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Here is a link to exactly what I have:
Lithonia Lighting - 24 In. Fluorescent Mini T5 Double Strip - MN S5 2 14 LP M6 - Home Depot Canada
I have no clue how much k's or watt's it is. Maybe someone can help me find that out.
And are they good for seedlings? veg? flowering?
Would I need stronger lights in the future?
Anyone? :(
Hello poker2,
That 2' fixture is a NO (normal output) fixture, the bulbs are 14 watts each.
You want a HO (high output) fixtures that would use 2' 24 watt bulbs.
Or if you want really crazy light output, build your own floro fixture with end caps etc, and use an IceCap electronic ballast and get 40 watts per 2' tube.:D
A two light T5 HO is good for clones, seedlings and veg.
Flowering you would need a little more light, plus 3000k bulbs.
Hope this helps you.
OM
Okay thanks. So these are alright enough then for veg? (this is my first.. well second grow. First grow didn't go farther than 2 weeks :( but i did a bad job with the soil perlite..by not mixing.
I'm using Miracle Grow soil now :S lol
I will probably stick with these for now and then get better bulbs for this fixture in the future?..good idea?
There's no upgrading this fixture...it's useless after 3 weeks.Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
What would i need for flowering then?
I'm so confused/new to this.
I have been doing a lott of reading but have no idea now... :(
I believe part of your misunderstanding is that fixture is a T5 not a T5HO. (High Output)
They are different fixtures.
Hope this helps. :hippy:
oldmac,
When you overdrive those bulbs with that ballast, is there any adverse effects? Such as lamp life and added heat.
Also do you roughly know total wattage included that ballast?
Figured it would be ok to ask since still on topic.
Hey poker2,
In the spirit of Christmas, I'm going to try and walk you thru this. Give me an idea how big an area you want to light up or how many plants.
I'll see if I can come up with what lights you will need. Since cost seems to be a main factor probably CFLs will be the best bet.
OM
Tikiroom,Quote:
Originally Posted by tikiroom
The plus side of driving the bulbs to VHO levels, doubling the lumens output without doubling the wattage. A 2' or 4' 4 bulb setup equals an 8 bulb HO setup. Right there is a savings of 32 watts for a 2' or 92 watts for a 4'.
Also you can use NO (normal output) bulbs that are cheaper then HO bulbs, tho you can't mix NO and HO bulbs together. Ballast watts used is not much more then standard HO.
Heat is increased but it is minor, since the ballast can be remote mounted it is actually cooler then a fixture with the ballast internal.
Bulb life is shortened. But even tho the lumen drop off is not as sharp or as bad as a HID, floro tubes need to be switched out also.
In my UVb supplemental light, the bulbs are NO reptile bulbs, I change them every 6 months or upon death.:D
OM
It is about 10 feet tall, 3.5 feet deep, 7feet wide
2 plants (bubba kush)
how much money can you spend??
$50 tops if im lucky.
Had spent About $15 on 2 CFL (one red colored one blue colored:S)
And $55 on the flourecent tubes i have a link for here...
Am tight on cash right now but as I go will try to get better things.
*For now limit is $50*
Here two economic suggestions from me:
Get 2 ballasts $25 in total. Get 4 T5 or PL-L (1blue, 3red), $20 in total. Get cable and sockets for $5.
Or
Get as many CFL as you can run (20-40w bulbs %30blue, %70red). Use all blue and some red for vegging. Then use all for flowering.
just to clarify...ur CFL's , when turned off ,appear WHITE to the naked eye , correct ?? when we say "red" we mean light output in the 2700k range and when we say "blue" it would be 6500k. in the USA it is listed on the box.Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
I don't use those anymore (used them on my first grow attempt which failed miserably..but I learned from. :))
And.. they were actually red/blue in color of the bulb not white :(
Now I am using the regular output T5 florescent bulbs.(link is somewhere in the beginning of this thread lol:thumbsup:)
I must correct myself. I thought you were saying blue for 5000/6500k and red for 2500/3000k. I meant that.
If i understand this right "It is about 10 feet tall, 3.5 feet deep, 7feet wide" then you need lots of lights in there but two plants do not need that big area. For all the area you need minimum 600w of lights. For half of the lengths (1.75x3.5 feet) you need minimum 170w of lights. Make it 250w or more to get good results. Thats enough for two.
Just don't buy random fixtures from somewhere. Check their kelvins, watts, lumen outputs. Calculate your area and decide.
Honetly I went to home hardware stores like Loes or Homedepot etc.
I have no Idea what I need/How to Calculate/ And what is good and what is not.
On a $50 budget for THIS GROW.... ;) Im not sure what it is I can do.
Can someone help me.. and be more specific? :)
Or can someone maybe send me to a site that has the information I am looking for because I can't seem to be able to find what I'm looking for:( or I don't know what I am looking for:wtf: lol
You don't want to read, you don't want to search. How about someone do a grow for you then give you the yield?
