New To Growing...Lighting Question

Most effective would be an MH light for veg [about 4000k] and a HPS for flower [about 2700k]. Otherwise get the 6500 k CFL bulbs for veg and the 2700 k CFL bulbs for flower.

 

No 4000k and 2700 k are the light spectrums or colors of the light emitted by the bulb. K stands for Kelvin and is a temperature scale and a light spectrum scale. The lower the numbers i.e. 2700k is more of a reddish orange while 6500k is blue in color. Yes CFL's can be the squiggly bulbs or 12-48 inch tubes.

 

Stoney - look into getting one of the HPS security lights that they carry at most Home Depot stores.

For example:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...03+90401+502806&marketID=401&locStoreNum=8125

They come in various higher wattages which you can choose to fit your setup and cooling system. HPS's are the most effective lights, and with some basic DIY modifications you can turn hps security lights into grow lights. Here is a guide on how to do that:

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=36344

Good luck

 

for some CFLs you wouldnt find the exact color anywhere. But if it sais daylight or cool white then its your veg light, and warm white is your flowering light

 

You will notice a huge difference when going from, CFL to hps; your plants will grow faster even in veg. Security light HPS are not the best for growing but will work. Consider saving up for a grow specific HPS. You can order a 400 watt hps online for $200. Know however that HID lights get warm so have a strong ventilation plan.

 

What about the HPS bulbs at home depot? If I was in a pinch and needed a replacement bulb would the 250 watt bubl at home depot OK to use for a while or is it OK for long term or not at all?

 

Good question. I imagine if the wattage is the same than it would be fine.

 

Thanks for the reply, that is good to know if disaster should strike.