Strong CFL's in a small area, could that match an HPS system?

[submast3r]

I have 7000+ lumens hitting a single plant in a tiny area. Like 1x1x3. All of the bulbs are very close to the plant w/o burning it. Could the yield of this setup approach what an HPS grow gets?

submast3r Reviewed by submast3r on 08-04-2009. Strong CFL's in a small area, could that match an HPS system? I have 7000+ lumens hitting a single plant in a tiny area. Like 1x1x3. All of the bulbs are very close to the plant w/o burning it. Could the yield of this setup approach what an HPS grow gets? Rating: 5

[irydyum]

No.

Unless it was like a 75 or 100w HPS, then maybe. But you are talking about 7000 lumens where your typical 400w HPS is delivering upward of 40,000 lumens.

It's not to say that you won't get results, but they wouldn't be comparable to running any kind of HID.

[purplekush989]

it wont be as good as an hps but your grow will end up being fantastic if you play your cards right. You can have great grows from CFLs.

[submast3r]

No.

Unless it was like a 75 or 100w HPS, then maybe. But you are talking about 7000 lumens where your typical 400w HPS is delivering upward of 40,000 lumens.

It's not to say that you won't get results, but they wouldn't be comparable to running any kind of HID.

Is it really accurate to compare my cfl grow with a 400w HPS system? I mean, no one would actually recommend a 400 W HPS system in a 3 cubic foot, 1 square foot grow chamber.

[irydyum]

Could the yield of this setup approach what an HPS grow gets?

No it isn't, I was giving you the science behind why they aren't comparable. You asked HPS vs your setup in the initial question.

[CFLhydro]

It's all about light penetration. CFL's won't penetrate foliage and buds like HID's can. You can get some fantastic results with CFL's when used properly but I'd never expect to see comparably dense tight nuggets. Have a look at an outdoor fluorescent, they appear very bright to look at but notice how they don't cast the light very far.

Always remember, unless you can successfully grow the plant to it's optimum health then it's not going to make much of a difference what lighting is used.

[greenbli$$$]

A HPS light has a wider color spectrum then most other grow lights, and I believe it's the closest thing to the spectrum the sun puts out. CFL's are basicly just white light if I remember right, I like using CFL's in cloning, MH in veg, and HPS in flowering, but HPS in veg works great too. Don't waist time trying to flower under CFL's, You'll end up with airy buds, and it will take longer to fully mature!

Grow big or go home!:thumbsup:

[greenbli$$$]

Is it really accurate to compare my cfl grow with a 400w HPS system? I mean, no one would actually recommend a 400 W HPS system in a 3 cubic foot, 1 square foot grow chamber.

Use a small hps, my 3x3 space will have a 250w hps once I get set up again, I think they make 100w hps too, but I'm not sure. as long as the temp is good, you can pack a tiny room with big lights!