what size cfls are most efficient?

[Nicol Bolas]

I am trying to decide what wattage bulbs to use, and I see many people using many 23 watt cfls instead of fewer 32 or 65watts. Aren't bigger cfls more energy efficient? Is it a heat issue? doesn't a 32 watt bulb have deeper penetration, allowing fatter buds all the way down? what is the tradeoff of energy efficiency + light penetration vs heat + distance of bulb for 10x 23w vs 7x 32 watt bulbs? I'd rather make fewer electrical connections.

 

[Squeeky]

according to my readings on the forums and elsewhere. When you get above 42w, the lumens/watts ratio is reduced. If you are looking for fewer connections, I wouldn't go above 42w. However many use the 23w due to cost, and the ability to have a more even canapoy of light at the source is spread over a larger distance.

 

[Max0r]

Nicol:

I would take a look at what Hydro-Soil has been able to do with remote ballasted CFL's.
Efficiency is off the hook! I plan to replace my CFL's with these after my current cycle is complete.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=104860

 

[Sexologist420]

IMHO 42 watt from wally world $7.55 are the best. The 42's have more light penetration. You can see if by taking pictures with 23's and then 42's and you will see the BRIGHT light go further down.

pce

 

[j.guit.err]

I like 23w cfls. I can spread them more evenly, and i like to side mount them.

 

[smokeymacpot]

IMHO 42 watt from wally world $7.55 are the best. The 42's have more light penetration.

^^ that

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Nicol:

I would take a look at what Hydro-Soil has been able to do with remote ballasted CFL's.
Efficiency is off the hook! I plan to replace my CFL's with these after my current cycle is complete.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=104860

Thanks

I've been doing my best to get the word out.

Here's a shot of them in action
The shorter plant on the far right is the SweetTooth#3XPrincessDiesel indica I have. The other 5 are C-99
There are 4 55w lamps there for a total of 220w. The bulbs are 22" long (including the socket)

 

[smokeymacpot]

Thanks

I've been doing my best to get the word out.

Here's a shot of them in action
The shorter plant on the far right is the SweetTooth#3XPrincessDiesel indica I have. The other 5 are C-99
There are 4 55w lamps there for a total of 220w. The bulbs are 22" long (including the socket)

i was on a website earlier, they tested those 55w bulbs, phillips, they actually draw 100w dead on for 2. i'll see if i can find link.

 

[smokeymacpot]

http://translate.google.co.uk/trans...ev=/search?q=cixing+cfl+lumens&hl=en&safe=off

 

[Hydro-Soil]

http://translate.google.co.uk/trans...ev=/search?q=cixing+cfl+lumens&hl=en&safe=off

Sweet information! Means I'm probably drawing less than I thought
You woulnd't happen to have a link to those Super PL-L lamps the tester used, would you? They're 2100K.
Right now I'm running 3000k but would like to have at least the two middle lamps to be 2100k
Can't even find 2700K here in the states. *grumblegrumble*

 

[smokeymacpot]

Sweet information! Means I'm probably drawing less than I thought
You woulnd't happen to have a link to those Super PL-L lamps the tester used, would you? They're 2100K.
Right now I'm running 3000k but would like to have at least the two middle lamps to be 2100k
Can't even find 2700K here in the states. *grumblegrumble*

um all i read there was that they were phillips PLL 55w bulbs, might wanna google them. and 2100k would help you in flower for sure.

 

[Squeeky]

Hydro,

As I mentioned in your skinny thread, planetbulbs.com has 2700k bulbs for 6.50 a piece. I bought 6 and they are definitely the same spectrum as my coil 2700k's

 

[Hydro-Soil]

Hydro,

As I mentioned in your skinny thread, planetbulb.com has 2700k bulbs for 6.50 a piece. I bought 6 and they are definitely the same spectrum as my coil 2700k's

Damn! Totally missed that one.

THANKS Squeeky!

Strange..... I'm only finding 3,000K lamps for 55w 2G11 bases.... Do you have a link, mayhaps?

 

[Hydro-Soil]

um all i read there was that they were phillips PLL 55w bulbs, might wanna google them. and 2100k would help you in flower for sure.

Read closer. It's a Super PL-L 2100K lamp.
Edit: reading it from a translated page.... super may just = dulux
I haven't found a U.S. source for these yet. Squeeky says the 2700k can be found at planetbulb.com but I haven't found them on the site yet. Only 3000k.

All the links I find for 2100K PL-L are overseas. I'm not that desperate as Knna says the 3000K is just peachy for flowering and I'm already using those. If anyone can find a local source I'm definitely interested

 

[ezgo1]

What about the 125 or 200W cfl bulbs nobody likes them?

 

[Hydro-Soil]

What about the 125 or 200W cfl bulbs nobody likes them?

They're great if you have a very small space and can only mount one light. They give off fewer lumens per watt and a lot more heat.

If you can mount multiple lights, then go with the 23-27w lights for an even light canopy.

As always, (next to reflective surfaces) LST Supercropping and Scrog are your best choices for maximizing your yield with these lights.

 

[ezgo1]

Ok I see.

In the past the Fluorex style lights were an excellent choice. What are you thoughts on those type of Cfls

 

[GMT]

can anyone explain why a 250w cfl has less penetration ability than a 250w HPS?

 

[Movintarget]

68 Watt TCP Cfl

68 Watt TCP Cfl

Hey folks,
Some info off the 68 watt TCP shipping box. 68 watts =300 watt equivalent, Light output=4200 Lumens, 2700K , 120 volts, Soft White. This link takes you to web site http://www.tcpi.com/corp/corporateHome.aspx. For $15+tax at Home Depot.

 

[shroomyshroom]

can anyone explain why a 250w cfl has less penetration ability than a 250w HPS?

agreed since they both pull the same power... the only thing i can think of is the light spectrum the HPS has is better than that od a CLF

sorry im not an indoor grower so just guessing here