Hope this is specific enough:
Go to homedepot website. go to compact fluorescent category. Buy one Mini Twister Daylight Compact Fluorescent Bulb - 23 Watt, 4 Pack and buy two Mini Twister Soft White Compact Fluorescent Bulb - 23 Watt, 4 Pack. You will have 12 CFL's. Buy six Twinlite Lamp holder Adapter, White. Buy six Plug-In Socket Medium Base, White. Get a six plugs extension. Run.
I would like to be specific about T5 or PLL but looks like I have to come there and set your light fixture...
Good luck
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink
Then maybe you don't need to be messin' with electricity. :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
...too bad there's not such a thing as "Chia Pot".
If you're referring to me not wanting to 'do work' or giving me info and then me not using it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dutch Pimp
That is not the case.
I am honestly trying the best I can (maybe you guys don't see it that way, I don't know) to get "on my feet;)"
I am actually doing a lot of reading but am honestly CONFUSED
@tevfik
->thanks for that mate. I will look into it. (I already have a quarter of that stuff:thumbsup: ... just have to add to it in the future then:))
I was experimenting with the spliter(2-way thing) and the converter+extension cable etc... just need a few more splitter/cables and bulbs :jointsmile:
In defense of the other posters poker, which most or all don't need to be defended, all of your questions are searchable on this site. When there are questions asked by a new grower that have been repeatedly addressed in other posts it may anger some posters because it is like "wasted breath" or typing, LOL. I'm only telling you this because I truly want to help you out and I am not meaning to demean you or anything like that. Okay? :)
You seem to be so confused, yet if you google/bing/yahoo half the stuff you're asking, you would find a wealth of information on the topic. Bottom line IMHO is that you need to get a grow or two under your belt and then you will learn what your plants needs are without having to post questions. After all poker, it is a weed you are growing. Think of the weeds on your lawn ... what do they need to flourish and take over and kill your grass? Same things your special weed needs in its closeted environment.
Just to fill you in on something from experience with growing ... I had an amazing grow going of some skunk in 2005. I did everything by the book to keep these gals happy and healthy and yet I lost the whole grow because Hurricane Wilma decided to show her ugly face and take out the power for over 28 days in my area. I had a generator, but the most important thing was to have food preserved and not my plants lighting needs. I know you are probably thinking why is this poster telling me about this?!!? It is because without the searchable advice of many, many internet sites and fellow gardeners on hydro grows, I would not have been able to bring them to the point they were before their ultimate demise. This was in fact my very first "non-organic" grow. I did not post on these sites asking questions that I could find with a quick search or from an informative hydroponic website.
I really, really want you to succeed in your 2nd grow, having learned from your first. Don't panic, don't over water, don't over nute, don't helicopter parent your plants, give them as much air exchange as they would get in your backyard ... and indeed OVER light. Well, don't burn the beauties haha, but the more light your plants can utilize the more buds you will see in the end. You are providing the sun! Think of how bright that is in your mind (screw lumens and such ... you're new to growing) how bright is the sun? How bright is your grow room? How much air exchange is going on in there? How high is your humidity? How low/high is your PH?
The best advice you can get from myself, fellow growers, websites and such is to make the growing environment as close to, or exactly like, the plant would get in its nature habitat. Once you realize all those elements are the keys to your success and implement them as best you can, you will see that you have one BIG FAT green thumb on your hands and there will be no stopping you! :greenthumb:
NOTE: By this time next year if you remain a member here, I am predicting you will be annoyed by someone posting about something you asked a year ago! :D
The best wishes for you, your grow and your upcoming budding new year! :smokin:
Hey there poker2,
See, with just a little more info, even others here are willing to try and walk you thru this. I wasn't going to continue with you, but like I said earlier in the spirit of Christmas I'd try.
Tevfik actually came up with exactly what I did from the Casa DePot website;
The only thing I would add, since I don't like word description's of light color, is this. Since the Home Depot does not list what kelvin temps are for "warm white" or "daylight white" I looked at the Phillips site to see what they really are. Thier daylight white is 6500K and warm white is 2700K, exactly what you want for veg then flower.Quote:
Originally Posted by tevfik
Also, these 23w CFL mini twisters are only $12.98cdn for a 4 pack.
BTW when your 2 plants get a little bigger in veg, you can use that T5 NO fixture you bought vertically between the plants for a little side lighting, so you don't have to consider it a total loss.
Good luck with this grow.
OM
Hmm Thanks a lot for not giving up :)Quote:
Originally Posted by oldmac
Thats actually a great Idea! (I wouldn't have thought of that... makes me feel better that it isn't a complete waste)
I'll mount it to the wall and then put the cfl's above them once I get them
Hey, thanks a lot for your help guys!
I got the 12 CFLS and the wires etc...
was just wondering
Setup wise would it be safe if I put the extension cord over a rod and hung them like that side by side? Or can someone give me some input on a different way to hang them(if thats not a good idea)?:)
What are the etc? Can you give full list of your parts?
Exactly what you suggested that I should get:Quote:
Originally Posted by tevfik
One Mini Twister Daylight Compact Fluorescent Bulb - 23 Watt, 4 Pack
Two Mini Twister Soft White Compact Fluorescent Bulb - 23 Watt, 4 Pack
Six Twinlite Lamp holder Adapter, White
Six Plug-In Socket Medium Base, couldn't find white - settled for yellowish color
Get a six plugs extension (6ft long each plug)
It's a closet so it has a rod up top. I was thinking if I put the extension plugs over that then It would be easier for me to adjust the height as I go... unless someone has a better idea (because that's all I got)
This supposed to be one unit only. Not six separate.Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
Anyway, what you have now okay for veg and flower.
