is this over kill?

Roweniii said:

I have a smaller indoor ScroG with 6 girls in DWC with about 2x4 foot footprint with plenty of height. I use 18 42w CFLs in three "gangs" that can be independently raised or lowered and they're quite happy. That's 756w total. I probably COULD do better with HPS/MH, but I also would then have heat issues that I do not have to contend with when using CFLs. Sure they produce a little heat, but not so much that I need more venting just to handle the heat beyond my carbon filter and circulation fans. My temp usually sits about 79-81 pretty consistently.

I like the phylosophy of "add as you can" as stated by another poster. CFLs are a great way for us beginner growers to get into the hobby without plunking down all the extra cash required for more high-powered options. Remember, you can always upgrade later if you want.

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The point i was making was not that he cant grow with CFLs, but that is there is a breakpoint when HID/LED will actually be CHEAPER then CFLs both in capital cost and monthly investment (time and money). He and in my opinion you, have reached or will surpass that breakpoint.

Trying to get people to plan ahead instead of spending upwards of 200 - 300$ in CFL mats when they can get something that produces same if not better for much cheaper, that's all. Not trying to knock CFL, shit! I'm growing with them, but I am not at that "breakpoint".

Yeah there is a point where going to a good HO T5 fixture or HID fixture is more cost effective.

intenseneal said:

Yeah there is a point where going to a good HO T5 fixture or HID fixture is more cost effective.

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Would tend to agree. Think I'm at that point now. For confined spaces CFL's are great but for a more expansive set up HID's start to make more sense.

Thanks for putting "equivalent" in your post. People usually just say "200W CFL" for example. Being new to these bulbs myself, I wasn't sure if they actually mean 200W, or if they're referring to what their equivalent to. I assumed they were, since I haven't seen any that big, but it's nice to have some verification. lol You mind me asking where you got your bulbs ? I have five, 40W(150W equivalent) CFL bulbs around the outside of 3 plants. With a 4' fluorescent fixture, that has "Daylight" bulbs overhead. I'm pretty sure I need more for three plants. I started flowering at about a foot tall. So they aren't too big. I'd like to get the brighter ones like you have, if I can. This might help some of you too. I've been using fixtures for reptile cages. They are made onto clamps. So they're easy to move. Since having them so close to the plants is necessary, it come in really handy.

Anyone know approximately where that point is when a HPS would be just as cheap to run per month ? I have no idea how much per month one cost to run on a 12/12 cycle.