New CFL Grower any advise

latnem

Active Member
Hey guys, This is my first attempt at growing. Ive been browsing these forums for a couple weeks now and I must thank you for all the great info on here. Let me just say up front that convincing my girl to let me go out and buy everything I needed was a task in itself. So in other words buying a MH/HPS setup right now was out of the question. I went today to my local hardware store and spent about $60.00 on everything I needed. Being my first time PLEASE feel free to give me any advise.

GOALS:

Basically, I want to grow 1 plant. Being male / female doesn't matter to me right now this is just for experience. I dont even care If I get anything out of it, as I said before the EXPERIENCE is what Im shooting for. If I get something then great!

PURCHASED:

1x 65watt (6,000Lum) CFL $15.95
2x 23watt (3,600Lum) CFL $9.95
1x 3 Socket Vanity Strip $9.95
6ft. of Chain to adjust lights $4.80
1x 8in pot $2.90
1x Single Timer $4.95
1x In/Outdoor Thermo $4.95
Organic Choice Potting Soil $4.95 (Mistake?)
Misc Hardware $5.00
Total: $64.00
Total Watts / Lumes: 111 / 9,600 (maybe switch the 23's to 42's ? )

QUESTIONS:

I didn't buy any nutes not knowing if there are specific ones I should get using CFL's. Which ones should I buy, and can I get them at my local store?

I also didn't buy a PH kit. Whats the best bang for the buck?

Lastly am I wasting my time with this setup?


I'm working with limited space and security is an issue. Maybe after this grow I'll splurge and get myself a HPS setup. But I must admit I love how easy this stuff is to get. It also doesn't draw to much attention.

In closing I want to say that I've learned so much just from reading these forums. I also want to thank you all in advance for any advise / help you provide.

Happy Growing!! Pic of my setup :mrgreen:
 

herbtoker

Well-Known Member
thats awesome man, sounds exactly like my plan. im gonna try to grow 1 plant for experience (hopefully some buds too though!) it just began germinating so im gonna plant it tomorrow. i have 4 23 watt cfls and 1 13 watt cfl i found at my house, and some miracle grow organic potting soil. your setup sounds/looks good... possibly make the lights a little closer, im pretty sure they can be within a few inches. and if you have a way to turn them i know that more light comes out the sides of the cfls. you could also try to make some pop can reflectors for each light if you do turn them sideways. otherwise i looks pretty good. good luck and have fun!
 

SARSIPPIOUS

Active Member
I love the idea. I plan to do the same.
If you fail, you are not out anything but bunk seed.
If I am able of clone "it" a few times, it'll be a good start.

Good luck! Not a waste of time.
Then again, what do I know...
 

six8

Well-Known Member
im still puttin 2gether knowledge for my 1st cfl grow..dont know if u did yet but try to work in at least one warm 2700k lite durin veg. u may wan to raise temp guage up a little more
 

NEWBIEATIT101

Active Member
uSe a;ot of cfl lights/ but i am using a 60 watt flood reflector light and my 3 seedlings are growing great. they r 2 weeks old now under 24/7 light
 
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