I have 12 CFLs (together added up its about 400w) just hanging in my garden, I was thinking of purchasing a bat wing hood and attach the cfls to it? Waste of time and money? I feel like the dangling lights waste light i have a 4x4x7 tent. Any tips? I am sticking with the cfls for my garden.
You have more than reached your limit ...I'd recommend that any CFL array more than 250 - 300 watts go to a 400w Mh/HPS consider: http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Dimmable-Detachable-Reflector/dp/B00547I5I8/ref=pd_sbs_lg_6 As tho you got great coverage, you ain't got any PENETRATION ...you just got to look at you lumen per watt ratio to see that See it as a growing thing, you are learning as the plants grow, ....as baby it always in the lumens
400w of CFL? Jesus man, wouldn't it be easier to use just one hps lamp? However if you want to stick with the CFLs yeah a reflector will make a difference. The reflectors I have my 125w CFLs in cost £20 each. Using these may make things a lot easier
I do have a 180w LED for diversity but its hard to know how well or far behind my plant is due to my inexperience.
Going by the leaf shape it suggests it is lacking light. I wouldn't bother with the led, and a CFL that is further away than 6" from the plant is doing pretty much nothing. Keep them all within 4" for sure