grow room for seedlings and clones.

I really appreciate any advice or opinions given.

Also, what should I expect to pay for a tube or two of fluorescent lights/balast?

 

[Leothwyn]

A plain old shop light works great: $10 for the shop light, and probably $2 for each tube/bulb.

 

[seanboyxx]

A plain old shop light works great: $10 for the shop light, and probably $2 for each tube/bulb.

Thats what I was thinking but I have been reading about the full spectrum lights that output 20% more. Any experience with those?

Would a standard 4100k do ok?

 

[DankShasta]

Recent Flouro convert here!!


That will be fine. I used to use a 400 watt MH. A couple months ago I started using 6x40watt tubes all 48 inch length. Man i couldnt be happier. I thought I was going to need HID, but the nodes are just beautiful with Flouros. You just need to plan ahead alittle. I have been using a mixture from 2600-5000. It prolly takes FOUR TIMES LONGER to veg with flouros, no joke man, but you just plan ahead, it's worth it.

I'd never flower though on flouros! LoL.

 

[Leothwyn]

I don't veg with those shop lights. Once my clones are rooted, and are put into little pots, they go under a bigger light. I have noticed that I have better luck getting roots from clones under shop lights, rather than a bigger light, though.

 

[greensister]

I use one foot 2 bulb T12 fixture i got from Lowes for $16. I got the 5000k bulbs. Its just enough light to give them what they need, but it doesnt roast the plants or blind them. My cloning/germination chamber is 3'x2'x2'.

 

[seanboyxx]

Great, I will be picking up some fluoros today! Anone use the full spectrum bulbs?