Started 1st Grow, Question about CFLs

[eggrole1]

I started a grow a few days ago, and all is looking well right now. The first pic is the first day I saw a sprout, and the second is the same lady after 5 days.

As you can see, I have 2 CFLs under those "domes" for refection. I am using 2x13w 6500 bulbs, and would like to konw what a good way to step them up as my babies grow would be? For example, should I move to 4x13w next, or 2x26w? Basically is there any real reason not to just put on full blast with say 625w total of CFLs? Should I wait until the get older, slowly upping the wattage? and if so, what steps?

Thanks in advance!

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eggrole1 Reviewed by eggrole1 on 07-05-2007. Started 1st Grow, Question about CFLs I started a grow a few days ago, and all is looking well right now. The first pic is the first day I saw a sprout, and the second is the same lady after 5 days. As you can see, I have 2 CFLs under those "domes" for refection. I am using 2x13w 6500 bulbs, and would like to konw what a good way to step them up as my babies grow would be? For example, should I move to 4x13w next, or 2x26w? Basically is there any real reason not to just put on full blast with say 625w total of CFLs? Should I Rating: 5

[davejohnwright]

I'd have to say the 2 13watt bulbs isnt gonna do much for very long, add a few more for now, then step up as the plants get bigger like you said. Your grand total of 625watts should make for a real nice cfl grow

[PharmaCan]

For right now get a couple of 26's and get them closer to your plants. You don't want to fry the plants, but you also don't want them to stretch. You need to get a small fan and aim it directly at the plants.

Have you considered how much heat 625 watts of cfl's is goiing to produce, or the fact you could buy a real good hid light for not much more than what 24 cfl's and their sockets will cost you?

PC :smokin:

[eggrole1]

cool, i will stick to my plan to step it up as the plants grow.

i think im close enough, you can't tell from the pic, but the lights are about 2 inches off the tops of the plants. I also have the electrical stuff (for the most part) already, and this is more a test run to learn. If it goes well I will get a HPS next time (and something better than bagseed). I have 2 PC fans blowing on them now, but I know I need more air than this. Again, I just didn't want to overdo it on them when they are small and fragile.

The temps now are like 78-82. My main concern now is the humidity (~80%), which I read would be ok when they are babies, but I have a dehumidifier ready to go when they get a bit bigger.

Thanks for the input both of you though!

[.:Karma:. o.O]

im using cfls as well 7 23 watt...i neeed more but im going to get a hps 400 watt instead...