CFL's for supplementry lighting

[20dollarholla]

So the set up I'm running is just two Hydrofarm Radiant 1000watt HPS side by side. I only grow one plant per light, because I like to grow monsters and its way easier to take care of two plants than it is 16 plants. Anyway the light from my HPS's doesnt really penetrate the canopy and the light that does get through probaly doesnt have any lumens left to it. So can I run a row of CFL's down each side of the canopy About 18" of off the ground? How close can I get the CFL to the plant itself without scorching? Can I put CFL's in between the two plants without burning them? How much light disapates as you move the light further away?

Basically I know nothing about CFL's and just am trying to get my lower and interior buds some extra wieght and density. Will this help? I cant afford the heat of adding my other 1000watt Radiant.

20dollarholla Reviewed by 20dollarholla on 10-08-2007. CFL's for supplementry lighting So the set up I'm running is just two Hydrofarm Radiant 1000watt HPS side by side. I only grow one plant per light, because I like to grow monsters and its way easier to take care of two plants than it is 16 plants. Anyway the light from my HPS's doesnt really penetrate the canopy and the light that does get through probaly doesnt have any lumens left to it. So can I run a row of CFL's down each side of the canopy About 18" of off the ground? How close can I get the CFL to the plant itself Rating: 5

[texas grass]

yeah just make sure you get no water on them

can put cfls about 2"away

i forget exactly how many lumens you loose but something like half per foot

[Johnaldinho]

I've been forever looking on this forum for what 'CFL' stands for, not even google will give me a straight answer.

What does it stand for, what kind of light is it.... and are they required for every grow?

[Mic-Mechanic]

Compact Floruscent light. No they are not required for every grow, they are a cheap subsitute handy for growers who grow about 3-4 plants and cant afford HPS and HID.

However many growers with HPS use them in addition because you can position them nicely so the light goes exactly where you want it too. Also they come in alot of light spectrums so if one has a HPS and would like extra blue light for flower they're handy.

The best aspect is its a florosecent but it screws into regular light sockets.

Keep plants at least a inch away, but make sure the lights are within 4 inches of where you want the light to go.

[bstheory]

You could use T5's instead of cfls if you want lighting on the side. Sun Blaze 54W 4FT T5 Fluorescent Strip Light - Plantlighting Hydroponics -- these are only $25 a piece and put out 5,000 lumen each, and you can replace the tubes for flowering spectrums.