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ok, here's the situation. i can use 3 23 watt cfl's and get 4800 lumens, or i could use a larger cfl, somewhere around 75-125 watts and get around the same amount, the first option is cheaper and they're easier to find than the bigger ones, also the smaller cfl's are easier to find in the 6500k spectrum. the main question is which set up will produce more heat? one big bulb or 3-4 small bulbs?
watts = heat
the combo w the least watts should put out the least heat
as long as you have the room for them and your wiring is solid, the 3 bulbs should be best imho
:jointsmile:
DrSpiggity
I agree. The one advantage you have with cfls is that you can micro manage them and provide an all encompassing light that a single top light cant do. I would go to HD or wally and pick up the 42 watt cfls.
What I have found out is that during the veg. i used the 42 watt cfls and the 23 watters. I used the larger cfls on top and used the smaller cfls for the lower branches. But for flower I used a large 200 watt cfl from lowes it cost me 17 bucks or so but i also bought more 42 watters so i could place the cfls in just the right spot.
But what I found out is that after a bought all of these bulbs, plug ins and a light fixture i could of bought a real cfl grow light on ebay for 100 bucks and i would of ben better off. dont get me wrong i bought what i could peace by peace and I had a single plant first grow and i grew 2 ounces of some goodnice.
i have bought 2x 200w cfl grow light 1x blue 1x red but i dont know how much lumes it gives. i was told it depends on the maker to how much lumes it gives of but dont hold me to that