Thoughts on switching from 400w HPS to all CFLs?

Hi there RIU brothers...I currently have a 400w MH/HPS light in my 4x4x7 flowering room and it's too small. My 430CFM fan keeps the heat way down so that's not a concern but I'd love to hear your thoughts on either a bigger HPS light VS. CFLs.

I have 10 100w equivalent bulbs in there now and the plants getting that light love it. In my veg area I use CFLs and a 4ft T8. For heat reasons I will only use CFLs in veg but those plants are so much bushier I started to wonder if I should try it in flowering exclusively over my HPS...

I would love some advice or suggestions, stories from experience or whatever. Please help. I'm about 3 weeks from starting my next flowering cycle.

i believe the 100w eqv are 23 actual watts, correct? i'd say you were down grading even further than the 400w hps if you switched to those cfls. my opinion tho idk.

Thanks for the opinion. It is appreciated. I always thought it was lumen output that you should be concerned with so it's my bad for not adding that. The CFLs boast 1750 lumens per bulb but I know that's the highest testing output stamped on all bulbs. But this is why I'm skeptical of switching. I'd hate to sacrifice yield but want to use the light efficiently.

an idea would be to use both. scatter some of those cfls in your area, if possible

That's what I have now...about 12 actually. 6 on one plant, 4 on another and 2 for side lighting on a bushy AK47. It does the trick and with the light so close it seems more efficient. What about T5's? I read the lumen output is stellar and with little to no heat it can almost sit on the plant??? My bro in law has T5s and loves em but it's a decent sized investment to get 3 that would fit my room. I'm cool with spending the money though if it's worth it.

I've done some research and the CFLs and/or T5s seem to be good for the money but HPS is the tried and true method so as I said I'm skeptical of switching.

i wouldnt suggest cfls or t5s for flowering, they just can compare lol. if you have to buy something new i would just go with the bigger HPS. simple and sure to work

tigerblowztreez said:

i wouldnt suggest cfls or t5s for flowering, they just can compare lol. if you have to buy something new i would just go with the bigger HPS. simple and sure to work

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I gotta ask...is this from your experience/experience of others or opinion?

For HPS...how big is too much in a 4x4x7 room with a 430CFM fan? I've looked online but can't find any credible advice so I'm turning to the experts here. +++rep for the help...

I'm making it rain rep like dollas at a titty bar!!

mcbain78 said:

I gotta ask...is this from your experience/experience of others or opinion?

For HPS...how big is too much in a 4x4x7 room with a 430CFM fan? I've looked online but can't find any credible advice so I'm turning to the experts here. +++rep for the help...

I'm making it rain rep like dollas at a titty bar!!

Click to expand...

No one on here will tell you to use a CFL or t5 to flower.. That is 100% for sure. I would go with a 600W digital ballast that switches from 400W to 600W... That way if you find you need more or less in your room you can. Everyone always ends up increasing their rooms size at one point or another anyways and you mind as well get a ballast that is a little flexable.

Cheers!
C