Question for the CFL gurus or noobs for that matter.

[lilman]

I grow 4 plants in a 4x4 tent under a 600hps. I was thinking of supplementing light by adding a 40w CFL in each corner, it will act almost like side lighting. I can wire it all myself but Im just wondering if its worth the effort. Any Ideas ?
Peace, The Lilman

 

[benny bear]

like they say more is better, but if I were you I would buy 2 26w its the same price as 1 40w, about $10, but you get 54w and 3500 lumens, and since you are running an hps I would get clf bubls in the 4200k - 6500k range for the blue spectum, as your garden would benefit from a full spectrum, love to see pics, happy smoke'n

 

[cheechako]

CFL bulbs should be as close as possible to the plants - more than a few inches and your plants get very little of the light. So, you can supplement your main light but if you mount them too far away, it is a waste. Instead of mounting them, you can just hang extension cords with plug-in sockets so you can move them around as needed, filling in areas of thicker growth.

 

[giggles26]

CFL bulbs should be as close as possible to the plants - more than a few inches and your plants get very little of the light. So, you can supplement your main light but if you mount them too far away, it is a waste. Instead of mounting them, you can just hang extension cords with plug-in sockets so you can move them around as needed, filling in areas of thicker growth.

This is exactly what I do. I've got a 4 way splitter at the top of my tent and then I can have 4 drop lights

 

[lilman]

This is exactly what I do. I've got a 4 way splitter at the top of my tent and then I can have 4 drop lights

Thats what I plan on doing as well, thanx guys.

Peace, Lm

 

[Muffy]

Use straight tubes as long as your plants are tall.

 

[Bakatare666]

Personally, I prefer a lot of smaller bulbs instead of a few big bulbs, so they can be stuffed into the holes and small areas.

 

[Muffy]

Whatever gives the best coverage. More bulbs do that.

 

[valuablevariable]

40w CFLs will do almost nothing compared to the 600w you already have. IMO it would just complicate your grow a bit (more cables, making sure the plants dont grow into bulbs or that you dont spray them with water...). I would leave them out.