lighting question
- Thread starter deekster
- Start date
lmn8r
Well-Known Member
For 20 plants I wouldn't recommend going with CFL. Instead, get an HPS (high pressure sodium) light setup. It's much more cost effective for larger grows like this.
HTG sells a nice 400 watt system for $120.
http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47929
Their 400 watt HPS system is good for 50,000 lumens.
To compare to CFLs the absolute cheapest possible setup I could think that matches the output:
( 32 ) 26-watt walmart brand CFL's - $64
( 32 ) direct plug socket adapters - $45
( 8 ) twin-pack walmart brand power strips - $48
-----------------------------------------
Total $157
But you would have a maze of wires and bulbs.
You could go with a fluorescent tube T5/T8 setup, but you would still need to buy the fixture and ballasts, in the end for 20 plants what you need is HPS grow light.
CFL grows are usually micro grows, or stealth grows.
Also keep in mind you probably won't be able to germinate all your seeds. For example, I was able to germinate 60% of my seeds using the paper towel method.
If you post more information, such as prior experience, budget, grow space conditions we can advise you better.
HTG sells a nice 400 watt system for $120.
http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=47929
Their 400 watt HPS system is good for 50,000 lumens.
To compare to CFLs the absolute cheapest possible setup I could think that matches the output:
( 32 ) 26-watt walmart brand CFL's - $64
( 32 ) direct plug socket adapters - $45
( 8 ) twin-pack walmart brand power strips - $48
-----------------------------------------
Total $157
But you would have a maze of wires and bulbs.
You could go with a fluorescent tube T5/T8 setup, but you would still need to buy the fixture and ballasts, in the end for 20 plants what you need is HPS grow light.
CFL grows are usually micro grows, or stealth grows.
Also keep in mind you probably won't be able to germinate all your seeds. For example, I was able to germinate 60% of my seeds using the paper towel method.
If you post more information, such as prior experience, budget, grow space conditions we can advise you better.
i disagree, i'd use the paper towel method to sprout them and then put them in small 2x2 or 3x3 little pots and just shove them under a couple 6000k florescent bulbs until they're 10 inches tall..then throw em outside and they should be fine. you Don't need a big fancy grow light set up if you're just going to be germinating seeds then growing them for a month...a few florescent lights is fine
pokesalotasmot
Well-Known Member
For the best answer for your question, you should post this over in the Outdoor Growing Section on RIU. This section is INDOOR growing. Good luck man
bigDAWG
Well-Known Member
If I were you I'd go straight indoors the whole time. But thats just me. SOme cfl's should be fine if you're just going to veg for a month or so...I dunno though, 20 plants 10" tall is quite a bit of space. maybe like 5 105w 6500k cfl's? but with the money you'd spend on that you could get better lighting
yellowrain53
Well-Known Member
some T5 fixtures from home depot (dual 24" fixture = 23.00 (even comes with a couple soft white bulbs)) mounted on a frame(s), wired in circuit. on the big island we veg em anywhere from 4-5 nodes to 5 ft bushes so w/ that in consideration decide how big you need em to be before they go outside (depending on climate, of course). i use 6 x 24" T5 fixtures to veg (12" plants, 8-10 nodal points......ish) and it works pretty well for me. NOTHING is better than HID though but if youre low budget like me then home depot is yourfriend. but yeah read the outdoors threads....day 1 stuff. peace!
