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Hi, After reading through web sites I realise I need a HID light for best results, the only thing there a bit too expensive for me, around £70.00.
Is there any other alternative light source that is cheaper?
I will probably be growing just 2-3 plants for myself.
Hello,
I am surprised that you have researched enough to learn about HID lighting, but have not run across fluoros.
Fluorescent lights work for growing. You will be able to pull off a whole grow with just fluoros, however your harvest will not compare to what if could have been with a HID.
Fluoros are going to end up costing you at least half as much as the light if not more.
Just save your cash and buy the HID. Otherwise you will end up kicking yourself in the ass.
Take care.
Peace
Ok thanks, I dont really wanna spend £70 on a light, I would If I knew I would get some good stuff, but as a first timer I think I should start with something cheap, I will eventually buy a HID, but I want to know which Flurescent to buy.
Thanks
Buy compact fluorescents.
starting with ammature lights isn't so bad, find cheap, effective lights.. that'll get the job done.
if you check out the compact flouro's board, you'll see my setup with an existing shelving unit i had, all in all the lighting cost me about 60-70$ canadian. that's roughly 30 pounds.
Oh cool setup with the lights BobBong.
Do you happen to know any UK sites that sell those lights?
thanks
no idea, sorry... i got them at canadian tire here in toronto
make your own HID by wiring them, and building your own reflector. It cost me about $30 for a 150w HPS this way. BUT, if youre looking for the cheapest light source, then youre best luck is compact floroesents (CFL for short), theyre just small floro lighting but, with a built-in ballast. They usually fit into regular house sockets and reflectors. They do a pretty good job for vegatative and satisfactory on blooming. This was my first choice when i started off, but now its all HID. If you have a bit more money then get floroesent shop lights instead (non-cfl, long tube ones). Make sure you use both warm and cool lights for best results. Floros can be kept inches from the plant tops too, unlike HIDs which has to be kept about a foot or two.
DO NOT use halogen or incandesents for a cheap alternative, they release most of their energy through heat instead of light and are the wrong frequency for plant growth.
heres a good site in the US for cheap CFLs www.1000bulbs.com
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimebag
Cheers for that site mate, I am based in the UK & I don't know if they ship here, That is a excellent site & its what I am looking for.
Look at all these bulbs.... http://www.1000bulbs.com/category.php?category=846
Can you guide me in the right direction... I do not have a clue on which one's to buy. Also do you know how long they last for?
Im pretty sure that 1000bulbs ships worldwide, just email customer support and ask if they do.
CFLs generally last 10 times longet than incandesents and are perfect choice for begginers. For good bud you'll need 150 to 200 watts of total pwer for a small growing are, 100 watts is acceptable for some decent bud. 2ft x 1ft is the best area for your 3 plants. The type of CFLs you'll need are "very warm" to "warm" (the 2700-3700 kelvin zone ("very warm" 2100k is best)), and "cool" (4000-4200 kelvin zone). Warm is the color temperature that has a redish color and is best for the flowering cycle. And cool is blueish best for vegatative cycle.
Remember, vegatative cycle is 18/6 (lights on/lights off) and flower cycle is 12/12. Start the flower cycle early (like in 3 weeks after germination) so the plants stay nice and short. And use the correct nutrients for each cylce. I recommend biodegradable nutes like bat guano and worm castings every two weeks (use both) (get from gardening store), this way over fetilization is reduced and flavor is increased. Dont forget to remove male plants either.
You should grow your plants in a grow cabinet. This is a VERY popular way to grow weed. It is very stealth and perfect for begginers, and perfect for your 3 plants. I included some plans i drew up that you can use (this is what i used when i started). You can make your own or buy one. Heres a perfect cabinet (sorry im in the US): http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html...sin=B000063SS3
This whole setup cost me about 55 bucks. I spent about 5 bucks for each CFL and fixture (7x5=35 bucks total). 10 bucks for wood and nails and hinges. 0 bucks for foil, cus i have it in my kitchen. 2 dollors for 3 pots, 11 dollors for sterile soil perlite and nutrients. So to make things short, it'll cost about 40 to 70 bucks for the whole setup (maybe 70-100 if you buy the cabinet), and its DEFINATLY worth it. This setup made some quality bud and the stash lasted for months. And because CFLs last a long time this setup will pay for itself in the end.
Remember the cabinet is important for stealth and light reflection. Drill some holes in the lower and higher areas of the cabinet for intake and exhaust. Dont forget to put a small fan to circulate air (very important) (i use a couple of computer DC fans wired to a small AC to DC transformer, like a cellphone charger).
I hope this helps.
the plans has a small error, its supposed to be 4x warm and 3x cool.
yo...check this out http://www.growroomsuk.com/complete-...ow-system.html also do some research on the net to find shops in your area for what you need....
you can get a 70 watt HPS from home depot for 75 dollars, 40 gbp? something like that, so get a low wattage HPS security light, this is concidered ammature lighting, and is much more effective
Thanks for the repies... Im not gonna bother with the fluro's, I managed to get a 250W HPS light for £40. Anyone got any advice on HPS lighting?...
Once again thanks for replying :)
HPS lighting is possibly the most popular choice today. It has a nice redish spectrum whichis best for flowering. Dont give up on florous yet though, theyre a good choice for the vegging cycle. If i were you i'd get a HPS bulb with blue spectrum. These bulbs are called son argo or something. If you get this bulb then you wont need floros or MH. You can the same HPS through the whole plant lifetime and get optimal quality.
Yeah the bulb is called Son Agro. I have a 250W light, but can only find a 400W bulb, can I still use this?
no you can only use the 250w bulb,search the net for hydro shop's in your area,if not then you can get hps lamp from a good electrical store,for about £30...hope this help's...spliffbuilder.
Cheers for all the help dudes. I've ordered one of those Philips 250W Son-T agro bulbs (blue spectrum). I will be starting to seed my weed soon, so il keep you up to date with pics & stuff. Thanks once again :)