Enough light?

[PRIEST]

I'm setting up my grow box right now and I have 5 CFLs that add up to 8,000 lumens is that enough light for one or two plants?

PRIEST Reviewed by PRIEST on 01-24-2010. Enough light? I'm setting up my grow box right now and I have 5 CFLs that add up to 8,000 lumens is that enough light for one or two plants? Rating: 5

[jakester]

First off, I don't know if lumens add up in a linear way like that and second...no, that's not enough light at all. You could probably veg some little plants fine but it wouldn't be enough for any serious bud. Add a little metal halide or HPS to that and you might get some decent nugs.

[PRIEST]

First off, I don't know if lumens add up in a linear way like that and second...no, that's not enough light at all. You could probably veg some little plants fine but it wouldn't be enough for any serious bud. Add a little metal halide or HPS to that and you might get some decent nugs.

What wattage on the metal halide?

[superskunk1]

i would suggest HTG supply they have a 400 watt hps/mh kit for $170

If you aint got that kind of money then go to lowes and buy more CFL's they have a four pack for $12 and im talking about the 26w=100w ones but as soon as you flower your gonna want alot more bulbs

[PRIEST]

Thanks for the info yeah that is kinda out of my price range haha alright so I guess I'll head back to home depot and pick up a metal halide and some higher powered CFLs?

[bigtopsfinn]

http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...-lighting.html :thumbsup:

If you're on a tight budget, don't buy things new from a store. You'd be amazed at the things you can find at online auctions and at thrift stores. CFL's are OK for the hobby grower, but your plants will grow slowly and it's difficult to get dense buds. Personally, I wouldn't have the patience

[superskunk1]

http://boards.cannabis.com/indoor-li...-lighting.html :thumbsup:

If you're on a tight budget, don't buy things new from a store. You'd be amazed at the things you can find at online auctions and at thrift stores. CFL's are OK for the hobby grower, but your plants will grow slowly and it's difficult to get dense buds. Personally, I wouldn't have the patience

great post BIGTOPSFINN personally if i am going to do something i am going all out, but because everyone has there own budget i had thought that HID setup would be the most economical setup around, but after you post i would have to say im wrong.

[bigtopsfinn]

great post BIGTOPSFINN personally if i am going to do something i am going all out, but because everyone has there own budget i had thought that HID setup would be the most economical setup around, but after you post i would have to say im wrong.

hey Superskunk1,

HID is the most economical setup IMO. It all depends on what you want to do: how much space you have, how many plants, and budget of course. If you want to do it right, go for the HID. Even for 2 plants I'd go for a 250w HPS instead of buying a bunch of CFL's and trying to wire them and constantly reposition them to get the most out of them. CFL's will also require a couple extra weeks of both veg and flower, and that's basically one less harvest per year for me :wtf:

[PRIEST]

Ok a lot of info here lol. Alright so I'm going to return one of the CFLs and get an HID. My lights are set up in a 5 dye pattern for example
0 0
-0
0 0 and I'll put the HID in the middle. I know the time is going to be longer with less light but so far I got $200 sunk in this and I can't afford great lights

So does this sound like a good plan?

[bigtopsfinn]

Ok a lot of info here lol. Alright so I'm going to return one of the CFLs and get an HID. My lights are set up in a 5 dye pattern for example
0 0
-0
0 0 and I'll put the HID in the middle. I know the time is going to be longer with less light but so far I got $200 sunk in this and I can't afford great lights

So does this sound like a good plan?

HID will need its own ballast and socket, it won't plug into a normal light socket like a CFL.

How many plants are you growing? What size is your grow area? What's your budget?