positioned right?

jimmym357

Active Member
I had the 3 100w cfls on the top threw out its veg stage and it grew fine. But i just topped today so i went and got three more of the same lights so it will grow faster and better and get more bud sites. Im going to let it veg for about another 2 weeks or so then get the flowering lights. The lights about 2 1/2 inches away from the plant. I also have aluminium foil around the surrounding for reflextion. And a lil fan for the heat. Does it look like a decent setup?
 

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Red1966

Well-Known Member
Looks OK. Are those 100w bulbs actual 100w or 100w equivalent? 500w is a bit much for one plant.
 

DeeTee

Well-Known Member
Set up ok but your choice of aluminum foil is not the best reflector, get some mylar or flat white poster boards.
 

MYOB

Well-Known Member
A 2' four bulb T5 fixture would be a much better option. More efficient, better coverage, cooler, cleaner looking, and just as accessible as CFL's.

Spiral CFL's are not good grow lights. I dont understand the fascination with them. You can buy T5 fixtures at any big box home improvement chain for the same price as a dozen CFL's, adapters, power strips, splitters, PC fans etc. Even a T8 fixture would be better IMO.

BUT since you already made the decision I would try to hang them horizontally to get more usable light from them. You really dont need to engulf the plant with CFL's in veg. You could get the same results with half the bulbs at this stage.
 

jimmym357

Active Member
They are 23w equivalent too a 100w. Ya this is my first grow, and i had just 3 lights but topped today and about to start flowering in a couple of weeks so i added 3 more so the light could hit the bud site directly.
 

Red1966

Well-Known Member
As I thought. Ignore the "equivalent" rating. That number compares the output to that of an incandescent light, which no one would ever use for growing. So you actually have 115w there. And less than half of it is reaching the plants. I suggest more lights for better production. Reflectors would help, but it might be cheaper to just add more lights. The plant may double in size now that it's in flower, so you will need more lights around the perimeter.
 

jimmym357

Active Member
Ok thanks for the info the. Its about 138w since u put it that way. I thought the lights were 23w but produce the same amount of light as a 100w light. Thats why i got them i only spend 5 dollars a month of electricy on all six so i guess i can get some more.
 

MYOB

Well-Known Member
This one was grown under one 35w 6500k CFL in a Bayco fixture.

BlueRhinoCFL.jpg

It is a few weeks old here. I eventually gave it to a friend who put her outside.
 
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