CFL lights/timers

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Weibol

Active Member
I have a chance to get a couple nice 125w High Output CFL's 6500k for vegging when my seeds get here... but any CFL over 40w that I've seen says not to use with timers... that's gonna be a pain. Anyone know why?

I can't use HID because of the heat/space concern, but I can use CFL's no problem. It's only for 2-3 plants right now... figured 250w should be plenty of light for a space the size of a beer fridge (about 3'x3'x4'high) . But does anyone know why timers aren't recommended?
 
robbie82

robbie82

Well-Known Member
Dont know why you cant use a timer, but why have few big bulbs, instead of many small bulbs? it provides wider light distribution and can be used with timers easily......just my 2 cents.
 
W

Weibol

Active Member
Thanks... I think I'll take your 2 cents and add it to my light savings fund to buy a few smaller ones instead if I can find em. I was considering the 125w only because of the wattage : space ratio in my dome.

I bought a large 14" stainless steel mixing bowl, drilled a few holes in the bottom and added a couple y-splitters to fit 4 smaller bulbs (at least 40w CFL) Bounces the light pretty good for a home-made reflector dome. Maybe I'll buy another and make it 8 bulbs instead.... I know I can fit 2 of these domes in there. 30w x 8 = 240w total. Lumens should be about the same, over 10,000 at least.

Then again... if I could use a timer... I could potentially put 500w with just 4 of those 125w CFL's.
 
W

Weibol

Active Member
Walmart... ripped apart a couple desk lamps and wired em through... voila. I figure I saved quite a bit of dough... kinda need too, since I have to spend the savings on CFL's and seeds!
 
robbie82

robbie82

Well-Known Member
Wow that light set up looks great! and should keep the plants satisfied for now. You making a journal or have one?
 
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