Hello there.
- Thread starter npsant
- Start date
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
Thank you for the welcome, I noticed your pictures do the type of lights your using work good, tell me more please?
what do yout hink?
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
CFLs vs HID Lights
If you want to start an arguement fast, then visit an Internet Grow Forum or Chat Room and mention CFLs vs HID Lights.
Let me just tell you a fact. HID Lights (High Intensity Discharge Lights) are much more efficient than CFLs (Compact Flourscent Lights) and they grow FASTER and penetrate a large plant much better than CFLs do. HID lights grow tighter denser buds too. That is a fact no one should argue. HIDs win easily.
Wait a minute. What costs more to purchase? What requires a fancier Reflector and costs more to hang? What cost more to use and adds more to the electric bill? What cost more to handle the HEAT?
HEAT? I can touch a 200 watt CFL for ten seconds and not burn my hand. I can hold a burning 42, 65, or 85 watt bulb in my hand for five seconds and not get burnt. I can touch a HID bulb for half a second and have a serious blister and burn. Touching a HID bulb is like touching the burner on an electric stove. If you use HID bulbs, not only will you have to cool the bulb, you will have to cool the grow area too. Growing with HID lights requires VENTING the HEAT, and that cost extra money.
If you are a large scale grower, or commercial grower, HID lights are best for you.
If you are a small grower, a closet or tent grower, then CFLs are your best, easiest, cheapest way to grow.
As I mentioned, I like the cheaper CFLs because of their mobility and ease of use. When I did my first grow three years ago, a 65 watt CFL was the largest made and sold. Today I see up to 300 watt CFLS, but I do not advise using the larger watt CFL bulbs.
If you want to start an arguement fast, then visit an Internet Grow Forum or Chat Room and mention CFLs vs HID Lights.
Let me just tell you a fact. HID Lights (High Intensity Discharge Lights) are much more efficient than CFLs (Compact Flourscent Lights) and they grow FASTER and penetrate a large plant much better than CFLs do. HID lights grow tighter denser buds too. That is a fact no one should argue. HIDs win easily.
Wait a minute. What costs more to purchase? What requires a fancier Reflector and costs more to hang? What cost more to use and adds more to the electric bill? What cost more to handle the HEAT?
HEAT? I can touch a 200 watt CFL for ten seconds and not burn my hand. I can hold a burning 42, 65, or 85 watt bulb in my hand for five seconds and not get burnt. I can touch a HID bulb for half a second and have a serious blister and burn. Touching a HID bulb is like touching the burner on an electric stove. If you use HID bulbs, not only will you have to cool the bulb, you will have to cool the grow area too. Growing with HID lights requires VENTING the HEAT, and that cost extra money.
If you are a large scale grower, or commercial grower, HID lights are best for you.
If you are a small grower, a closet or tent grower, then CFLs are your best, easiest, cheapest way to grow.
As I mentioned, I like the cheaper CFLs because of their mobility and ease of use. When I did my first grow three years ago, a 65 watt CFL was the largest made and sold. Today I see up to 300 watt CFLS, but I do not advise using the larger watt CFL bulbs.
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
Let me tell you about CFLs.
From Ed Rosenthal:
In the new Skunk Magazine there was a question in the "Ask Ed" section that just made my night last night when reading it...
The question was:
I intend to grow a single cannabis plant in a space 1' x 2'. What light would you recommend? I was think of using four 30-watt compact fluorescent lamps. Will this be enough? Cost isn't an issue but I am deterred from getting a high pressure sodium [light] because of the amount of heat the bulb produces.
Answer:
As you mentioned, you have several lighting systems to choose from, including compact fluorescents and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Among HPS lamps you have a choice between a single 100-watt lamp which uses a total of about 120-watts and emits about 8,800 lumens(73 lumens per watt) or a 150-watt lamp, which uses about 180 watts and emits almost double that-15,800 lumens (87 lumens per watt).
A 42-watt compact fluorescent (CFL) emits about 2700 lumens(64 lumens per watt). Four 42 watt CFLs use 168 watts and emit 10,800 lumens. Other size CFLs have a similar efficiency.
However, that is only part of the story. Plants use mostly red and blue light. Yellow and green light is of little use to them, so light that is emitted in these spectrums is wasted energy. Most of the light emitted by HPS lamps is in the yellow spectrum. Only a small amount of the emitted light is is in the orange or red spectrums, which plants use efficiently. Warm white fluorescents (2700 Kelvin) emit a greater portion in the red and orange sectors.
Although fluorescents produce only about 75% of the light per watt that the HPS does, the amount of light usable by the plant is equal or probably higher with the fluorescents. You may wish to experiment to see if adding a single cool white CFL to replace one warm white results in shorter, stouter stems and more vigorous growth. The reasoning is that warm whites don't emit much blue light, which the plants use for photosynthesis and to regulate their growth. The cool white bulb supplies the blue light.
