Lighting for my box

[TheWickedApple]

I'm making my very first box. So far, I have a few box design ideas that I will be sharing at other places on this board. Although my question right now is all about lighting as I shop for lights.

I'm a college student, so money is tight. That's why I've been looking for CFL lights. HPS would be great but it's over 150$ here so I can't do that now.


My box won't be too big but not too small either. I plan to have space for 2 small/shortish plants. Was wondering how many CFL's I need to grow them optimally?

Where can I find a cheap but quality fixture? And what type of fixture am I looking for? And how much power does it use?

Thanks for any additional information

TheWickedApple Reviewed by TheWickedApple on 09-18-2012. Lighting for my box I'm making my very first box. So far, I have a few box design ideas that I will be sharing at other places on this board. Although my question right now is all about lighting as I shop for lights. I'm a college student, so money is tight. That's why I've been looking for CFL lights. HPS would be great but it's over 150$ here so I can't do that now. My box won't be too big but not too small either. I plan to have space for 2 small/shortish plants. Was wondering how many CFL's I need to Rating: 5

[TheWickedApple]

After some research on cheap CFL options. I have found a few socket cords on amazon for roughly 15 bucks which should work. I was also thinking of getting a twin light socket adapter to plug to this socket cord so I can put 2 CFL's on this. Or would I need 2 of these setup?

Can I get more info on the heat associated with CFL?
What wattage will I need overall for 2 plants?
Also, is it safe and fireproof to put 2 cfl on one socket with this adapter?

Will this be enough for 1-2 plants.

I figured out that my space with be roughly 30inches high and 30 inches width.

[TheWickedApple]

After some research this is what I'm thinking. I'm thinking of getting a socket with a reflector with a 150w CFL bulb. Would this do for 2 small plants? I want mostly a good for all vegging and flowering. My first plants is the auto train. any thoughts?

[rudolfskis]

Well i use 6 100 watt cfls & 2 300 cfls to veg,and must say works well and you can keep them very close to plants which helps keep them small.I plan on using a metal H 400 watt lamp which i know will be better for them and being ive got 10 clones to veg i expect a bettergrow thru out....Course im useing a 400 watt HPS lamp for flower.....I think cfls would lack nough lighting needed.
All i know is my first plant OMG is awesome using cfls to veg & HPS to flower.Almost ready to harvest and once again awesome