Is 8050 lumens enough for veg?

I'm using my 2x5x5ft closet and I have 5 23watt cfls(6500k) for 3 plants. So that 8050 lumens. They are only 15 days old right now but when they get bigger will that be enough for veg?? I have the bulbs hanging individually from extension cords and they are just plugged directly into them.

Also, I plan on getting a 400watt hps for flowering. Is that too strong of a transfer from 23watt cfls to that?? I don't want to scare my babies!!! Lol!

Some feedback would be much appreciated!

And what's the cheapest you've seen a 400watt hps for complete?
 

nickhdsn

Well-Known Member
the sun puts off 10,000 lumen's per sq ft but yes your 8,000 should be good for a couple plants i only got 1 42w daylight and 1 26w 2700k and my one plant seems to be doing fine
 

theoldmerchant

Well-Known Member
I have 8,000 - 10,0000 lumens in my flower box, but in my veg box I have 1 26w cfl hah. The more light - more growth.
 

Hupomone

Active Member
It's enough but do you want a monstrous end product or just a so-so product? If you want monster cola's you will need more before you're done especially for 3 plants in that large of an area. Your grow area is 10 sq ft or 50 cu sq ft. That's a lot. My grow area is not even half that size and I use more CFL's than you currently have. To be amazingly effective you would need way more lumens than that spread evenly across your tent and the light producing those lumens either high powered enough (so that they penetrate deep within the canopy) to remain stationary over top, or enough bulbs to where you can dangle them all over your plants because CFL light couldn't penetrate a wet paper bag and grow a piece of grass. You need them to be close to your plant at all times to be effective.

My advice? If you are going to be flowering with an HPS anyways why waste your time and money? Just buy a dual MH/HPS switchable ballast with a vented reflector glass-sealed hood and a couple bulbs for like $300-$400. While it would work, it doesn't make much sense to veg with CFL's (specifically a low number of CFL's at that) and then flower with an HPS. You might as well veg with an MH and flower with an HPS and have way better bud all other things equal. The only reason I would consider what you're doing is if I had a hook-up on a single HPS (let's say cheap from a friend so it makes sense to buy it) or if I already had one lying around not being used.

EDIT: Also I'm not trying to knock your idea. I'm just saying that's what makes more sense to me. If you are dead-set on using your current plan which is CFL to veg and HPS to flower, then just try to get an HPS the cheapest route possible, and increase your number of CFL's to get those plants some light. You'll be alright. Either way you are going to be really high in a few months so whatever works out better for you.
 
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