The best stealth lighting system? ... PL FTW!

[hannibalhekki]

wow man great post!! +rep

[Version 2]

Bump! Sticky this beast mods! +rep to you too for all the info on PL lights

[mike827]

are these the same type of lights? So its a philips invention?

http://www.buylightfixtures.com/phil...uorescent.aspx

[weed-meen]

My only question is why haven't people already begun to use these babies like hell? I mean i can't find even 1 grow which states that it used Dulux L (PL Lights) ... That's the only thing that scares me a bit.. From the theoretical side these lights are perfect but why don't people use them ?

[MJ23dynasty]

No it isn't a phillips invention it says tht tht bulb is "their version" of it and down below GE and a few other companies have em...

What site can I purchase one of these in the US I can't find any

[HydroGanic]

Go to 1000bulbs.com and look up 4-pin CFLs.

The fulham ballasts will run multiple lamps. Look in the CFL Ballasts section.

For the sockets you'll have to phone in your order as they don't have them listed on their website. (Why, I have NO Idea)
It's ite# SOCK-EG36070

They don't carry the 2700 Very Warm White bulbs so I went with the 3000K ones.

I'll be running 4 55w lamps off of one fulham workhorse 8 ballast. (Everything including the sockets was less than $110 shipped)

Sure wish I'd found this post back when it was posted. I've been looking for this information for a LONG time LOL!

Thanks!

[HydroGanic]

Originally Posted by weed-meen

My only question is why haven't people already begun to use these babies like hell? I mean i can't find even 1 grow which states that it used Dulux L (PL Lights) ... That's the only thing that scares me a bit.. From the theoretical side these lights are perfect but why don't people use them ?

First, there are plenty of folks that use these to grow with but I only read english so I'm kinda stuck.

Second, ya have to wire up a socket and a ballast. Most folks looking to use CFLs are stuck on how easy it is to mount a socket and screw in the bulb.

Third, I just don't see them being SOLD in the states that much. You have to go online or to a specialty photography or aquarium shop to get them.

I'm working on spreading the news about them as they're WAAAAy more efficient for growing than the dang coiled tube thingies most people are using these days.

I'll just have to post results when I'm done

[MJ23dynasty]

are these hard to put together bcuz im not that good with electrical stuff...

is this what your tlking about
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Germicidal-...in-Base/32150/

[MJ23dynasty]

ohh thhese?
http://www.1000bulbs.com/4-Pin-Plug-...-Fluorescents/

[MJ23dynasty]

oh how would this ballast
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Fulham-Ballast-Longhorse-6/

and 3 of these bulbs since this seems to be the max it can run according to the chart
http://www.1000bulbs.com/42-Watt-GX2...t-Fluorescent/

and i have no clue how to wire em

5 stars on this one....what a great read.

Gonna have to look at these for my next grow.

[HydroGanic]

Originally Posted by MJ23dynasty

oh how would this ballast
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Fulham-Ballast-Longhorse-6/

and 3 of these bulbs since this seems to be the max it can run according to the chart
http://www.1000bulbs.com/42-Watt-GX2...t-Fluorescent/

and i have no clue how to wire em

I would recommend the Workhorse 8 as you're only spending a few more dollars and you can wire up to 220w.

As for the 42 watt lamp, if the 5000K is the highest it goes, grab it. I'd imagine you'd get better growth rates with 5600K to 6500K range lamps. You're looking for as close to 2200K for flower as possible. Right now that's 2700K and 3000K. (Couldn't find a local U.S. distrib that carries the Very Warm White 2700K 55w bulbs so I went with the 3000K)

I've seen the results from the 3000K and I'm definitely going to be happy with the results.


Remember that these lamps are more efficient then the coiled ones so when you're doing estimates of how many lumens you'll need, remember that all the general information on lumen maximums and minimums is based on coiled and so the numbers YOU need will be lower than that.

[HydroGanic]

Originally Posted by MJ23dynasty

oh how would this ballast
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Fulham-Ballast-Longhorse-6/

and 3 of these bulbs since this seems to be the max it can run according to the chart
http://www.1000bulbs.com/42-Watt-GX2...t-Fluorescent/

and i have no clue how to wire em

It will work just great.

You'll have to call them for the TG11 sockets. They're $1.97 each.
They also suck and you'll have to use thin wire or something to hold up the other end of the lamp. (Looking for better sockets soon)

You'll also have to phone in your order as they don't have the TG11 Base Sockets on their website.

I have a Fulham Workhorse 8 running 4 55w lamps. It's the same thing for you. Make sure you don't use a jumper wire as it's not necessary.

You can quickly find a wiring diagram by going to the fulham website and looking up your ballast. On the right hand side of the page are a couple of drop down menus that allow you to select the type of wiring you're doing.

Choose the T5HO and Linear lamps that approximate your wattage. (You'll see when you get there)

That will bring up a wiring diagram for you to look at. Quite simple.
Don't forget you DON'T need a jumper wire.

[lifelessheap]

I hooked up 2 55w PL tubes to a workhorse4. DAMN bright. Fantastic guide.

Sweet.

[Version 2]

Has anyone found a source for the sockets online yet? Or is phoning in the order still the only option available?