CFL lighting/wattage/lumens

[creepinjezus15]

Ok, so I am new to this whole growing thing and I have been doing extensive research to educate myself on the proper way to have a successful grow. However I am a bit stumped on the lighting situation. I plan on using CFL bulbs as my sun replica but I cannot decide which is the right amount of bulbs needed to maintain above average to optimal growth. My small grow will consist of 4 plants and will be grown inside a 3x2x6 foot area. From what I saw while researching is that a good rule of thumb to follow is to have 7k-10k lumens per ft^2. However I have learned that lumens in CFL bulbs are not additive, meaning that if i have 68w bulb producing 3.4k lumens and I put another 68w bulb producing the same amount of lumens, that those two lumens will not yield 6.8k lumens and instead is just 3.4k per bulb.
My initial plan was to use a 68w bulb to shine down on the plants and to have two 27w bulbs on the sides. The 27w bulbs produce 1.85k lumens.
I guess what my question is is if the above light setup is enough to sustain and produce a succesful and somewhat fast grow.
If i was unclear on anything or if you need more information to help answer this question please let me know and I will provide.

creepinjezus15 Reviewed by creepinjezus15 on 02-16-2012. CFL lighting/wattage/lumens Ok, so I am new to this whole growing thing and I have been doing extensive research to educate myself on the proper way to have a successful grow. However I am a bit stumped on the lighting situation. I plan on using CFL bulbs as my sun replica but I cannot decide which is the right amount of bulbs needed to maintain above average to optimal growth. My small grow will consist of 4 plants and will be grown inside a 3x2x6 foot area. From what I saw while researching is that a good rule of Rating: 5

[Lit Up]

1st off, a 23w CFL bulb with put off 1600-1700 lumens. A lumen is the total amount of visible light emitted from a source. For good results try to get 12,000-15,000 total lumens and that is cutting it close. Roughly, 10-12 23w CFL bulbs should suffice, but then your going to have temperature issues, unless your ventilation is superb. My 4x2 1/2x5 veg box reaches upper 70's with 10 bulbs, into 80's with all 12. Thats with a 4 inch exhaust, 4 inch, force air intake, inlet fan AND a 4 inch stir fan. I'd try for more than less light.

Just know that your going to lose 5% of your lumens per bulb if they are vertical. Meaning they will emit more light if they are sideways. Interesting fact that I just discovered.

[Apelles]

Setting up for my first grow. The makers of the CFL's I have claim 1600 lumens per 23 watt bulb. I have decided to use 9 for a 20 cubic foot closet. That makes for 14,000 lumens at only 207 watts. Now for most of the time the grow space will be about 10 cubic feet since the light will be closer to the plants. One thing I have thought about that does not seem to be generally considered is the size of the reflector. I figure by custom fabricating to be the largest possible area would increase lumen efficiency by maximizing reflection back toward the plant. Sound good? I am a total noob.

[tracks]

I just realized this post was a year old