Vertical Fluorescent Bulbs

I was thinking of attaching some 48 inch Fluorescent Bulbs on the side of my grow box. If I do this will it affect the growth of the plant to the light? The bulbs would be going up and down on the wall next to the plant on both sides. I figure that the increased exposure to light would increase my yields but before I Purchase the system I want here from you guys if it will hinder the plant from growing vertical like a normal (from above) lighting system provides.

I think that would help get side buds larger.
Try it! i wana see!

i also have a 2' bulb like that from walmart

Yeah I want to use CFL's for the canopy lights on cords with two dish reflectors from wal-mart (14.00) and two Y-outlets for 4 bulbs total.

On the sides i want 4~8; 48inch with clear covers to protect the veg.

Just don't want the plants to grow weird or be a waste of money.

It won't grow weird, don't worry! Side lighting is always a good idea, especially with cfls. You want as much light getting to all parts of the plant as possible, if the light source is above the plant, the lower leaves are shaded by the upper canopy, and don't grow so well.
Another point to note is that as the distance from the light source doubles, the light intensity is reduced by a factor of four.
Having extra lights close to the side of the plants won't stop them growing upward, it will just make the plant bushier, and help promote side growth.

Make sure to use T5's and don't skimp out with T8's or T12's. T5's run soo cool that i could keep my hand on it for days, but T8's and T12's get fairly hot and i could only touch them for a minute or so [not HID hot, but 65w CFL hot]. Also, T5's will get you the most lumen per watt and therefore the most light.

Awsome thanks guys, this site freaking rocks. I'm goin out today to buy the system. I think i'll go with some T-5s I'll be posting some pics later to show you what is goin down!

I decided to go with eight T-12 Bulbs 48 inches long. T-5 are really $$ and hard to find in larger sizes at my lowes. Plus the bulbs are $3 for 3200 lumens at 40 Watts

8 x 40 watts = 320w + whatever CFLs ~ 400 watts, but not even close to what you could get with a 400w HPS.

Right there.... $65
plantlightinghydroponics.com/400w-hps-quadtap-ballast-p-708.html

You'll have to keep those T12s uber close at all times to see benefit, otherwise you'll just stretch the plants horizontally.

yeah, i really want to get a 150W HPS for the cab I've made it's a $89 system. I'm just worried about the heat that thing would put off.

BudgetGrower87 said:

yeah, i really want to get a 150W HPS for the cab I've made it's a $89 system. I'm just worried about the heat that thing would put off.

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So you go out and buy 320 watts of fluoros because you somehow think they'll run cooler than 150 watts of HPS!? Don't you know what a watt is?

Let's think about it for a second. which is more.... 150 or 320?.... hmmmm?

320 > 150... or is it?.... YES it is! Electrical space heaters are rated in watts for a reason bro. Get wise.

If you haven't figured it out yet.... 2 x 150w HPS would still run cooler than those T12s you just bought....... and cheaper. ..... but you're going to have to figure out what to do with all that light.

dang you don't gotta be harsh on a person so new to the hobby dude...

I bought a 150w HPS and took your advice. i lost about $40 of cash i put into 4 of those T-12s now i got 2 fixtures and the bulbs for flowering and bulbs for vegging.

I've read that HPS are low in the blue side. Would those vertical mounted bulbs help the situation or should i just save $$ on the power bill?

BudgetGrower87 said:

dang you don't gotta be harsh on a person so new to the hobby dude...

I bought a 150w HPS and took your advice. i lost about $40 of cash i put into 4 of those T-12s now i got 2 fixtures and the bulbs for flowering and bulbs for vegging.

I've read that HPS are low in the blue side. Would those vertical mounted bulbs help the situation or should i just save $$ on the power bill?

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Just teasin' yah bro.

Nice grab on the HPS. I'd try to return the fluros, but using them will help out a lot if you can control the heat.

BudgetGrower87 said:

yeah, i really want to get a 150W HPS for the cab I've made it's a $89 system. I'm just worried about the heat that thing would put off.

Click to expand...

Not sure of your system or budget but the HTG 2 ft. T-5 for $70 looks so versatile and is very cool to the touch. Just picked one up. Have yet to see price/value to compare?

http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=51907

well the value would be awsome Blue rays for the veg, without worrying about plant heat stress/burn. the Workshop 4ft. 8;T-12 is like $52. but i guess that a bulb that cold would be sick...