My call for your unit would be to use several (three to five) CFLs with a total input of between 120-160 watts. Although the 150 watt HPS is a bit more efficient that the CFLs in total output, watt for watt the fluorescents provide as much useful light as the HPS lamp. Heat is another consideration. The HPS runs much hotter and emits more heat than the fluoescents.
Make sure to use reflective material around the garden so that any light escaping the garden is reflected back to the plants. Any light that doesn't get to the plant leaves is wasted.
Look at a lumen/watt ration of various CFL's. The higher the wattage of CFLs, the lower the lumen/watt ratio. This chart was submitted by Jerry Garcia, of RIU and edited for typos.
For example...
the 200w listed at 9250 lumens for a lumens/watt ratio of 9250/200=46.25
the 150w is listed at 7500 lumens for a l/w ratio of 7500/150=50
the 125w is listed at 6500 lumens for a l/w ratio of 6500/125=52
the 42w are listed for 2700 lumens, l/w ratio of 2700/42=64.28
I have some 26w that give off 1700 lumens for a l/w ratio of 1700/26=65.38
GE lists some 13w that give off 825 lumens for a l/w ratio of 825/13=63.46
So, according to these numbers the most efficient bulbs for growing are the 26w that emit 1700 lumens. If you used 8 26w bulbs (208 watts total) you'd be getting 13,600 lumens...4,350 more lumens than a single 200 watt cfl.
I suppose you need to purchase more sockets and cords and things to support 8 bulbs, but in the long run more lower watt CFLs seem like the way to go.
From Ed Rosenthal:
In the new Skunk Magazine there was a question in the "Ask Ed" section that just made my night last night when reading it...
The question was:
I intend to grow a single cannabis plant in a space 1' x 2'. What light would you recommend? I was think of using four 30-watt compact fluorescent lamps. Will this be enough? Cost isn't an issue but I am deterred from getting a high pressure sodium [light] because of the amount of heat the bulb produces.
Answer:
As you mentioned, you have several lighting systems to choose from, including compact fluorescents and high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps. Among HPS lamps you have a choice between a single 100-watt lamp which uses a total of about 120-watts and emits about 8,800 lumens(73 lumens per watt) or a 150-watt lamp, which uses about 180 watts and emits almost double that-15,800 lumens (87 lumens per watt).
A 42-watt compact fluorescent (CFL) emits about 2700 lumens(64 lumens per watt). Four 42 watt CFLs use 168 watts and emit 10,800 lumens. Other size CFLs have a similar efficiency.
However, that is only part of the story. Plants use mostly red and blue light. Yellow and green light is of little use to them, so light that is emitted in these spectrums is wasted energy. Most of the light emitted by HPS lamps is in the yellow spectrum. Only a small amount of the emitted light is is in the orange or red spectrums, which plants use efficiently. Warm white fluorescents (2700 Kelvin) emit a greater portion in the red and orange sectors.
Although fluorescents produce only about 75% of the light per watt that the HPS does, the amount of light usable by the plant is equal or probably higher with the fluorescents. You may wish to experiment to see if adding a single cool white CFL to replace one warm white results in shorter, stouter stems and more vigorous growth. The reasoning is that warm whites don't emit much blue light, which the plants use for photosynthesis and to regulate their growth. The cool white bulb supplies the blue light.
My call for your unit would be to use several (three to five) CFLs with a total input of between 120-160 watts. Although the 150 watt HPS is a bit more efficient that the CFLs in total output, watt for watt the fluorescents provide as much useful light as the HPS lamp. Heat is another consideration. The HPS runs much hotter and emits more heat than the fluoescents.
Make sure to use reflective material around the garden so that any light escaping the garden is reflected back to the plants. Any light that doesn't get to the plant leaves is wasted.
Look at a lumen/watt ration of various CFL's. The higher the wattage of CFLs, the lower the lumen/watt ratio. This chart was submitted by Jerry Garcia, of RIU and edited for typos.
For example...
the 200w listed at 9250 lumens for a lumens/watt ratio of 9250/200=46.25
the 150w is listed at 7500 lumens for a l/w ratio of 7500/150=50
the 125w is listed at 6500 lumens for a l/w ratio of 6500/125=52
the 42w are listed for 2700 lumens, l/w ratio of 2700/42=64.28
I have some 26w that give off 1700 lumens for a l/w ratio of 1700/26=65.38
GE lists some 13w that give off 825 lumens for a l/w ratio of 825/13=63.46
So, according to these numbers the most efficient bulbs for growing are the 26w that emit 1700 lumens. If you used 8 26w bulbs (208 watts total) you'd be getting 13,600 lumens...4,350 more lumens than a single 200 watt cfl.
