400W HPS vs. 250W CFL (red spectrum)

Hello all,

I am thinking about trying a 250W CFL (red spectrum) to flower one of my girls. I normally use 400W HPS. But I've been hearing good things about the cfl's. Does any one have any experience, advice, or nuggets of wisdom that you can give me.

Lower wattage is my main reason for trying this. But if the results are not good, then no go...

Thanks...

the mh has the correct spectrum of colors for vegging but that extra 150 watts is is probably gunna end up being better depending on how expencive the bulbs are. how many are you planning on growing??? are you using the stock bulbs? if your not worried about electricy bill and you are going to grow more then four plants use both otherwise just use the 200 for the first three weeks of veg then switch two the hps for the rest of veg and flowering

Step away from the ledge man. No way is a 250 watt CFL going to out perform a HPS of any size. Use the 400 watt HPS and stay away from kitchen lights(CFL's)

ggrrtt nobody even mentioned metal halide, what are you on? How many plants? He said flower ONE. He also is only talking about flowering. Stock bulbs? Jesus new jack, learn to read before responding.

Snutter - I can tell you with certainty that CFLs will give you less weight and less density than your HPS. HID lamps are monsters, CFLs can't come close. If you switch you'll be disappointed.

snutter said:

Hello all,

I am thinking about trying a 250W CFL (red spectrum) to flower one of my girls. I normally use 400W HPS. But I've been hearing good things about the cfl's. Does any one have any experience, advice, or nuggets of wisdom that you can give me.

Lower wattage is my main reason for trying this. But if the results are not good, then no go...

Thanks...

Click to expand...

Ya if you have hps use it... although you use less power with the cfl, the hps has a better light spectrum for flowering than cfl.. the hps is much more efficient as far as lumens per watt, and lumens that actually reach the plant.. and the hps also has much better light penetration into the plant which produces denser, fatter buds..

hope that helps

GrizzlyAdams said:

ggrrtt nobody even mentioned metal halide, what are you on? How many plants? He said flower ONE. He also is only talking about flowering. Stock bulbs? Jesus new jack, learn to read before responding.

Snutter - I can tell you with certainty that CFLs will give you less weight and less density than your HPS. HID lamps are monsters, CFLs can't come close. If you switch you'll be disappointed.

Click to expand...

Thanks grizzly. I was having a hard time believing what I was hearing from the guy at my local grow store. I had a feeling he was just trying to get me to pick up the "weekly" special which was a package deal that included a CFL. He went on and on about how comparable it was to HPS, but I wasn't able to swallow most of his BS. hahah.

boarderofsnow said:

Ya if you have hps use it... although you use less power with the cfl, the hps has a better light spectrum for flowering than cfl.. the hps is much more efficient as far as lumens per watt, and lumens that actually reach the plant.. and the hps also has much better light penetration into the plant which produces denser, fatter buds..

hope that helps

Click to expand...

Thanks BOS, it definitely helps. I read basically the same things you said, but reading and real life application is always a bit different. That's why I asked the question. I'll stick with HPS, I've never been let down...

I appreciate the responses guys!

USE both dood! CFL for under canopy. Electric bill be damned. Just pay it.

elduece said:

USE both dood! CFL for under canopy. Electric bill be damned. Just pay it.

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hahah. nice user name. Are you a fan of The Mentors?? I am!!! But isn't it spelled, El Duce??