Wally-World Lighting?

Hey guys and gals,

I was in Wal-Mart the other day and I noticed that they had 2' "Grow Lights" by a company named Lights of America. The box claims to use only 14 watts while outputting 75 watts of light. I checked the bulb etc. online after I came home and much to my suprise they put out 1000 lumens each. Has anyone tried these or even know what I'm referring to? I went back and actually picked up 6 of them (equaling 2000 per square foot in a pre-planned spot). Anyone think this will actually work or should I just return them all?

Does the light look purple? If it does, go return them.

I'd return them anyway because they were undoubtedly more expensive than 6500K T12s or T8s.

The bulb or "tube" size is T8, but the light is a white with a hint of blue. There's not a sign of purple to be found. Same thoughts or does that change the game? About your suggestions, are those just floro tube shop lights? Are they lights with the correct spectrum? If so, where can I find the cheaper/better alternative? Also, they were only $9.75 a piece. I hope this is all the info required.

Most all of the T8's I have seen had their kelvin rating on them like maybe a 3500K or a 4100K. That would be a big help if you knew what it was.

the only thing i found good for those lights is for my clone area and i just bought another last night so i can have 2 clone areas

Well I did some further investigating and I found this link with everything that should be needed.

F17T8/TL741/ALTO - 368126

The color temperature (also referred to as color range?) is 41000 K. Is that good/bad/horrendous? Again, I have 6 of these set up producing 2000 lumens/sq.ft. So what's teh verdict? A good/bad spectrum?

Yeah, 4100K is on the blue-r spectrum so you'll be fine with those, but am I to understand you spent over $60 on 6 tubes?!

I still say take 'em back. Go to Lowe's or Menard's or Home Depot and get some regular shop lighting (T8s again, preferably) with a color spectrum above 3500k, but try to get the highest they have if you're only planning on vegging with these lights.

OK great, thank you for the help. What's the ideal color temp for vegging and flowering?

Veg - 6500k
Flower - 2700k

These are just the most popular spectrums/kelvin temp. Usually anything under 3500k is warm white (yellow) and above it is daylight (blue).

However, if you have the space and ability to vent well, pick up a 400 watt HPS. You'll be glad you did, and it's only about $150 shipped on HTG. Well worth it and you barely notice a change in your electrical bill (about $10/month) while seeing a vast improvement of bud production.

OK, thanks for the knowledge. Yeah, I'm a step ahead. I'm getting a 250w HPS system (hopefully interchangable with MH if the wallet allows). I'd get a 400w but the space is only 8.25 sq.ft, and ventilation is going to be an issue. Thanks again everyone.