Need additional lights for my 250w HPS set up

Discussion in 'Lighting' started by greenops, Sep 5, 2011.

  1. I just finished my first grow, using 250w hps cooltube. My yield was only 113 grams, and most buds were rather small. Sure the small yield could have several reasons. But for my 2nd grow I'm looking to add some more lights. Maybe an additional 150w in my stealth grow cab (6 x 3 x 2) to help fatten up my buds.

    As much as possible, the light shouldn't add heat, cuz thats a bit of a problem for me. And of course, the light has to be effective.

    I dont know much about lights, but I'm thinking of either adding 2 fluorescent lights on each side, or CFLs on the side. Check the picture, I dont have much space.

    With fluorescent, I dont have any idea how I can adjust the height. Would yo-yo strings work?
    If I were to use CFL bulbs, I could also use yoyo strings from the ceiling of the closet, but wouldnt the light kind of escape in all directions? Ive never seen reflectors that would work in for this kind of set up.....

    If somebody has a link to a similar set up, id appreciate if you can paste here. Thanks a lot!
     

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  2. You can buy the clamps that they sell at HomeDepot/Lowes/Walmart to hold them in place or build your own outta wood.

    With CFLs they need to be close as well like 2-4 inchs from your plant.
     
  3. Which is more effective, which one doesnt increase much heat?
     

  4. For side lighting CFLs will work great. They do generate heat but no where near as much as a HPS.
     
  5. One option would be to mount a 2x2 to the wall vertically. And use a clamp light w/ceramic socket and a 2,700K 68 watt ( 300 watt equivalent ) CFL from Home Depot. Which put's out 4,200 lumens. You can adjust the clamp light up and down on the 2x2 as needed. I use a C-clamp for added security because I don't feel the clamp on the light is strong enough.

    $14 for the CFL light.
    $12 for the clamp light.
    $3 for the C-clamp.

    Total - $29
     
  6. This sounds interesting... Do you have a grow journal or pictures of your set up? Are those kind of CFLs from HomeDepot effective? I'm kinda hesitant cuz its not a grow shop =)
     
  7. you can get a pack of three 26 watt 2700K CFl's for like 8$ at walmart...like 1750 lumes each
     

  8. Those CFls are very effective. You dont have to worry about a thing buying them. There use in grows is incidental.

    Two kids of CFLs that your looking for. One is labeled Daylight bulbs with a rating of 6500k. They give off a bluish white light...there used for veg stage

    The other kind is labeled Softwhite and have a rating of 2700k. There the bulbs that give off the yellowish hue. There suited for flowering

    If you get them make sure you keep them close..2-4 inches from your plant. The usable spectrum for growing drops off to about zero after that.
     
  9. Thanks rhaps! Ill check it out!
     
  10. would u guys know approximately by how much these additional lights would increase temp? on cool days i get avg temps of 28c/85f with my current set up
     

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