I suppose you need to purchase more sockets and cords and things to support 8 bulbs, but in the long run more lower watt CFLs seem like the way to go.
MrsMojoRisin420
Member
Welcome!!! Happy posting!!
npsant
Active Member
Hay that is really useful info, but I have already ordered the lighting system but will try CLF maybe in combination with the lighting system if it wouldn't hurt the plants.
What about LED lighting systems I see it's getting some attention in the use of a grow,and looks to be an inexpensive light alternative to growing, but seems you may need a few planels per plant, but will be having a better look at that type of lighting system.
Thanks again.
What about LED lighting systems I see it's getting some attention in the use of a grow,and looks to be an inexpensive light alternative to growing, but seems you may need a few planels per plant, but will be having a better look at that type of lighting system.
Thanks again.
npsant
Active Member
The messy cords can be a problem, my business is in home automation and build custom home theater, video suriellance, there are products that can help you clean up the cords, how do the CLF's handle timers, I have experienced a little bit of that with a few house lamps that I had on timersthey seem to flicker and sometime not come on, is the bulb or the electrical flow throught the timer or the transition from power to timer to CLF.
Beware some dumd questions may be asked.
Beware some dumd questions may be asked.
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
I don't know much about LED lights, except it is catching on some.
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
Glad to help out, but please ask me questions here:
Questions about Bubbleponic Growing Thread
I have too many subscriptions to keep coming back here.
npsant
Active Member
Who are you asking about oder, I know there are air filtration systems for grow tents, for a room being use for grow not sure, but their are plenty of people out here who can and will answer your question.
Hope I 'm not on the wrong thread some get pretty mad about it or upset, Sorry if I am.
Hope I 'm not on the wrong thread some get pretty mad about it or upset, Sorry if I am.
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
npsant
Active Member
Check out these buds. Cut of the day.
The box is to show size.
I could've of just let you think I did a great job on my grow but the truth can help others here.
Gatta say though some of these buds may be infested with those little critters bud worms, I had found that the top of one plant was infested, by bud worms that came from mouths and fly's laying egg's or something like that!
I worked as hard as I could to debug and salvage, you see the plant was about 6' Was! and the upper half of the plant was more or less infested, the lower part seemed pretty much clear for the best part with only few here and there! on the undeveloped buds that weren't getting as much light, I cut all the top half midway vertically a cross to keep the bottom buds from getting infested and hope that those buds will grow bigger and stay uninfested and infact they have grow bigger just a bit more.
That was just one plant of 3 the other 2 well I'll be lucky if anything comes out of them.
Just trying to make the best out a bad situation, I'm hopeful that what you see hanging, at least half can be recouped if they didn't development mold on top of it all.
If you look up instructions on growing, harvest, and curing fallow the instruction.
Not the thing you want to happen stay vegilent with your plant so you don't end up in this type of situation.
So to the indoor grow I go! where there should be better control.
Oh by the way buy Amercan grown smoke only
Attachments
npsant
Active Member
Okay here are pic's of the plants now, you'll notice a fly trap doing It's job also. Use them reallyCheck out these buds. Cut of the day.
The box is to show size.
I could've of just let you think I did a great job on my grow but the truth can help others here.
Gatta say though some of these buds may be infested with those little critters bud worms, I had found that the top of one plant was infested, by bud worms that came from mouths and fly's laying egg's or something like that!
I worked as hard as I could to debug and salvage, you see the plant was about 6' Was! and the upper half of the plant was more or less infested, the lower part seemed pretty much clear for the best part with only few here and there! on the undeveloped buds that weren't getting as much light, I cut all the top half midway vertically a cross to keep the bottom buds from getting infested and hope that those buds will grow bigger and stay uninfested and infact they have grow bigger just a bit more.
That was just one plant of 3 the other 2 well I'll be lucky if anything comes out of them.
Just trying to make the best out a bad situation, I'm hopeful that what you see hanging, at least half can be recouped if they didn't development mold on top of it all.
If you look up instructions on growing, harvest, and curing fallow the instruction.
Not the thing you want to happen stay vegilent with your plant so you don't end up in this type of situation.
So to the indoor grow I go! where there should be better control.
Oh by the way only buy Amercan grow only lets start a push to put the mexican and south american cretels out of business by not buying there crap.
Just checked them and found that I may have averted infestation on the bottom half, the buds are sticky and smell a little more like they should and found just 1 worm out all of the buds I checked.
Someone had wrote something about using Sevin all in one right up to the day of harvest??? who knows about this stuff out here in RIU.
The plant is showing bud growth I went through the buds, I don't like to manhandle them but! ifI want to at least to harvest something, I originally estimated at 3/4's to a Lb! now a few oz's would be good, but it seems it has a bit more growth in it and that what I like to see.
