Questions about CFLs

[Killuminati420]

ive never use CFLs before, dont know where to buy them or what ones to buy. i have to get UV specific CFLs or what?

 

[zipflip]

look on the packages they have a number thats a kelvin ratting. most bulbs ya get at wal mart even. the ones you want for veg stage are 6500k , they giive off a white lite more. and get the 2700k for flowering. they ya basic yellow lookin lites.
don't worry bout UV anything man.

 

[phatpharmer]

If $$ isn't an issue I'd go with T-5's they give off the most lumens per sq/ft as far as floresents go! And like Zip said 6500k is best for veg and the 2700k is best for flowering, but I'd go to HPS when flowering for best results!

 

[oneshot]

I use a 5000k cfl and it worked great for me.its 105watts and 6500lumis,it says its equal to 400watts of light.made my plant go wild ..
thanks
oneshot

 

[Killuminati420]

where would i find that big of a CFL???

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

Be aware that the equivalent wattage on a CFL does not mean anything when we are talking about growing. A 105 watt CFL is a 105W light. Period.

Also, when figuring light needs, you need to figure 5000 lumens per sq ft.--wattage is really an immaterial number. I agree with phatpharmer that you should look into T5s. A 54W tube puts out 5000 lumens.

 

[tcbud]

T5 definately worth the investment. The cost to run them is really reasonable. I think mine only put on $30 extra on the electric bill. I also vedged and flowered to finish under it last winter. I highly recomend the T5 unit.

 

[Mutt]

If you can't fit a T5 setup..try 1000bulbs dot com. they have a whole assortment of CFL's and cheap. They sent me a defective one within 2 days a new one was at the door without having to send the old one back. just emailed in a pic of the defect and they were good about it. Shipping was cheap and gave discounts on bulk sales.
You can get CFL's at wal-mart and such but harder to find the bigger CFL's and when you do online was stil cheaper.

I'd get a couple of 2800kelvin (soft white) and 5600+ Kelvin (cool white, daylight spectrum) bulbs.
but honestly why bother when you can get a 70w HPS or MH at lowes for 50 bucks right now. Just picked up a lithonia lighting brand pole light for a comp case i'm building and had a bunch on sale.

 

[Killuminati420]

theres no lowes close to where i live , but ya this thread is kinda old. ive got 4 150w CFLs since along with 2 2' T5s...things are goin good