Adding CFLs Below Canopy to Supplement 400HPS Scrog?

[Scruggs]

Oops, I meant tube fluorescents, not CFLs.

I use the Scrog method (36" x 48" screen) under 400w HPS due to low overhead clearance of the space. I've had good success so far but have been toying with the idea of upping the lighting. It was suggested to me rather than purchase a new lamp/fixture with more balls to simply add more light to what I already have.

This got me thinking of the four 4' T12 Ott-Lites I've had in storage for years, and I'd like to add them to the system. Their specs are 40w, 2200 lumens, 5900K, and I have two 2-bulb 4' shop ballasts for them (bulbs a few inches apart). I know that these bulbs are more designed for growing, but I'd like to add them to supplement the 400HPS during flowering. Good idea?

Apparently T12s don't radiate as far as T8s and T5s, so I need to place them as close to the canopy as possible. Instead of placing them above the canopy which would most likely mean getting in the way of the HPS light, I'm debating on placing them under the canopy close to the plants.

Can I get some input whether using these spare bulbs would be worth it for flowering? And if placing them below the canopy would be better than above?
Scruggs

Scruggs Reviewed by Scruggs on 08-31-2012. Adding CFLs Below Canopy to Supplement 400HPS Scrog? Oops, I meant tube fluorescents, not CFLs. I use the Scrog method (36" x 48" screen) under 400w HPS due to low overhead clearance of the space. I've had good success so far but have been toying with the idea of upping the lighting. It was suggested to me rather than purchase a new lamp/fixture with more balls to simply add more light to what I already have. This got me thinking of the four 4' T12 Ott-Lites I've had in storage for years, and I'd like to add them to the system. Their Rating: 5

[Scruggs]

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[aggerts]

Any extra light is a good thing, i am not too sure about lights under the scrog it might confuse and stunt there growth. but who knows it might work, give it a red hot crack and good luck with.

[jackall]

I always add side lighting to my plants. 100% it helps produce bigger better buds.
(as lights placed above the plants will not reach the sides)
Learned through experimentation. ATB

[mmjman]

One of my first gardens was a 400 watt HPS, but one of the plants got really tall. I added a 125CFL self ballasted grow light, and it was difinetly worth the cash. All you need is a special cord that is available at your grow store to accomodate the large base of the self ballasted CFL, about $20 or less and the light is less than $35 if you shop around. Good luck, I hung mine vertical because i had to, but it worked great.

[VickiR]

I too am using cfl to supplement 400W hps , seedlings are responding well so far.