CFL Q's

[S.Mass.P]

I am about to start my first grow, and am choosing to use CFL's for a few reasons.
I understand that to grow four plants, I need around 20,000 lumens. So that would be two 200W CFLs. Where can I plug 200W bulbs into? I have a very low budget. Also, are there any flaws in my design? 5,000 Lumens per plant, once I weed out the males if there are any it would only go up. Thanks for the help!

 

[mr.parker]

if you cant buy a ballast just use a few 45 watt cfls i use 10 26 watt cfls for 2 plants and 3 26 watt cfls for growing 2 seedlings

 

[S.Mass.P]

if you cant buy a ballast just use a few 45 watt cfls i use 10 26 watt cfls for 2 plants and 3 26 watt cfls for growing 2 seedlings

yeah I want to avoid getting a ballast, I found a light that holds three bulbs if I put in 3 65W bulbs will that be enough light? Also, how much should I use to start my seeds?

 

[TeaTreeOil]

200 watt+ CFLs typically have mogul sockets, but they usually are also found in 120v/60Hz(and others, so watch out) and self-ballasted(you want this!). You can either get a Mogul Socket or get an Converter(to medium). It's likely due to HPS/MH replacement reasons(bypass ballast, and viola, 2-4x as efficient lighting, with little heat, as the bulbs age CFLs lose less efficiency compared to HID, CFLs are cheaper), just get a converter, or get mogul sockets if you DIY.

HPS fan(atics): Go look at seasoned CFL/Floro/T5 growers journals if you don't have faith in any of them! They're pulling more GRAMS/WATT, and you ought to respect that.

 

[mr.parker]

rep to teatreeoil