Check this site out:
Fluorescent Grow Lights=
You should read what they say about these envirolites: (pasted below)
A NOTE ON LUMEN OUTPUT: The lumen output on these bulbs are not stated on the box because the Canadian "lumen exchange rate" is so high. For example, Envirolite states that their 95W bulb produces 9,500 lumens but in reality it's between 5,000-5,500. Their 125W is stated at 12,500 but in reality it's only 6,500-7,000 lumens. The Compact Fluoresent bulbs we now carry have been privately tested and here are the results:
150W = 9,500 - 10,000; Dimensions: 12.5" x 3.5"
200W = 11,800 - 12,500 Dimensions: 14.5" x 4.75"
Maybe someone on this thread can help can answer a question I've been trying to get an answer for:
From what I've been reading on this site, regardless of HPS being the most efficient light (most lumens per watt used) the majority of the light is not being used by the plant (at least in the veg stage), and therefore using a 'less efficient' light that has more light in the correct spectrum, such as cfl's, you are actually getting more bang for your buck. is this true?
Is it better to use cfl's as opposed to HPS (with added blue spectrum 430 W) during veg stage?
I am considering getting one or two cfl's for veg so some input would be very helpful.