First grow, CFL burned out in FIRST HOURS!! HELP

[TheWhiteRider]

Hello all,

I've been reading a lot in this forum and finally decided to grow some.

So I bought two desk-lamp-type fixtures to plug some 27-watt CFLs to.

So after the first few hours, BOTH bulbs burned out and they have a little smokey part at the root. I already had started to grow the plant outside, but since it's getting too cold lately I moved it inside. But since the bulbs burned out, I had to put it back outside. Can you say plant stress!? :(

I know for a fact the bulbs were not defective since they BOTH burned out at the exact same time (close).

What am I doing wrong? Could it be the lamp-fixtures are too small for the bulbs and are causing overheating? The lamp fixtures look like a cone, so maybe the bulbs don't have enough room to breathe?

I put them in a closet in my room where I keep the ceiling fan on all day.

Please help ASAP! Plant needs to go back in today, and I have to go back and buy some new bulbs and fixtures, but does anyone have any other suggestions as to what may be causing this bulb failure?

Thanks!!!!

[stinkyattic]

most lamp fixtures are rated for 60 watt incandescent bulbs. Sounds like defective fixtures, or you got moisture in them somehow.
I use cheap clamp-lamp work lights from the hardware store- they are pretty basic and tend to be constructed fairly solidly.

[TheWhiteRider]

Stinky,

First of all, thank you for your input; you are one of the wisest around here!

Second, I am glad you mention the clamp-lamps, because that's exactly what I'm using!! The only bad thing about them is that actual "cone" that makes up the lamp was a bit small and maybe it was creating too much heat. They were both rated for 60W, so I thought 27W would be no problem.

Third, you bring up a good point: moisture. I did not get the lamps wet at all. The only moisture that could be getting in the lamps is actual water vapor created from the heat of the lamps (but I wouldn't think it would so significant as to "wet" the lamps. I watered the plant but not too much.

What I ended up doing is buying three more clamp-on desk lamps (rated at 27W), and bought (3) 20W CFL's (6500K with a total of ~3450 lumens).

Could you tell me what's the ideal height for a plant that's been growing about 1 week and a half and which is 2" in height? I read somewhere in the forum that 2" away from plant was ideal. To me that seems a bit too close, but that's what I've been doing. Also, does the height away from plant vary as it grow more and more?

Thanks again for your input and am looking forward to your reply.

[TheWhiteRider]

This is my setup. Single plant, about 9-10 days from when the seedling came out of the soil (which was done outdoors at ~90 F), (3) 6500K 20W CFL's, Miracle Grow Moisture Control Potting Mix, water (50% distilled, 50% tap water, no measurement of actual pH level), moved inside today (~75 F), inside main room closet with ceiling fan blowing full blast and A/C vent keeping room cool (fan not inside closet but rather in top of bed), put inside laundry basket with proper holes for some ventilation, half of basket covered with car aluminum reflective siding.

Check it out and let me know if it's going good!! Let me know what to change/improve. And also, when do I start adding nutes??

Thanks!

[ncnavguy]

For only one plant I would say your overlighting it, When using CFLs I would generally use 2 cool 25w CFL's that where plugged into your standard wally world ($.50) splitter that was running to a socket converter ($1.00) and a cheap extension cable. Don't overkill it, or overthink it, your doing a dirt grow just get some reverse osmosis water and some foxfarm nutes and you'll be good. You can find all the items in the lighting section of Walmart. I've had successfull grows with just what I've listed above that produced 3-4oz per plant. One more thing... unless you have feminized seeds having only one plant will be a recipe for a high% of failure. Good Luck & hello boards much love 4 you all!

[TheWhiteRider]

Is over-lighting a problem or an advantage (as long as the heat is not too intense)?

Also, this is my first plant, that's why I decided to go with one plant (i have a total of two bag seeds, so I didn't want to go blindly at growing two plants). What are the chances that this will be a hemp or male? I am really hoping it comes out a female!!! But I've never done this before, so I don't know what to expect.

Should I start growing my other seed asap? When does the plant "define" itself as a female or male? I know what to look for when sexing, but for example, is a male, a male from birth?

Thanks to all for answer so far.