ryanstout87
Active Member
i am anew i never used cfls before. but i want to add a little more light and i want to know where i can get cfls for kinda chead and how i should set them up i would appreciate it thanks
Cfl Help
- Thread starter ryanstout87
- Start date
pauliojr
Well-Known Member
This is a reply I wrote the other day to another poster. Hopefully it helps!
If you do happen to use CFLs get a packaged deal where there is about 5 in there. You will save tons of money in the end. I would get the brightest CFLs they have. There should be some big ass ones that are almost 5,000 lumens per bulb. CFLs work great with good reflective material such as mylar and white paint. You can get CFLs for a good price at any local hardware store and sometimes grocery stores. I personally think Home Depot has an excellent selection. Here is an example of a good CFL.
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/jsearch/searchResults.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&N=2984+4308&BV _SessionID=@@@@1396104752.1174147888@@@@&MID=9876& BV_EngineID=ccekaddkhefdidfcgelceffdfgidgin.0&CNTK EY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp
They have 150W equivalents too!! Bright as all hell!! The great thing about CFLs is that they will last a very long time! Remember, these CFLs can be as close as you want them without touching the plant!! There is no such thing as too much light!!
If you do happen to use CFLs get a packaged deal where there is about 5 in there. You will save tons of money in the end. I would get the brightest CFLs they have. There should be some big ass ones that are almost 5,000 lumens per bulb. CFLs work great with good reflective material such as mylar and white paint. You can get CFLs for a good price at any local hardware store and sometimes grocery stores. I personally think Home Depot has an excellent selection. Here is an example of a good CFL.
http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/jsearch/searchResults.jsp?CNTTYPE=PROD_META&N=2984+4308&BV _SessionID=@@@@1396104752.1174147888@@@@&MID=9876& BV_EngineID=ccekaddkhefdidfcgelceffdfgidgin.0&CNTK EY=misc%2fsearchResults.jsp
They have 150W equivalents too!! Bright as all hell!! The great thing about CFLs is that they will last a very long time! Remember, these CFLs can be as close as you want them without touching the plant!! There is no such thing as too much light!!
leafwrapper
Well-Known Member
cfls do not last that long and lose lots of light intensity with age, in the long run they are more expensive then a hid unit and more hassle. but u can grow with them and grow well.
pauliojr
Well-Known Member
On the box they say it says they will last almost 9 YEARS!! I'm sure it won't be that much for what a grower needs it for. My electric bill has been considerably low since using CFLs. Using CFLs I believe is no hassle whatsoever and much safer as far as heat output. Even if CFLs get misted by accident, they will be okay. If you get water on a HID bulb, they're fuckin over!!
leafwrapper
Well-Known Member
no, im saying the initial lumen output of a cfl reduces more drasticlly over time. cfls u have to keep 1-2" from the plants so u have to move the everyday. and with the amount of cfls it takes to get the job done u end up using the same amount of watts as a hid system. plus ur gonna need to replace those cfl bulbs alot more frequently than ur hid bulb. all that energy saving crap u see on cfl packages makes u think there more economical but when u factor everything in its not so. not to discourage any cfl growers u can still grow nice nugs with them.
pauliojr
Well-Known Member
I have never heard that and I'm not saying you're wrong, but just wondering where you heard that from???
mogie
Well-Known Member
Last time I was in the Home Depot (about 3 days ago) they had a deal on a box of 5 cfl's for less then $10. I didn't check any of the details because I don't use cfl's but that is an awesome buy.
What are compact fluorescents and how can I use them for growing?
Contributed by: Burramys Parvus
Thanks to: 11leafedleaf
Submitted: 03-25-2003
Images archived
BASIC INFORMATION
Compact fluorescents are close relatives of the 4ft tube fluorescents, commonly used in shops and schools for their white, soft light that does not cast any defined shadows. These lights are long tubes, usually 4ft long, filled with a gas that releases a photon of light when excited by electricity. The electricity is passed through the tube from the metal sections at either end, thus exciting the gas within and releasing photons of light. These lights must have a 'starter' which gets the light going initially, unlike incandescent which can just be turned on and off without one. Regular fluorescents usually emit 18w of light per tube, and cannot be plugged straight into a wall socket.
Compact fluorescents, on the other hand, are made for use in regular light sockets, and can easily be installed by anyone with basic handyman skills. Compact fluorescents are usually around 8inches long (not including the ballast, which usually adds about 3 inches to the total length) and emit minimal amounts of heat from the globe itself. Most of the heat emitted from a compact fluorescent comes from the ballast. These lights are usually between 8w and 27w, although some variation may occur between brands and uses.
The main reason people choose CF's over regular fluoro's is their compact ability! They are very 'movable' and can be positioned almost everywhere. They put out MUCH more light than their bigger cousins, while using only a fraction of the space.
