400w CFL's vs. 400w HID??

jangel · 07-24-2008, 04:43 PM

I know what you mean, ISO, and I think you are talking apples and oranges. Just the difference in the way the light shines makes it hard to judge. You would have to take a area equal to the way the light hit the surfaces so it would most likely be an elipse of a rounded nature, not a flat plane.

I love my T-5 and when I can afford it I will get another. I have grown using cfl's, floruescents of different sizes and I have a metal halide. I love the t-5's for maintaining temps and even growth. I also have a cfl bar in mine that I use now, with my big cfl unit turned off. It makes too much heat. For this time of year. It might be fine in the winter, but not now.

Just my 2 cents.

Sock · 07-24-2008, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISO2BWELL

Sock,

That little enclosure would freakin GLOW! Some good ventilation and you're all set. I would think the heat would be managable, and you are maxing the lumens in every square inch of that small space

My guess is you could also flower in there quite well under the 2700k T-5 lamps...maybe not like HID, but I bet it would be close!

ISO

I totally agree ISO, yes my current space is small and the CFL's are a great way to complement that sapce.

However my question was in general terms and not so much the space involved. Looking for best BANG for the BUCK if you will.

If I can do a decent job in my little space w/ CFL's on a small budget, I'm wondering what I can do in a bigger space (say walk in closet) with HID's. There comes a point where $$$ spent of CFL's could equal a good HID. ***BIG IF*** the SPACE and quanity of grow warrents HID..

Ex: 3x3 area 8' tall, hydro, SOG scenerio. would you agree or disagree that HID would be more cost effective than CFL's?

PEace,

Sock

Sock · 07-24-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott06

Yes I have flowed with success under CFL decent size budz w/ some density - not wispy - and decent harvest, better than High quality commercial stuff in my opinion, but not as good as the best high quality private grows -

400w CFLs are working just as hard as 400w HID...the HID is getting more light and less heat per unit of work done...light and heat are both radiation of electromagnetic waves and both can be considered work. Watts measure the total work done, not just the work you want

does that answer it or make it more confusing? and with the T-5 suggestion I really have no experience at all so that may be another option...just remember all of them will work, so you are picking amoung good options, there is no one best option

Perfect sense Scott, and good info on the flowering aspect of CFL's..

Thanks,

Sock

jangel · 07-24-2008, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ISO2BWELL

Sock,

I think what would be really cool in a smaller compartment grow like you are doing is to use 3 of the 4, 6 or 8 lamp T-5 fixtures. One on top and one vertical on each of 2 sides, mounted in a frame that supports them vertically, and can be adjusted for side/top distance from the plants.

That little enclosure would freakin GLOW! Some good ventilation and you're all set. I would think the heat would be managable, and you are maxing the lumens in every square inch of that small space

My guess is you could also flower in there quite well under the 2700k T-5 lamps...maybe not like HID, but I bet it would be close!

ISO

ISO, I would take that in a new york minute. That would flower and grow like no tomorrow. I am telling you, for heat and just evenness of growth, and tight tight nodes I love the T-5's.

jangel · 07-24-2008, 05:05 PM

Hey Sock, the only way you will find the right answer is to try it. You can get a world of advise but until you use that info, it means squat to you. The most vital lesson is the one you learn yourself. And in time, you too can do it all!

Ain't it fun???

Sock · 07-24-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jangel

ISO, I would take that in a new york minute. That would flower and grow like no tomorrow. I am telling you, for heat and just evenness of growth, and tight tight nodes I love the T-5's.

Hmmmm, Ohh my poor brain never quits churning information about...LoL

Sock

Sock · 07-24-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jangel

Hey Sock, the only way you will find the right answer is to try it. You can get a world of advise but until you use that info, it means squat to you. The most vital lesson is the one you learn yourself. And in time, you too can do it all!

Ain't it fun???

You hit the nail on the head Jangel...

Journey on...

But this thread makes for good reading and maybe someone will find some use out of it.. Like ME...

Peace,

Sock

jangel · 07-24-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sock

Hmmmm, Ohh my poor brain never quits churning information about...LoL

Sock

LOL! Now he is totally confused! Sorry socks!!!

Sock · 07-24-2008, 05:13 PM

No I'm not CORN-Fused Jangel...

Just more ideas to tinker with... My current little grow area would be perfect for the vertical side T-5's and horozontial top T-5 bar...

If I closed the door, it would be like the friggen Space shuttle taking off in there...

Plants would be so happy, I would swear they were throwing a party...

All these ideas are great, keep Em' coming.

Sock

jangel · 07-24-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sock

No I'm not CORN-Fused Jangel...

Just more ideas to tinker with... My current little grow area would be perfect for the vertical side T-5's and horozontial top T-5 bar...

If I closed the door, it would be like the friggen Space shuttle taking off in there...

Plants would be so happy, I would swear they were throwing a party...

All these ideas are great, keep Em' coming.

Sock

I swear they are wonderful. Cheaper than a hid too, and a lot cooler. They do make some heat though so you still need air exhaust etc. Check out hidhut, Or PM iso and ask where he got his from. Good prices for you guys down in the U.S. I pay a lot more here and it burns me, pardon the pun. That is my main veg light and you saw the plants. Right now I have 11 clones under one 2 ft light with 4 tubes. Not much and less watts too.

Peace

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400w CFL's vs. 400w HID??

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