1st attempt at a cfl grow

[DarkWizard021]

Guys I need some input and advice. I have always used hps/mh, but I am switching to cfl. I have 2 150watt(400w equivalent) reflector hoods with bulbs on the way, 2 flowering cfl bulbs 150w(400w equivalent) on the way. I am changing my setup very little besides the lighting. But with cfl I am curious if I can get more plants in a tighter space. Currently running a clone chamber (aero tubs) and a flowering chamber (aero tubs) I can easily get 8 plants in flowering at once, but not sure if I want to try for 10 or 12 with horizontal lighting. I am growing Cindy 99 (just what I prefer) and I am not sure spacing I will have between plants at the moment. I will be making 4 vertical light bars with cfls as well at some point. All of this fits in a storage shed and temps run around 78 Fahrenheit constant. Humidity I have locked in between 38 to 44%. So in a nutshell I will be making a grow journal on this next run, but since I am new to cfl growing curious how many plants I can get under this 125w(400w equiv) horizontal light with reflector. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[DarkWizard021]

No one with cfl experience?

 

[B166ER420]

Why the switch from hps to cfl???

 

[astronautrob]

Depends on how big your growing the plants, but if it where me I'd do one maybe two plants max

 

[DarkWizard021]

Space and wattage, the more research into this I'm doing the more I want to just stay hps lol, if I use just cfls I will have to make 4 to 6 stands with 23w cfls to go around the outside of my grow setup to get the light coverage I want...

 

[Bakatare666]

Why the switch from hps to cfl???

Hey bro!

 

[Bakatare666]

Space and wattage, the more research into this I'm doing the more I want to just stay hps lol, if I use just cfls I will have to make 4 to 6 stands with 23w cfls to go around the outside of my grow setup to get the light coverage I want...

If you have good beans and keep the lights real close, you can do well for effort involved, but for the most part, CFL's are for the space, or power, or heat limited.
I grew CFL's for a couple years, and did real well cost/ expenditure wise, but not to compare with MH/ Hps. I am a big fan of running CFL in an enclosed area at night or cold times to keep temps up, as well as vegging up to 45 days with CFL's. Any more than 45 days, I don't seem to see a significant improvement.
I WILL, however tell you that over 4 oz.dry cured can be achieved from one plant with only minimal veg and good beans. with a little LST

 

[Budzbuddha]

8 plants are too many for those cfl mentioned. I had to build a hood with 12 150w ( equiv )
( 6 5000k - 6 2700k ) plus Argo side lighting .

I run no more than 4 with this setup. ( depending on strain ) ... If i am running a more sativa strain i only grow out 5-6 nodes then ( flip 12/12 in tent ) to finish. Or if an auto , i let them grow with this setup or move them to another light when flowering.

 

[Jeanpaulsastre]

I think CFL has taught me a lot, by keeping them close to your buds you can control the temperature limits of your growing area, plus, learning bonsai technics, electricity and if you're interested, wavelenght/fotosynthesis ratio

 

[astronautrob]

Space and wattage, the more research into this I'm doing the more I want to just stay hps lol, if I use just cfls I will have to make 4 to 6 stands with 23w cfls to go around the outside of my grow setup to get the light coverage I want...

Yea man you should stick with HPS if you can, use CFL for side lighting or something if you can control the heat. The difference in light penetration is night & day with HPS & CFL, so if you have the choice stay with HPS dude you'll be much happier. I really only recommend CFL for first time growers, or if you have no other option, but if you have the choice of CFL or HPS, HPS all day

 

[B166ER420]

Hey bro!

Look what/who the cat dragged in!
What's up bro?When you can post in my thread in my sig we'll catch up

 

[diamonddav]

stay hps! not here to argue, just stating the facts, I did a couple grows with cfl's ,you can check them out on my sigs below if you want. but I made the switch and WOW hps it is for me. but I got a real nice cfl hood for sale CHEAP!!!

 

[DarkWizard021]

Yea I'm going to use cfls for veg, hps for flowering, managing the heat isn't an issue, actually just ordered another hps hood and ballast 1k. I am revamping my tubs, I had to pull last grow a week before I wanted to due to some root rot (root mass was insane) and those where some bagseed, this go around will be full aero instead of an aero/dwc hybrid. Thank you all for the input I greatly appreciate it.