hooked.on.ponics
Well-Known Member
With CFLs the advantage is that they're cheap and don't use a lot of heat. But if you want to grow more than one small plant you need a bunch of lights - the more the better.
It's been suggested a few times here, but the easiest solution is to convert a power strip into a light fixture. What you do is buy some of those outlet/light socket converters. It's a little thing you can screw a lightbulb into that has a standard outlet plug on the other end.
Then get yourself some of the Y-splitters for lightbulb sockets. That way you can plug the Y into the outlet plug thing, then plug the whole thing into one of the power strip outlets. You should be able to get at least 3 of those into a standard power strip for a total of 6 lights. That'll cover a few plants decently well. Put them as close to the plants as heat will allow.
Oh, and I wouldn't recommend duct tape to hold them in. I'd use some insulated wire like a coated wire hanger or something. (Coated so you don't have much chance of a short.) You could also use twine or string, but if you generate much heat that could pose a fire hazard. CFLs should never get that hot but it's better to be safe than sorry.
More light = better
The only reason not to add more light when you can is if it would be too hot or you can't do it safely (for electricity reasons). Speaking of, make sure you don't exceed the power rating of the power strip you use. No amount of light makes your plants grow better if it sets them on fire.
It's been suggested a few times here, but the easiest solution is to convert a power strip into a light fixture. What you do is buy some of those outlet/light socket converters. It's a little thing you can screw a lightbulb into that has a standard outlet plug on the other end.
Then get yourself some of the Y-splitters for lightbulb sockets. That way you can plug the Y into the outlet plug thing, then plug the whole thing into one of the power strip outlets. You should be able to get at least 3 of those into a standard power strip for a total of 6 lights. That'll cover a few plants decently well. Put them as close to the plants as heat will allow.
Oh, and I wouldn't recommend duct tape to hold them in. I'd use some insulated wire like a coated wire hanger or something. (Coated so you don't have much chance of a short.) You could also use twine or string, but if you generate much heat that could pose a fire hazard. CFLs should never get that hot but it's better to be safe than sorry.
More light = better
The only reason not to add more light when you can is if it would be too hot or you can't do it safely (for electricity reasons). Speaking of, make sure you don't exceed the power rating of the power strip you use. No amount of light makes your plants grow better if it sets them on fire.
hope this info helped......
