Quote Originally Posted by samiam
Quick Question?

...two 23 watt/1450 lumens (ea.) CFL's for our 26.5x19x53.5 (about 4 sq ft) grow space...

I wonder if this is ok to use for at least the first 30 or so days or for sprouting?
No this will not be nearly enuff and your plants will not survive even 30 days.

23W CFL are as useless as tits on a frog. Even for one plant.

You dont mention how many plants you have or intend to grow....but here is my formula to follow...

Remember....your CFL must have a spectrum temp of AT LEAST 5500 for optimal growth....

PER One plant....

OPTIMAL: 125W (TRUE WATTS) 5500 / 6400K...each plant.
MINIMAL: 55W (TRUE WATTS) 5500K...each plant.

THis is good for 30 days and assuming refelction is optimally in place.

In either case....lights must be no more than 2" from light surface with good strong air flow between the light surface and plant tops.

Hope this helps....