I was wondering how much better a 42w cfl with 2600 lumens would be compared to a 23w with 1475 lumens as far as canopy penetration and overall yeild/lumen ratio. I have a 21x28" (1.75'x2.3') area I am lighting. All 6 sides of the area are lined with mylar too. 8.5" square black pots that hold 2 gallons of soil each.

I am planning on having overhead lighting only, no side lights. I am hoping to get over 10,000 lumens as to have 2500+ lumens a square foot. I could buy buying 2 packages of 6 23w 1475 lumen bulbs (17,700, and around $15) or I could buy 5 42w 2600 lumen bulbs (13,000 and $50). I don't need to take into account the sockets as I don't use any!

I normally have a 1" hole drilled into something, then put the bulb through and use a safety pin or something to secure it through 2 holes, but I used cardboard and a pen ink tube for demonstration purposes.

I could also buy 3 packages of the 23w to get 26550 lumens. I plan on putting the lights on strips like in the 5th pic
Dr.Hashman Reviewed by Dr.Hashman on . 23w cfl vs 42w cfl. I was wondering how much better a 42w cfl with 2600 lumens would be compared to a 23w with 1475 lumens as far as canopy penetration and overall yeild/lumen ratio. I have a 21x28" (1.75'x2.3') area I am lighting. All 6 sides of the area are lined with mylar too. 8.5" square black pots that hold 2 gallons of soil each. I am planning on having overhead lighting only, no side lights. I am hoping to get over 10,000 lumens as to have 2500+ lumens a square foot. I could buy buying 2 packages of 6 Rating: 5