First Time Grower... GROW LIGHTS !!!

[dude0]

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.

dude0 Reviewed by dude0 on 01-28-2005. First Time Grower... GROW LIGHTS !!! 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. Rating: 5

[The Student]

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

[dude0]

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

[Sensi Super Skunk]

Buy compact fluorescents.

[BobBong]

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.

[dude0]

Oh cool setup with the lights BobBong.
Do you happen to know any UK sites that sell those lights?
thanks

[BobBong]

no idea, sorry... i got them at canadian tire here in toronto

[Dimebag]

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.

[Dimebag]

heres a good site in the US for cheap CFLs www.1000bulbs.com

[dude0]

heres a good site in the US for cheap CFLs www.1000bulbs.com

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?