[Stank]

Originally Posted by toastybiz

Stank, a couple of clarifications: first off CFLs are fluoros. Just think of the long tube all folded up on itsef.

CFLs and tubular fluoros usually are considered inferior because their lumen output is less than with HID. But...lumens is not the be-all end-all measurement, it is a standardized measurement that gets at what you really want to know, light output. Lumens is the amount of light output at a set distance. Since light intensity, as with all energy, is proportionate to the square of the distance, being able to get a light closer increases the light output dramatically.

Fluoros, whether tubes or CFLs, run cooler than HID and can be kept closer to the plants. So, if you know how to use fluoros you can get great results, in veg at least, comparable or even superior to HID, and you save money and headaches by using fewer actual watts and having less heat issues to deal with.

Those high-output CFLs will do really well for you. The problem is that many novice growers hear that you can use CFLs and go out and buy one 20w bulb and think they can grow something. Get a 200w CFL and keep it as close as possible to the plant and you will veg it out very nicely.

Thank you toastybiz for a very informative and a very helpful answer and clarification!
So vegging under CFLs and can be very productive under the right circumstances. That sounds good, but flowering is still unmatched when it comes to HID, huh?

Just a thought, how many 125 or 200W CFLs would it take to come close, or maybe even match the intensity of a, let say, 250W HPS?

I have read that the light from the blue spectrum 125 or 200W CFL is more intense and that they are better in comparison to the red spectrum version, when used during the whole grow, is there any truth to that or is it just misleading and a way for the manufacturers (Envirolite) to push their merchandise?

If you would have two 125W CFLs, one blue and one red. Would that be better or worse than having two blue 125's or two red?

Also I thought it was spelled CFL's, but after reading your post I have seen the light and the light is good!

Originally Posted by Spanishfly

If somebody would actually define what CFL stands for, rather than assume everyone knows, it might help.

I don´t use lights and I have no idea what CFL means. Maybe one of you indoor growers would enlighten me.

Probably like most things, obvious when someone tells you.

It is, to my understanding, that CFL stands for Compact Fluorescent Lamp/Light.
Hope that helps you.