Kamel's CFL Guide

[newgrowNY]

Originally Posted by Dynex77

What does a ballast do?

And ok, should I have 42/65 of daylight in veg state then 42/65 in warm white for flowering?

Dont know all the tech. how but its what allows a CFL to work in a standard socket... think something to do with dropping the voltage going to the bulb... not sure

Its that larger round piece thats just above the srew in socket... you can see the difference between the 42 and 65w bulbs you posted.

[Dynex77]

Yea, Im hoping when I go to the store tomarrow I can geta better look at all the lights. Rigt now im jsut looking online. But for tomarrow I will be looking for: 2-3 42's if I cant find bigger - Daylight for veg. I'll get some white light later down the line for flowering.

[rozro420]

I just took a look at 1000bulbs.com lots of great cfl's, but somewhat confusing. they use different lingo.
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Neolite-Compact-Fluorescents/
I have to assume that the full spectrum would be a good choice to start. but not sure which to use for finishing.

[rozro420]

Got it. I read some of the earlier post on this, now for the rest of the story

[Dynex77]

:\ yea, well im going to buy everything in a few hours, I let you guy sknow what I decided on buying...im now leaning towrds florecnt tubes...if I can find them small enough with a socket thingy(holding up to 2 hopefully).

[Dynex77]

Ok, so I got 1 68W Softlight and 4 27W daylights, I think I will be using 4 27's for veg and maybe adding another daylight or just that big soft light. I was reading threads where people used soft light for entire grow.

ps. I will also be coding the inside of the box(the walls) with tinfoil.

[RobertHope]

i just got a 105watt 5000k cfl and this sob is huge. You think i chould leave it as is just hanging stright down or should i put it on its side? Its so big i have no idea how to mount it.

[nismo929]

I gots me a question. Just got an 90w LED ufo for my box and was wondering if it would be a better idea to add 2 6500K bulbs along with the 90 for veg , for about 6 plants, then switch it up with 2 2700k bulbs for flower. Or would it be a better idea for like a 50/50 split the whole time, either way I was going to use the LED the whole time. Any input would be appreciated

[djbenzo405]

stick with the 6500k unless u want your plants to stretch for now id say

[SmknVTEC]

Originally Posted by Dynex77

Ok, so I got 1 68W Softlight and 4 27W daylights, I think I will be using 4 27's for veg and maybe adding another daylight or just that big soft light. I was reading threads where people used soft light for entire grow.

ps. I will also be coding the inside of the box(the walls) with tinfoil.

Don't use tin foil its not a great refector. Paint walls a flat white or get mylar. If you must use foil go dull side out with as few creases as possible.

Originally Posted by RobertHope

i just got a 105watt 5000k cfl and this sob is huge. You think i chould leave it as is just hanging stright down or should i put it on its side? Its so big i have no idea how to mount it.

If you go one plant you might consider hanging it vertically but, if multiple plants just hang horizontally.

Originally Posted by nismo929

I gots me a question. Just got an 90w LED ufo for my box and was wondering if it would be a better idea to add 2 6500K bulbs along with the 90 for veg , for about 6 plants, then switch it up with 2 2700k bulbs for flower. Or would it be a better idea for like a 50/50 split the whole time, either way I was going to use the LED the whole time. Any input would be appreciated

Dude for six plants you need to combine all the lights you have because unless they are tiny SOG plants they will need around 400 watts.

Originally Posted by djbenzo405

stick with the 6500k unless u want your plants to stretch for now id say

Looking at the charts it appears weed responds best, in veg, to 5500k spectrum. Second best would be at 6500 k spectrum.

[Dynex77]

Originally Posted by SmknVTEC

Don't use tin foil its not a great refector. Paint walls a flat white or get mylar. If you must use foil go dull side out with as few creases as possible.

Yea, i read that and have since switched to white posterboard...since painting is not an option.

[l Mex l]

i just bought some cfl's and it says not to use em with an electric timer. are there electric and non-electric timers or can i just not use a timer with these lights?

[NYC Diesel]

I use tin foil for a reflector.I basicly just set up my lights then literally build a foil dome around the pot and the lights. Then i just have one piece of foil that i can take off and peek in through. It takes less than a minute to set up too so it isnt hard if i need to take the pot out to do something. Make sure u wear sunglasses though, all that light being reflected into ur eyes is terrible for your eyesight and you cant see your plant that well either.

[joe_fro]

Originally Posted by NYC Diesel

I use tin foil for a reflector.I basicly just set up my lights then literally build a foil dome around the pot and the lights. Then i just have one piece of foil that i can take off and peek in through. It takes less than a minute to set up too so it isnt hard if i need to take the pot out to do something. Make sure u wear sunglasses though, all that light being reflected into ur eyes is terrible for your eyesight and you cant see your plant that well either.

Tin foil is bad for your plants man

[SmknVTEC]

Originally Posted by l Mex l

i just bought some cfl's and it says not to use em with an electric timer. are there electric and non-electric timers or can i just not use a timer with these lights?

That's weird. But I think you would be ok on a timer. I just don't see why it would be a problem.