Basic questions on CFL and color temp

Ok, I spent the last few hours trying to get a precise answer and I failed. Theoretically, if one was to grow 3 plants what is the best way to go if one wants to go cfl?

If one already had one 42w (equiv to 150w) soft white bulb (2700k - 3000k temp) and didnt want to 'waste' it what would one need to add in addition for optimal growth? I know there are higher color temp cfl so I'm not sure what would be ideal?

Also, at different stages would one need to alter the set-up of cfs bulbs (use certain color temps at various stages)?


I'm sorry for asking a question that has probably been asked 1000 times before but if anyone could give me some specifics I would appreciate it... And I know cfl arent the best way to go but that point is mute :)

Blue spec for veg
Red spec for flower.

i answered you lazy ass question before..you take the fucking cake buddy for being a lazy shit.
for the last time 3000k or close for flower only.
6500k for veg and flower..

so turn off that 3000k for now add 4 6500k bulbs for veg then when you go to flower add three more 3000k bulbs and run the four 3000k bulbs and 2-3 of the 6500k.......but acording to most people on this site you would only run 6500k for veg and 3000k for flower.......but i would do it my way...well of course I would

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Originally Posted by the yeag

ior the last time 3000k or close for flower only.

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I disagree.

While the red portion of the spectrum is utilized for bud production, it is also still utilized for plant growth & chlorophyl activity as well. Witness the many, many growers who grow their whole cycle under HPS. The red portion does work for veg, as well as the blue prtion.

So, a single 42W 2700K CFL with an output of ~3000 lumens could - in theory - take a single plant all the way through its' life and produce a gram or 3.

In fact, my standard "rule of thumb" for plants during veg is one 27W CFL per plant. Let us not forget that CFLs are an entirely different ball game from old style flouros. What you can do with these tiny, standard screw-in bulbs is on a "whole "nutha level" than tube flouro.

Again, CFL will never replace HPS as the "tried & true" light of choice. But they are wonderful in specific situations.

yeah, hell with cfls use as many as you can get your hands on, the color isn't gonna make that big of a difference, just use them all; jam them in-between, all around them.

CFLs have the neat ability to be easilly swappable. Here is the light spectrum schedule to date on my tubgirls, which started as 5 plants, culled to 2 females:

11.20 - 4 x 27W 6500K CFL (108W) (sprout)
11.27 - closet coversion: 4 x 27W 6500K, 3 x 27W 2700K (189W) (spring)
11.30 - swapped 2 x 27W 2700K w/ 2 x 27W 6500K (summer)
12.02 - swapped 2 x 27W 6500K w/ 2 x 42W 2700K (219W) (midsummer)
12.08 - swapped 2 x 27W 6500K w/ 2 x 42W 2700K (249W) (late summer)
12.13 - pre-bud. switched from 24/7 to 18/6
12.17 - swapped 2x 27W 6500K w/ 2 x 27W 2700K (autumn)
12.20 - bud. switched from 18/6 to 12/12
01.03 - added 1 x 27W 6500K sidelight (276W) (stretch maint.)
01.05 - added 1 x 27W 6500K sidelight (303W) (stretch maint.)

This should give you an idea of what you need to get a group of plants through their life in a small closet.

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Originally Posted by 4x5

the color isn't gonna make that big of a difference,

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:eek: Wrong! Cool White (4200K-5000K) is the most useless spectrum on the market, and will not let your plants grow well.

There are 3 spectra to use in CFLs:

Daylight / 5500K-6500K / blue end (best for veg)
Stark White (rare) / 5200K / blue end (best for veg)
Warm White / 2700K / red end (best for budding, good for veg)

Think of light spectra as boobs. 5200K-7000K is the left boob, and 2200K-3000K is the right boob. 3100K - 5100K is the valley between the boobs where not much goes on.

Thanks guys, yall know your shit and I appreciate all the info!!!


the yeag, am I missing something bro? This is my -first- time posting on the grow forums... Maybe you got me confused with someone else :)

When I did my search I got bits and pieces of info that now make sense but when I was reading it in parts, being I'm a total noob to this, I was just confused. :jointsmile: