View Full Version : Light question, which bulb to use?
smyke
05-05-2008, 11:54 AM
So my DIY canopy is in its final stages and now its time to decide on the bulbs. I have 4 fixtures in there for screw-in CFLs.
I thought about using two of each of the bulbs pictured below, because it will give me 2 different light spectrums although in the lower range for good plant growth. Going strictly by WPG it will give me just under 2wpg. but then I read somewhere that lumens are important too. What do you all think? what combination I should use or maybe go with 4 of the same kind?
Please let me hear your suggestions.
100W spiral is rated at 27W, 1300 lumens, 5500K. flood is rated at 16W, 600 lumens and 6700K.
StereoKills
05-05-2008, 11:57 AM
I would just go with the spirals personally.
Fishfiles1
05-05-2008, 2:30 PM
i dont know i got with 18,000 K for my plants and i run a total of 36 watts, and my plants do great
anybody else have any thoughts on these bulbs?
RockysDad
05-07-2008, 3:35 PM
Are your sockets pointing down? What are the dimesions of your tank? Personally, I would have chosen to use T-8 bulbs instead. You have more choices in bulbs bulbs and can even over-drive them if you like.
but, given the choice of your two examples, I would choose something else. I think Phillips makes a daylight 6700k spiral bulb sold at Lowes. A bit more pricey but better color.
Fishfiles1
05-07-2008, 9:44 PM
why T-8s there low light, if you have 60 extral bucks, then you sould buy the T-5 set up duel bulbs. thats what i use
I am trying to do it for as little $$ spent as possible. I am looking into overdriving right now.
Star_Rider
05-08-2008, 2:03 PM
I have found t-8 dual bulb set ups with descent selection of bulbs at hw stores..
not many are carrying the T-5 and those that do don't have a good selection of bulbs.
I went to lowes got the light fixture , bulbs electrical stuff needed and wood to build a can'o' peas(canopy) for around $40
jmhart
05-08-2008, 2:18 PM
use the spirals. The others will require you to have a very large hood. If you want 6500k spirals, go to Wal-Mart. They sell GE Daylight 6500k bulbs, 2 for $7.
I may have to scratch this whole thing. the aluminum work lights I was going to use overheated the bulbs very quickly and I was out $15 in about 15 minutes.
I went with 4 27W bulbs and going with 19w may not be enough.