250W (two single 125W CFLs)

On behalf of friend:

I've just purchased two 125W CFL lights (which would therefore be a total of 125W x 2 = 250W) for propagating some of my seedlings. I looked into purpose made propagation lights usually using a minimum of two 55W fluorescent lights (110W total) upwards in wattage in more expensive units designed, I presume for larger operation grows. I decided to make use of the CFL double shade reflector/hood I already possess which has a PC-type fan built into the top in the middle, adding some degree of cooling. These two bulbs cost a total of £45, which is cheaper than the propagation light I would have bought had I decided to go down that route.

I see absolutely no reason why it shouldn't be used for propagation, but to be 100% CERTAIN I've made the right decision. The only difference is that there is perhaps a gap between the two lights, but I sincerely doubt this would be an issue. So tell me guys, will this work as I had planned?

I also have a separate question that I'd like to tag onto this thread; If I don't want to judge when the seedlings have entered into the vegetative stage and would like to judge by the appearance of the plant alone, what are some definite telltale signs that the plant has started vegging? Can you tell by, for example, the number of sets of leaves? The % of the average end height? Anything else?

Ok. You have 2 125 CFLs. Those are going to produce a LOT of heat. A LOT. I dont know what a gap between the lights mean but you dont want your lights on top of eachother. Some space allows you to effetively cover more surface area.

As far as propogation, you can do this with any light. For vegging and flowering, you want high kelvin lights (6500K) and low kelvin lights (2700K), respectively. What are the color temperatures of your lights?

As far as going from seedling to veg. I do this when the fourth set of true leaves sprout. I transplant to my veg chamber, then i start to FIM and LST. For my latest grow, i predicted 4 weeks seedling, but cut it to only 3 weeks because of how much they grew.

I hope this helps.

greensister said:

Ok. You have 2 125 CFLs. Those are going to produce a LOT of heat. A LOT. I dont know what a gap between the lights mean but you dont want your lights on top of eachother. Some space allows you to effetively cover more surface area.

As far as propogation, you can do this with any light. For vegging and flowering, you want high kelvin lights (6500K) and low kelvin lights (2700K), respectively. What are the color temperatures of your lights?

As far as going from seedling to veg. I do this when the fourth set of true leaves sprout. I transplant to my veg chamber, then i start to FIM and LST. For my latest grow, i predicted 4 weeks seedling, but cut it to only 3 weeks because of how much they grew.

I hope this helps.

Click to expand...

Where do you keep your seedlings/what conditions are they kept in? Do you keep them in a grow tent under a special propagation light?

those cfls will be fine, used enviros for years, check my albums and see if you did right mate..........