That is not safe and setting your light fixture is another subject, but not confusing. Since you have all you need you can start getting on your feet from now on.Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
Good luck.
OHHH... I misread :(
Maybe I shall return them and get one that is one unit(six plugs) just to reduce the mess. I'm just wondering if the cfls with the splitters will all fit into one unit (side by side). I have one at home, maybe i'll try it out first :)
And yess I believe so, (when you say I should be on my feet now and be able to do it myself)
I really appreciate your patience and help guys!
Ok...now you got some parts and pieces, your going to need some sort of framework to hold it all together and mount it to so that you can raise it as needed as the plants grow.
Can you acquire some lumber and chains?
How about a bathroom exhaust fan? (good to have to maintain temp levels.)
If at all possible, you want to mount your cfl's horizontally. But in a pinch its ok to mount 'em vertically. It's just not as effective as horizontally.
I have put together a low budget framework for you that will help tie all your cfl's together.
You will need;
Two 20" long 2x4's
Two 8" long 2x4's
Two 12" long 1"x5" cut down to 8" on top, for your sides.
Secure them w/ 2" drywall screws in a box config. and add your 1"x5" sides as shown in pic.
mount your fan.
Add your baffles, You can use cardboard here.
Secure your sockets to the insides of the sides.
Wire the lights seperate from the fan, but wire the lights in sequence.
Secure your chains or rope to the top of the unit on each side.
Use well mounted hooks on the top shelf of your closet to secure the other ends of the chain/rope to.
I hope I made this understandable to you. You'll need to use your own good judgement as to how you want to do this, but atleast this will hopefully give you an idea as to what you need to do to raise your lights and make it strong enough so that it doesnt all come crashing down on your babies.
DAMN RAIN! You were so awesome to do this for this poster. I'm throwing some rep points your way after I post this. (When are you coming over to set up my next small ID grow area with strictly CFL's?) :S2:Quote:
Originally Posted by RAINHAZE
Edit: Pfft! They won't let me give you more rep points until I "spread it around" more. WTF? :wtf:
I been watching this fellow for awhile, and hell he's seems like he wouldnt hurt a fly. I was kinda worried by the way the thread was going that he might just hook everything up and just hang it from the clothes rod.:stoned:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynhal
Yeah, I was worried when I read that but once I saw your post I realized I didn't need to post anything about electrical accidents, fire hazards and the like.Quote:
Originally Posted by RAINHAZE
I would hope most posters would research things like that before they put their selves, homes/apts. etc. at risk for a fun and simple grow. :cool:
Absolutly! :thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynhal
BOTH RAINHAZE AND Lynhal:
I REALLLYYY APPERCIATE YOUR GUYS'S HELP!!
You know you didn't waste your time typing all of this out for me because as you can see I am trying my best to follow your guys's advice. (so far I managed to get the lights you guys said)
At this point it is not possible for me to get a washroom fan and I already over spent about 25% more than what I wanted to on the lights (geeze stuff is so expensive :()
I am unable to use the setup RAINHAZE has provided but I saved all the info and DEFIANTLY plan to use it once I get some more money and study it some more for an alternate way excluding the fan.
Here is what I did temporarly, can someone tell me how big a 'hazard' it is;)
*hopefully it is okay for now*.... any insight?
I used splitters for the bulbs.. and an extension cord from each splitter to a mutli plug..
I duct taped all of the loose wires to the wall away from any lights(to prevent fire hazards)
All the splitters and held together with a metal wire/duct tapes and then the other side of the metal wire goes through a chain hanging from the clothing rod.
I know it's not the best :( but all I can manage rigt now:wtf:
I would rep you guys but it says I have to spread the rep around for both of you guys.
Your welcome:thumbsup:Quote:
Originally Posted by poker2
It will do for now, but it looks like you need to get them closer to the plant.
Do you have a timer?
Rainhaze, thanks.
That's a relief!! :jointsmile:
I died setting that up :wtf: LOL
I do have a timer that is in the wall.. (extension cord connects the 6way plug thing to the timer so everything runs on the timer) [set for 18on 6 off]
Plant is about 1 1/2 week old i think .. now (But it looks quite small, but thats another issue for another thread;) Lol)
Any other tips? :jointsmile: or am I good for now?:)
Your good, but lower your lights a bit.
Just an idea, If you can find a piece of lumber, say a 2x4 or whatever thats about 15" long or so, you can mount the lights on one side and the chains on the otherside.
Good luck to you grasshopper. :thumbsup:
You have no idea how thankful I am of you guys :D
I don't really want to bother with the lights too much now maybe tomorrow.. so for now I'll just elevate the cups a bit maybe books under them? or maybe keep them like that.
Thats not a bad idea. I shall see if I can get my hands on a 15" 2x4 (if I do i'll be back;) lol)