Fluorescent light question. First Grow

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OfficerDank

Member
Hey erbody, I just finished my closet grow room build and was wondering if my fluorescent light setup was going to be adequate for the girls. First off the room size is about 3X3X8 fully foiled, and the light fixture is a 2ft fixture with 2 20w t12 cool white bulbs. My concern is will these lights be intense enough to grow 2 to 3 plants under for the veg stage, or will i need something with more power? Any help is appreciated.
 
stumps

stumps

Well-Known Member
not enough light. you would do better with 4 40w cfl's if you can find them with a colour temp of 5000k or higher. I use a couple 100w cfl's and they do great for about 6 weeks.
 
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OfficerDank

Member
Alright, is there any 2ft fluorescent bulbs for the fixture that would work better? I don't really feel like dealing with getting new bulbs and fixtures.
 
kmksrh21

kmksrh21

Well-Known Member
I think 40 watt is as high as you can get with that fixture, not enought details to be sure...

It could work for maybe 2 plants for a few weeks, not much more...
 
stumps

stumps

Well-Known Member
to do a good job you'll need about 100w of cfl per plant. Sorry can't help at all on the flower side. I go to hid or sun light for flowering.
 
MurshDawg

MurshDawg

Active Member
t12's are difficult to veg with unless you find t12 VHO bulbs. You should think about using t5s they are way versatile and affordable.
 
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OfficerDank

Member
Alright gotcha, hmmm, so after these lights run there cycle in the process what exactly am i looking for after that, high watt cfls with high colour temps? Im kinda on a tight budget and just need a cheap light for veg and a cheap light for flowering.
 
MurshDawg

MurshDawg

Active Member
I you want to do CFL I would use the highest wattage you can find and mix your spectrums 2700k and 5000k. If you could spend a little over $250 and get yourself a 4ft 8 bulb t5 lamp that produces 40,000 lumens (approx same as a 400 watt HPS).
 
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OfficerDank

Member
From what im gaining here Im starting to think my fixture is worthless haha. Probably just gonna switch to some cfl's with 5000k for veg, what about a cheap bulb for flowering?
 
stumps

stumps

Well-Known Member
the 40w bulbs will work. 2700k. you could build a 3 light fixture two would be better. You'll want to have some venting in your grow area. you'll have some heat issues when you get enough light in there.
 
chongo bongo

chongo bongo

Active Member
Everything everyone has said so far has been good but no one has addressed the foil issue. You can get mylar (emergency heat blanket/space blanket) at Walmart for $2 and its like 83"x54" or some Shit. It'll be way better than foil. Foil fuck with heat and reflects the light rays in awkward directions.
 
stumps

stumps

Well-Known Member
the foil don't matter with cfl's. they don't have enough power to make hot spots. For that matter reflectors have little effect on cfl's.
 
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OfficerDank

Member
Heat shouldn't be a problem as the room is in a basement and its turning cold outside, as a matter of fact i have a heater in there just so i can keep the room at a good grow temp.
 
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