Which flourescent is cheap and effective? help

bangthangonme

Active Member
When I upgrade my 400w hps to a 100w mh/hps (ebay for $189 with bulbs unless anyone tells me they are no good), im gettin some kind of T5 flourescent light or cfl, I have read thats whats recommended for seedling. Right now I have no choice but 2 use my hps on my week and a half old lowryders that im not growin. I kno im burning them, so for the next session, what flourescent light or cfl is going to be cheap and effective for growing about 30 seedlings at a time maybe less, because i have a 2x4x5 grow space and only enough room for so many plants, especially bigger varieties, and need to allow for males and ones that die. So what kind of lighting system should I be lookin at for my needs?
 

Shanus

Active Member
$15 a box i think. Plenty for everything up to about 4" tall. I dont use mine anymore, Im ALL hid for now, but I keep em around, cuz they are so damn versatile. Hang em up, place em in a shelf, sometimes these are just what you need to save a disaster. Ive used a few hanging in my big veg room while I had a 3 day lighting issue. The gals stalled until Big light was fixed, but they never lost their cycle. Oh, and they freaking last forever!
 

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bangthangonme

Active Member
So what do you mean, how much for the whole system, r u sayin 15 a box for bulbs? And to start about 20 plants, whats the cheapest way to go for me
 

Shanus

Active Member
Id run 2 boxes (12 bulbs) in an area holding your gals closely, and keep em all within 2" of the tops. be sure to have a fan blowing, cfl's do generate heat. The sockets I got from harware store for under $2 each. So I guess you're looking at about $65. I tried the office style tube cfl's, and t-5's and they didnt do anything whatsoever. Anyone else know of cheaper more versatile lighting please do tell. happy growing to ya!
 
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