Any advice on growing with cfl's???

HOMEGROWN4DE

HOMEGROWN4DE

Well-Known Member
I just been and bought a couple of 20w cfl's and i was wondering if any 1 had any advice on how best to use them in my grow space, i currently have them hanging over the top of the seedlings, would getting more for the side's really make much difference???? Here is a few pics
thanks :P
 
HOMEGROWN4DE

HOMEGROWN4DE

Well-Known Member
Ok thanks i'll get them tomorrow! I was just worried about the temps going to high but ill just get another pc fan blowing.
 
ijustgrowGREEN

ijustgrowGREEN

Well-Known Member
nice home made reflector! if i were you, i'd put a y splitter in each socket that you have there. that'd give you a total of 4 canopy bulbs..... also, yes, side lighting is very important when using cfls, as their not as strong as other light forms. you could buy some of those hooded sockets with clamps on them(my avatar) and spread those around the sides... that'd help out alot. keep them as close as you can to plants to avoid stretching, like 1-2" away. good luck
 
Anjinsan

Anjinsan

Well-Known Member
The best system allows for micromanagement of the cfls. Your plants will very likely grow at different rates and if multi-cola'd those will probably not be exactly the same either. So individual control over lights is crucial if you want to maintain close spacing between lights and buds.

I try for about 2 - 3 inches away at all times. 1 inch like some say; I do not find practical. A) They get hot. 1 inch away will dry a leaf crispy in just a few hours. B) A good grower in massive flower growth can grow an inch in a single day.
 
HOMEGROWN4DE

HOMEGROWN4DE

Well-Known Member
I HAVE A temp and humidity guage ALREADY, THE TEMP WENT UP TO 80 FROM 72 WHEN I PUT THE TWO BULBS IN BUT I THINK THAT WAS BECAUSE OF THE REFLECTOR STOPING HEAT ESCAPING FROM THE TOP OF THE GROW SPACE! I'LL KEEP AN EYE ON IT AND HOPFULLY ILL GET SOME OF THOSE Y SPLITTERS BUT NOT SURE WHERE AS IV NEVER SEEN THEM FOR SALE NEAR ME, DO YOU THINK 4 CFL'S WOULD DO THE TRICK OR SHOULD I GET MORE?? IM LIMITED ON SPACE, THE TANK IM USING IS ONLY 18"-18" FLOOR SPACE AND 3' TALL.
ANYWAY THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
 
S

SlikWiLL13

Well-Known Member
HOMEGROWN4DE said:
A good temp is between 70/80 and the humidity about 60%/80%, thats what i was told anyway
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i try not to go above 60% RH and really the lower the better when in flower. shoot for 35-40%RH in flower.


tell me, is your fan moving fresh air into the cab, or just moving around inside the cab? fresh intake air is vital for both temp control and plant growth.
 
ijustgrowGREEN

ijustgrowGREEN

Well-Known Member
you can get the y splitters at any hardware store. home depot, lowes, ace, etc. you'll need better air circulation in your grow area... for your plants health, and to cool down the cfls. keep your lights on 24 hours throughout vegitative cycle. good luck....
 
HOMEGROWN4DE

HOMEGROWN4DE

Well-Known Member
I started it at the top of the tank sucking in air but as the reflector held the heat i moved it to the bottom but left the top of the tank open, hopfully this is right!?!?!?!? Maybe a smaller reflector needs making lol
 
S

SlikWiLL13

Well-Known Member
you keep saying 'tank'...are you plants sitting in an aquarium?

if so, its not really neccessary. i simple tray to catch runnoff water will suffice and provide better ventilation.
 
HOMEGROWN4DE

HOMEGROWN4DE

Well-Known Member
Its just sat at the bottom of the space at the mo but ill put it bk at the top sucking air in, in the morning, like i said i moved it coz of the temps going up
 
Anjinsan

Anjinsan

Well-Known Member
HOMEGROWN4DE said:
The tank is 3'x18"x18" i turned it on its end so i got 3' high and 18"sq floor space
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D00d that's on the small side. 18" is not very wide for a mature plant. 3' minus the space that lights take up...will not be very tall either.

You might want to stick to autoflowering strains or grow 12/12 from seed if that's all the space that you have.
 
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