CFL - Preferred Brands?

[khronik]

GE or Sylvania are both good. I've only ever had problems with one bulb, and it was a generic one. The GEs are best for other lighting needs, because they seem to come on instantly, but with grow lights that's not going to be an issue.

[Hceren]

How good expirience did you get outof that 200w cfl. I got a grow box 2.5/3 and 4' tall I'm planing on putting in there a 250w cfl any advise

[whenwethc]

If you are going to use standard socket sized cfl's, try to find the 150watt equv, 42 watt actual. Lights listed as 'bright' or 'daylight' are generally 6500k blue light for vegging. They also come in 'soft' 2700k red for flowering. Lately, I've even noticed that the packageing colors are blue and red, so maybe look for that also.

Home Depot has 65w actual rating, back by the outside house spotlights. Lights of America make them. They're used for mercury vapor replacements. They are great for vegging, with tons of lumens, and very low heat. They are only blue light however. I've used these lights 3" from plant tops.

Next in cfl's, there are 95w, 125w and 200w cfl's. These are actual wattages, not equlivants. They all take mogul outlets. (larger than standard ones, but not difficult to find and wire to 'pieced out' electrical cords. I prefer the 125w cfl's to the 200 watt because placement of lights can spread light as needed... hope this helps

that 65w actual rating from home depot ive seen it and almost bought it but a worker told me that even if it fits in the standard cfl socket it isnt meant for it ...so did you use a differnt socket or did you take the chances and it worked?