T12's Good Enough?

[Hydrokronics]

I am hoping someone can help me figure out whether or not 4, 24inchx20watt T12 floro bulbs would be enough to start a few clones and possibly support them through veg? I am basicly hoping that this would be enough for a small veg box 2x2. Thanks for your time and knowledge.

 

[la9]

You could use it to get some clones started but all the way thru VEG I don't think you are going to have any luck unless you only plan on doing one plant.

Just spend $32 and get this light and you'll be good to go in your 2x2 space, especially if you accent the light with flourescents.

http://www.e-conolight.com/Product/E...ber=E-MT6H151G

 

[Hydrokronics]

which light is the one you are talking about. the link just took me to the site. Thanks for your input. what if I use a couple of cfls for side lighting do u still thinks this will not be sufficent?

 

[stu1974]

im useing a 40 watt cfl to bring 3 clones up and there doing fine.im going to grow them to about 14" then swich then under 400watt hps

 

[Hydrokronics]

do u think that will be enogh to support them to 14inches? Cause thats my only concern is that im not going to be getting them enough light with 80watts and 4000 lumens

 

[stu1974]

i grew 4 from seed to 14" before i put my clones under them .but the more light you can give them the better

 

[Hydrokronics]

So does anyone have any expirience growing with t12's and or do they think this will be enough light for a veg box. it is four,two foot,20watts bulbs.

 

[KaliKitsune]

T12s like that are only good for getting clones to root and for starting seedlings.

If you're going linear fluorescent, I'd suggest getting a T5 system. Otherwise get a lower powered HPS or MH bulb.

And yes, I grow almost exclusively with fluorescents, and have used all types.

 

[Fuzzotany]

I worked with T12s, but it was 6x 40 watters. I can say this - growth was annoyingly slow and the light they give off is blah (T5s are MUCH more intense). That link you were given, click it twice, it leads you to a $20 150W HPS ballast, I ordered one myself the other day. It's under vapor tights.

 

[Hydrokronics]

I am kind of leaning towards floros because of the heat issue. Do u think this would be able to go in a diy cooltube? Also what would you suggest for a 2x2 space it heat was a big issue? Thanks again

Also i see that the light is a Reactor Ballast, Does that mean it doesnt have a Cap or ignightor? Basicly I am wondering if when you recieve this light will you be able to just plug it right in or do you need to run power to it and get a cap and etc.....etc.....

 

[Fuzzotany]

I dunno what a reactor ballast is, but makin plugs for those fixtures is easy. Black to black, white to white, ground to ground. I suppose if heat's too much a concern, you could get plug-in light outlets, plug them into a multi-outlet strip, and screw in whatever CFLs (just make sure they're all secure in there, you don't want lights falling on your plant now do you?)

 

[Hydrokronics]

I dunno what a reactor ballast is, but makin plugs for those fixtures is easy. Black to black, white to white, ground to ground. I suppose if heat's too much a concern, you could get plug-in light outlets, plug them into a multi-outlet strip, and screw in whatever CFLs (just make sure they're all secure in there, you don't want lights falling on your plant now do you?)

Def not. Thank you vry much for the ideas. So does that light on the site have, All of the components that it needs to run obviously other then a power cord? A reactor Ballast is the type of ballast used i the fixture that the link went to.

 

[la9]

which light is the one you are talking about. the link just took me to the site. Thanks for your input. what if I use a couple of cfls for side lighting do u still thinks this will not be sufficent?

Used to work they must have switched it on their site, try this one my friend.

http://www.e-conolight.com/Product/EProductDetail.asp?ProductFamilyID=7&FGNumber=E-MT6H151G

 

[la9]

T12's used to be alright in the old days but their is just better options nowadays. The $32 HPS is hard to beat.

If you must use CFL's I've been thinking about posting a DIY on a light bucket I've created that works pretty well. Maybe I'll get around doing it.

 

[Hydrokronics]

does the 32 dollars hps have everything it needs to run with t besides the cord?

 

[la9]

does the 32 dollars hps have everything it needs to run with t besides the cord?

YES, everything you need, the bulb , the ballast, the fixture. You only need a cord or possibly wire nuts.

Many people have bought this fixture lately and I've heard of zero complaints. Kinda hard to believe but it is gaining a cult like following. Usually somebody has a bitch about something but I have heard none on this fixture so you have nothing to worry about in my opinion.

 

[zabrix]

t5 is good for veg section..6500K good

 

[Hydrokronics]

Is the ballast seperate from the fixture or is it all connected. basicly i just need to know if the ballast is going to need to be in the box because that will add more heat then i can handle

 

[la9]

The ballast is built into the fixture but is easily removable if you are handy.

 

[asher187]

IA9 how much did that 150W ballast and bulb run? ($20 for ballast and $12 for bulb really?) damn nice cheap solution for small grow +rep