How to pick a good lighting system

Hi everyone I am new and I just wanted to figure out what you guys think I should get for lighting. I am doing my first grow under some tube florescent lights and was thinking about buying something that willbe better. I emailed maryland hydroponics and asked them some questions but all they sent back to me was

Please list the lighting system you want, all items and wattages please. We will help you build a lighting system.

I am doing this in a relatively small space so that would be something for me to keep in mind while looking and I also don't want to spend a ton of money is possible. Anyone's help would be really appreciated

Well what is the size of your grow room. Since you are using tubes, why not supplement with CFLs?

^ do you think that is a good idea? Do CFLs just plug into regular light sockets like a regular bulb and how many would I need?

The size of the area is the size of like 5-6 feet high 3 feet wide or so...seems like a small area but I already have 2 ecent size plants and 2 clones in there together and they have enough room

you should prob look into t5 floros. you can get 'blue' and 'red' bulbs for flowering and veg. low heat output and optimal spectrums. pretty good for a small space.

Also check out "Marijuana Buds for less" a great book. The author shows you how to set up and grow 8oz of bud for less than$100. Its available at Barnes & Nobles. Garden Knowm has a link for ordering on line. Best $16.95 any beginner will spend. Could save you hundreds. VV

weediscool said:

you should prob look into t5 floros. you can get 'blue' and 'red' bulbs for flowering and veg. low heat output and optimal spectrums. pretty good for a small space.

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so those would be something that I need to invest how much money on? Also do they just fit into any old light socket?

T5's are a form of florescent tubes. If you have that amount of space why not invest in a HID light like a HPS? That amount of height would be plenty for a 400w HPS as long as you didn't plan on growing a tree.

when buying most things starting with how much you are willing to spend is a good first step. The next step would be to understand your lighting needs. Try reading the grow faq here on the site and then ask a more specific question like:

"I'm growing in a 3x3 ft space and I have $200 to spend. What would you recommend for lighting?"

silk said:

when buying most things starting with how much you are willing to spend is a good first step. The next step would be to understand your lighting needs. Try reading the grow faq here on the site and then ask a more specific question like:

"I'm growing in a 3x3 ft space and I have $200 to spend. What would you recommend for lighting?"

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Well I would like to buy something good for no more than $200 becuase I know that I am also going to have to spend money on supplies like soil etc

but the actual area is maybe 5 feet high and 3 feet x 4 feet or so? I mean that's the space between the wall and the end of the bed, it is a pretty small area but I have put the florescents i have up on the wall on 2 sides. Would anyone recommend some good sites to look for lighting on? Also thanks for telling me to read the faq I learned a lot and I actually bought that "get 8oz for $100" book that someone suggested earlier