Some of the many varieties of compact fluorescents.
Image contributed by: Locutus
NON-CULTIVATION USE OF COMPACT FLUORESCENTS
If you're running a large grow setup, and you're concerned about the spike in electricity, replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluoro’s around the house! They give off the same light, using only a fraction of the electricity. If you're running a HID light, and the electricity increase could kill you financially, or you're just worried about LEO, it might be a good idea to replace incandescent with compact fluoro’s. As an example, a 100w incandescent uses most of its energy giving off heat. If you replace all these 100w incandescent bulbs with ~20w energy saving compact fluoro's, you can dramatically reduce your energy bill, and help the environment at the same time. In fact, I recommend changing all your lights to CF's regardless of your growing situation, as they will save you $$ in the long-term, and save the environment.
The advantage with these lights is that the conversion from incandescent isn't complicated! Simply un-screw the old bulb, and screw in a compact fluoro! Done! You're on your way to energy saving paradise!
THE USE OF FLUORO'S FOR GROWING CANNABIS
Every grower has, or still uses these lights. Although they don’t even come close to the results from a HID light, they do however provide a cheap alternative for a newbie 'dabbling' in the fine art of growing. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on an HID light, a newbie can purchase a compact fluorescent for a few bucks, and still have money for a coffee on the way home.
These lights are also excellent for starting seedlings and clones, as their cool light will not dry out the soil as fast as an HID. They have a low intensity, and are gentle on newly germinated seedlings, and are great for clones as they wont dry them out or give them too much of an early blast.
Compact fluoro's are also great for stealth grows, as they can be kept about 1 inch from the plants, and do not require extensive heat ventilation due to their warm operating temperature.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE LIGHTS?
Most lighting stores will sell them, but watch out, prices are very different depending on what type of shop you get them at! As lighting shops only sell lighting equipment, their prices can either be high or low, it really depends on the type of lighting shop it is. A designer lighting shop may end up being much more expensive, as they tend to be more directed towards the upper-class designer type customer, which extra $$ to spend. Hardware’s sell them, but their variety of lights is usually limited. Electricians, and assorted electrical shops will sell them, and this is most likely where you will get the best range and the best prices. My advice to you is, shop around! You wont regret it when you can save around 30% per light.
WHICH TYPE OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT TO CHOOSE
For anyone growing cannabis, it is pointless to buy a weak light. Given the option of 8w, 15w and 27w, you would be stupid not to buy the 27watt, as they are more or less the same price. Compare the lumen output of each of the bulbs, different 27w bulbs may have different lumen outputs (depending on the manufacturer) and as with everything, the more lumens the better. You will also be given 2 options, the screw method of fitting, or the bayonet method (push and turn). My preference is the bayonet fitting. Make sure that you choose the right one for your socket! Also, do not choose a regular compact fluoro. Pick the one with the energy saving feature (will be explained why later on in the document). Now, for vegetative growth you should choose the 'cool white' light. This is also acceptable for flowering, but a 'warm white' light will be better as it is stronger in the red end of the light spectrum which is more suitable for flowering.
What are compact fluorescents and how can I use them for growing?
Contributed by: Burramys Parvus
Thanks to: 11leafedleaf
Submitted: 03-25-2003
Images archived
BASIC INFORMATION
Compact fluorescents are close relatives of the 4ft tube fluorescents, commonly used in shops and schools for their white, soft light that does not cast any defined shadows. These lights are long tubes, usually 4ft long, filled with a gas that releases a photon of light when excited by electricity. The electricity is passed through the tube from the metal sections at either end, thus exciting the gas within and releasing photons of light. These lights must have a 'starter' which gets the light going initially, unlike incandescent which can just be turned on and off without one. Regular fluorescents usually emit 18w of light per tube, and cannot be plugged straight into a wall socket. Compact fluorescents, on the other hand, are made for use in regular light sockets, and can easily be installed by anyone with basic handyman skills. Compact fluorescents are usually around 8inches long (not including the ballast, which usually adds about 3 inches to the total length) and emit minimal amounts of heat from the globe itself. Most of the heat emitted from a compact fluorescent comes from the ballast. These lights are usually between 8w and 27w, although some variation may occur between brands and uses.
The main reason people choose CF's over regular fluoro's is their compact ability! They are very 'movable' and can be positioned almost everywhere. They put out MUCH more light than their bigger cousins, while using only a fraction of the space.
Some of the many varieties of compact fluorescents.
