Y-socket CFL adapters on a stock AG?

So this is gonna be my first foray into indoor growing, and to be honest the only outdoor growing experience (other than a very successful vegetable garden) I had was more of a test run with some bastard seeds I picked out of a sack. The grow went well, considering all I really did was germinate some seeds, throw the sprouts in some nutrient-heavy soil, and care for them like a standard plant. I left the country for nearly a month, leaving said bastard plant to die at about 4 feet tall, before my first harvest.

I inherited an AG, not sure which model but it's black, has 7 pod slots, canopy with reflective covering on the underside and 2 CFL light sockets. The first thing I did was take it apart to clean the pump and change the filter (using a green scrubby pad as recommended by the internetz), and I'm currently growing some leftover flowers from whatever starter kit it originally came with, just to familiarize myself with the equipment. I read the AG Guide thread and have done a bit of other research as well so I've got a good idea of what my setup is gonna look like for my single plant grow.

I've been reading that the stock lighting will not fly, so I'm considering some alternatives.. I plan on buying a set of 6500K daylight CFLs and 2700K soft white CFL's for vegging and flowering phases, respectively. I'm gonna fashion some kind of canopy out of aluminum foil (or maybe cut up one of those reflective FR safety blankets) to reflect the light from all sides with gaps or ventilation to ensure sufficient air and temp control.

The only thing I'm not too sure about is my lighting situation. People have mentioned Y-Socket adapters in various forums, but I'm wondering if putting 2x2 CFL's in the stock canopy would be potentially too stressful on the hardware, due to the increased wattage. If so, could I offset this using 23W bulbs instead of the intended 42W? Would I even need the extra lighting for a single plant grow + reflective siding?

I'm trying to avoid an external lighting solution, just to keep my project space-efficient and mobile if the need arises, but if there's no workaround I'll do what I gotta do. The setup will probably be in my room for the duration, getting some extra CO2 and hotboxy goodness.

Any tips or guidelines for a beginner that aren't covered in the AG Guide thread are appreciated

I just added 1 42w cfl in a clamp light to the lights the AG comes with and some reflective siding and everything seems to be going good. I also only have 1 plant going, I started 2 seeds but 1 didnt take. I dont suggest the AG nutes though, I got free samples from XNUTRIENTS and a couple others, still using XNUTRIENTS on my 2nd grow.

Nice! The fact that your grow is going well with only 1 added light tells me that my previous plan was probably overkill for a single plant.. If I can find a good deal on clamp lights I'm probably gonna buy a few for my future hempy project + a couple of those small clamp desk fans once I get the hang of things. I hear AG's are awesome for cloning though.
What kind of material are you using for the siding?
And good call on the nutes, I'll keep that in mind when I hit the hydro store for some supplies.

Dune: I suggest you go to A/G's web site and read everything that they have on line on how to use it. There's a wealth of information there from the people who designed it, manufactured it and did the field testing. If you get into a bind call their free 800 customer service number and they'll be glad to help you. I have three and they've been very helpful to me in the past. Just don't tell them what you're growing. You're growing tomatoes, right?

If you're going to grow your own meds then I would recommend you consider upgrading your 'Classic' model to a taller 24 inch arm/light stand with a longer cord and a three lamps hood. It comes in a kit and it will make your unit a lot more flexible.

Don't try to grow more than two or possibly three plants. Close off the other unused holes. They make a set of plugs that are better than anything I've ever seen anyone else improvise. It's a great way to get into hydro and if you follow their directions you're in for a lot of fun. Good luck and I hope this helps. HSA

Thanks for the tips HSA, just looked up the upgrade kits and they're pricey but definitely look like they'll add major potential to the stock setup.
Have you seen any feasible aftermarket or off-brand arm & hood upgrade kits?

Dune: everything with Aerogarden is proprietary, and you have to know that was on purpose. I've searched high and low for anything aftermarket that would fit but the cagey bastards designed everything to their own specifications, patented them, and had them produced in China. I've seen guys jury rig things, and some of them worked to a degree, but not usually as good as what A/G sells.

Here's what I suggest you do to beat them at their own game. Their shipping is pathetically slow and expensive so try to buy everything you're going to need in in a single order to beat them out of the shipping and handling you'd have to pay on multiple orders. Don't order around any of the holidays or you'll be disappointed.

You know you're going to need: lamps every six months so you want to keep a couple of spare sets on hand. Pump filter pads, a spare pump or two are good to have if your pump dies in the middle of a grow. Planting cages, seed pods, humidity domes and labels are expendables but see if they're offered in bulk sales? If they are you can save a lot. If not, you can buy a Master Gardener's Kit and that'll cover you for a couple of crops. Since you can only grow two to three plants you're going to want s set of their plugs to seal off the unused holes. They look better than tin foil or duct tape.

They now sell reflective Mylar curtains and digital timers but you can get timers at a lot of places a whole lot cheaper. I'd suggest you make your own reflectors and aim them so you can recycle the light back up that you already paid for, and that seemed to work better than their curtains. Undoubtedly you'll learn a lot of new tricks on your own as you go along and if you do please share them with us. HSA

Gotcha, I'm gonna start shopping for everything this weekend so I can kick things off.
The only thing I'm not sure about is which pod cage length to use, the shorter or longer ones? If the bottom of my medium is submerged in water while the reservoir is full, will it make a difference?