My Future CFL Grow Box, Tips wanted

I have yet to go out and buy supplies, so im checking here to see if there is anyway i can improve this in lowering price but getting same results. As of now i will be buying 6 packs of 4 14W 900 lumens/bulb for a total of $11.1, then because of all the bulbs i will need 24 plug in socks for a total of $2.00 Each, and 4 six slot power strips which i will hang above the plants. This is a total of 21,600 lumens and i will be growing about 5 plants in my fairly small closet, walls will be alined with tinfoil. This is a total cost of $75.1, any way to decrese price but get the same/more lumens would be greatly appreciated.

Just bought socket plugs at walmart today for $0.98ea. I also saw 23watt cfl for 0.75/ea. I go to my local dollar tree and get 2 23watt cfls for a buck. Good luck stay high

Oh I also just got power strips for 3 bucks ea at orchard supply hrdwr store. I'll take a few pics tonight or tomorrow so you can see my set up if you want.

Yeah you'll probably be better off with less bulbs but using 23w ones instead. Too many bulbs could get very busy and take up valuable space. Also, flat white paint would be better than tinfoil. And if you wanna do 5 plants you'll want to keep them very low and wide using cfls.

Personally, I think 14w isn't intense enough. I would draw the line at 23w. I realize it may cost more, but it is what it is, man. Obviously you wouldn't need as many bulbs the higher wattage you go.

Also if you want to do it right, you need daylight (aka full spectrum) CFL's for vegging--color temp range of 5000k-6500k is good. For flowering, you want a color temp range of 2700k--I believe they deem these "soft light" or something.

With 5 plants, I would suggest getting an 85w 5500k CFL for vegging. You can hang this shoe-sized bulb right in the middle of all your plants. Then get 4 full spectrum 42w CFL's. Place wherever you think is necessary. 2-4 inches away.

For flowering, I would suggest getting one 65 or higher watt 2700k CFL. Hang in the middle just like the 85w. Then a 4 pack of 42w soft light CFL's. You can use some of the full spectrum 42w CFL's during flowering as well for more light.

You can get the 2700k CFL's when you're ready to flower, so you aren't spending so much all at once.

Just a thought man, but best of luck whatever you do.

Kawi is right... don't use foil causes heat spots and can burn parts of your plant. paint it flat white or try to find some sort of mylar for cheap, it's amazing what you can find at the dollar store.

Lucky be careful of the bigger bulbs, you'll have a pretty tight squeeze with the power strip as is.
Also make sure you have a way to cool your grow area, cfls get fucking hot!!!
stay high

shrxhky420 said:

Kawi is right... don't use foil causes heat spots and can burn parts of your plant. paint it flat white or try to find some sort of mylar for cheap, it's amazing what you can find at the dollar store.

Lucky be careful of the bigger bulbs, you'll have a pretty tight squeeze with the power strip as is.
Also make sure you have a way to cool your grow area, cfls get fucking hot!!!
stay high

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Aluminum foil is not going to burn your plants when using CFLs. If aluminum foil is what you're going to use, it's better than nothing. CFL's do not get "fucking hot," lol:


That is an 85w full spectrum CFL. I can hold that thing all day. It's barely even warm.

However, flat white paint is more reflective, making it a better option. Aluminum foil, although better than nothing, is actually not as reflective as you would think.

msta, you da man and I am a pussy, unfortunately for me i haven't been able to do that with my bulbs. I must have little girl hands I swear. But my bulbs to me are hot and have burnt my plants, but I simply have heat issues right now anyway. fucking hot or not you may still want to think about heat issues, they happen

Damn yours really get that hot? I mean, I believe you, maybe it has to do with brand. All CFL's I've ever seen never got hot. Definitely pay attention to heat issues, though.

This is true I have 2 26w 2 46w and a 64w and a fan is not needed. The switch of spectrum isn't necessary, I just vegged a 3 foot plant with 2700 and with that little space you won't have that much room lol.

yup they do get that hot, I'm trying different stuff too cool it down, i just got some clip fans i'm gonna see if just blown some air right on the bulbs will help, oh I also have a lot of lights right now... I have 5 2 bulb t8 fixtures and 18 cfls (14 23watt and 4 42 watt)

as if 70 bux aint already cheap, lol you tight bastard.

Thanks for everybudys help, here is how i have my list currently set at:
TCP SpringLight 68-Watt CFL Light Bulb x4 - $60.00
Screw In Sockets x4 $8.00
Power Strip x1 $4.00
Total = $72.00
Three bucks cheaper, anybudy know of anyplace i can order better CFL's online perhaps cheaper or even 85W CFL's , and whats peoples opinion of using these 4 CFL's/5 plants while vegging any help appreciated thanks.