Image contributed by: Locutus
NON-CULTIVATION USE OF COMPACT FLUORESCENTS
If you're running a large grow setup, and you're concerned about the spike in electricity, replace your regular light bulbs with compact fluoro’s around the house! They give off the same light, using only a fraction of the electricity. If you're running a HID light, and the electricity increase could kill you financially, or you're just worried about LEO, it might be a good idea to replace incandescent with compact fluoro’s. As an example, a 100w incandescent uses most of its energy giving off heat. If you replace all these 100w incandescent bulbs with ~20w energy saving compact fluoro's, you can dramatically reduce your energy bill, and help the environment at the same time. In fact, I recommend changing all your lights to CF's regardless of your growing situation, as they will save you $$ in the long-term, and save the environment.
The advantage with these lights is that the conversion from incandescent isn't complicated! Simply un-screw the old bulb, and screw in a compact fluoro! Done! You're on your way to energy saving paradise!
THE USE OF FLUORO'S FOR GROWING CANNABIS
Every grower has, or still uses these lights. Although they don’t even come close to the results from a HID light, they do however provide a cheap alternative for a newbie 'dabbling' in the fine art of growing. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on an HID light, a newbie can purchase a compact fluorescent for a few bucks, and still have money for a coffee on the way home.
These lights are also excellent for starting seedlings and clones, as their cool light will not dry out the soil as fast as an HID. They have a low intensity, and are gentle on newly germinated seedlings, and are great for clones as they wont dry them out or give them too much of an early blast.
Compact fluoro's are also great for stealth grows, as they can be kept about 1 inch from the plants, and do not require extensive heat ventilation due to their warm operating temperature.
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE THESE LIGHTS?
Most lighting stores will sell them, but watch out, prices are very different depending on what type of shop you get them at! As lighting shops only sell lighting equipment, their prices can either be high or low, it really depends on the type of lighting shop it is. A designer lighting shop may end up being much more expensive, as they tend to be more directed towards the upper-class designer type customer, which extra $$ to spend. Hardware’s sell them, but their variety of lights is usually limited. Electricians, and assorted electrical shops will sell them, and this is most likely where you will get the best range and the best prices. My advice to you is, shop around! You wont regret it when you can save around 30% per light.
WHICH TYPE OF COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT TO CHOOSE
For anyone growing cannabis, it is pointless to buy a weak light. Given the option of 8w, 15w and 27w, you would be stupid not to buy the 27watt, as they are more or less the same price. Compare the lumen output of each of the bulbs, different 27w bulbs may have different lumen outputs (depending on the manufacturer) and as with everything, the more lumens the better. You will also be given 2 options, the screw method of fitting, or the bayonet method (push and turn). My preference is the bayonet fitting. Make sure that you choose the right one for your socket! Also, do not choose a regular compact fluoro. Pick the one with the energy saving feature (will be explained why later on in the document). Now, for vegetative growth you should choose the 'cool white' light. This is also acceptable for flowering, but a 'warm white' light will be better as it is stronger in the red end of the light spectrum which is more suitable for flowering.
purplestickypunch
Active Member
our electric bill only went up 5 dollars a month using clf's
mogie
Well-Known Member
But to be fair:
HID (High Intensity Discharge) Lamps are:
HID (High Intensity Discharge) Lamps are:
- Efficient. They put out more light, with less energy usage, than any other type of illumination available to indoor growers.
- Bright. HID's produce more light than other types of indoor horticultural lighting.
- Expensive. HID's cost more than flourescents. They range in price from $50-$600 dollars.
- Hot. HID's produce considerably more heat than standard fluorescents.
- Inexpensive. Shoplight fixtures can be purchased for as little as $7. Compact fluorescent bulbs only cost a couple of dollars a piece.
- Locally Available. Most discount stores and home improvement stores carry inexpensive, fluorescent fixtures and bulbs.
- Fine for vegetative growth. Fluorescent bulbs put out plenty of light for plants growing vegetatively, including mothers, seedlings and clones. Some growers prefer fluorescents for vegetative growth because of the slower pace of growth and better root development.
- Fluorescents need to be in close proximity to achieve their rated output, which means their canopy penetration is more limited than HID's.
- Comparatively inefficient. 10 forty watt fluorescent bulbs use the same amount of energy as a 400 watt HID, but produce far less light. Since they use the same amount of energy but produce less light, the remaining must be given off as heat. Contrary to how it may first appear, fluoros actually run hotter than the equivalent wattage of HID-- they just disperse the heat over a wider area.
Claytronics
Well-Known Member
Check out this dudes grow. It will prove that if you are growing just a couple of plants then CFL's will work.
https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/4689-virgin-here.html
https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/4689-virgin-here.html
yea if ur gonna use cfls i would suggest going small also (2-3 plants at most), its just that u need so many of em to get the job done right.
Claytronics
Well-Known Member
Its true you do need more bulbs (I have 12 of them).
MajoR_TokE
Well-Known Member
Fluorescents can be use to grow mj, but they are not very efficient for flowering. Using HID for flowering, watt of watt it will increase your yeilds by about 3 times, and the buds will be of far nicer quality.
