fluorescent lights

[dontbugme]

Instead of using those corkscrew CFLs can I use something like an 18inch or 24inch fluorescent light to give seedlings light? What if I don't want to get a sodium pressure light, what happens if you use one of these fluorescent lights while it buds? I know less yield, but what else?

See attached image

dontbugme Reviewed by dontbugme on 01-24-2008. fluorescent lights Instead of using those corkscrew CFLs can I use something like an 18inch or 24inch fluorescent light to give seedlings light? What if I don't want to get a sodium pressure light, what happens if you use one of these fluorescent lights while it buds? I know less yield, but what else? See attached image Rating: 5

[hybridlove420]

that thing looks retarded. buy regular cool white/daylight cfl household bulbs and use those to veg, and warm whites to flower.

if you want to use tubes, get a proper setup, not some 10w dinky-assed bulb thats probably gonna cost ya 10-15$ each

[dontbugme]

that was just some img i pulled off the web.

mine says it is 15w with 75 watt output

[Storm Crow]

And a bit smaller, but if you are just growing for yourself, you can live with it. I found that the GE Kitchen and bath tubes worked well for budding and regular cool whites worked well in veg. The trick it to keep the plants only 1 to 2 inches from the top of your plants. Make sure your set-up is easy to raise and lower! - Granny:hippy:

[stinkyattic]

4 foot, 2 bulb, 80w total fixtures are $9 at home depot.
The 'cool white' T12 tubes to fit them are $3 each.
Voila. Your little plants will love you. I've been using them since day one for my vegging and to keep my moms under.

[psteve]

The 'cool white' T12 tubes to fit them are $3 each.

Daylight T-8's are WAY more efficient, and fit the same shop light, for only slightly more.
Even if they were twice as much, it would still only be $6 each.

[hybridlove420]

damn. if stinky and steve suggest the tubes, they gotta be good

im using 10 daylight 23w cfls for 5 seedlings, and theyre happy so far (gonna up it by a few bulbs once theyre bigger i think)

[killerweed420]

T5's would even be better. I've got a 16 tube T5 system I'm using to grow 3 plants now. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

[psteve]

damn. if stinky and steve suggest the tubes, they gotta be good

im using 10 daylight 23w cfls for 5 seedlings, and theyre happy so far (gonna up it by a few bulbs once theyre bigger i think)

You're doing great, and on the right track. Your current 230w of cfl's is plenty for 5 seedlings.
Once they get bigger you'll want more coverage.
What I would do is add the tubes vertically as side lighting, to ensure good light penetration.
How big is your space?

[psteve]

T5's would even be better. I've got a 16 tube T5 system I'm using to grow 3 plants now. I'll let everyone know how it turns out.

True, but you can't put t-5's in a shop light from Home DePot. And they cost a lot more than $3-6 each.