There is a wealth of information on this site.......
Ready and waiting to be tapped. I've not been here long, but I've read, read, and read more old posts here.
IMHO, when certain things are recommended by the experienced, they know what they mean. I don't have near the experience and when they say something, it's really not too debatable, because it's working for them.
All the basic stuff's already been explained time and time again.......
Metal halides, HPS, CFL's all good for growing MJ.
Incandescant, tungstens, heat lamps, etc.... not good for MJ.
5,000 lumens per square foot good for MJ canopy.
Again, all the easy stuff's already been figured out. Why try to re-invent the wheel when the one already working is proven time and time again?
I think the problem really comes down to resources or the lack thereof.
I don't have a 400 watt HPS, can't get one, so I'll dig around and find an old heat lamp, will that work?
The answer's aready been given in a write-up somewhere here or on the net.
Why the wishful thinking? IMHO, you are only wasting your time, and electrical $$$$$.
Here's one analogy...... Recommended lumens per square foot = 5,000. "So I got a 3 by 3 foot box and 2 cfl's at 1750 lumens each. I can't get a 45,000 lumen HPS light right now. But do you still think I can get a half pound off my plant if I hang my lights upside down?" My thinking is, why do you ask? You get one scrawny, useless plant with very little bud.
I don't mean to go off on you dude, the only advice I can give you is read, read, read before you do, do, do.
Good luck man on your grow. I hope I haven't created hard feelings, man. That's what I'm not here for.....
Peace out.........