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Need Lighting Suggestions for Mother Plant(s)

  • Thread starter Thread starter nebulius
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Need Lighting Suggestions for Mother Plant(s)

nebulius 43 Replies 30,873 Views
Page 2 of 3 · Replies 21–40 of 44
#21
Good recommendation Cort! I went to Home De Pot last night and was checking out their lighting.
They had some T12 (old ballast type) for $10 and some 2bulb 4' T8's for $20.
Also had a 2bulb 4' T5HO $39.99 (high output) that is 58watts and all the other T8's were 32 watts I believe.
But if I can get a 2 bulb 4' T8 at Walmart for $10, that's a deal! Thanks again Cort for the rec.
here's the link.
 
#22
Something else I was wondering that I just found the answer too.

There are different watt bulbs for the T8's. I was wondering if the T8 fixture can run all T8 wattage bulbs or does the fixture have a set wattage that it runs?

Answer- T8's have electronic ballasts that sense the load of the T8 bulb and supply the correct wattage to the bulb.
 
#23
The cheap ones from walmart are made for 12s or 8s if memory serves. must by bulbs separate. I just got a box of inexpensive Phillips and changed some around the house too.
 
#24
There T8's Cort. Saw them at Osh too for $10.90 for 4' 2bulb shop light.
Wondering why the T5's are more expensive for the same length compared to T8's. They both have electronic ballasts.

Found this:

General Assumptions of Cost:​
  • T12 = lowest lamp, ballast and fixture cost
  • T8 = approx. 20% more expensive than T12
  • T5 = 3-4 times the cost of T8
Why is T5 the best and how does that apply?
There are several different factors that determine levels of efficiency. Quality of light measured in CRI (Colour Rendering Index), quantity of light measured in LPW (Lumens per Watt) and CU (Co-efficiency of utilization.) The numbers being used for CU are general for those used in the low level (12 feet and under) multi-residential environment so there can be fluctuations.
CRI levels: LPW levels: CU (Generally):
T12 = 62CRI T12 = 78LPW T12 = .46CU
T8 = 85CRI T8 = 92LPW T8 = .76CU
T5 = 85CRI T5 = 103LPW T5 = .90CU
Considering these general factors, it is obvious that T5 is the best. But, how much better? With all factors weighed equally, a general presumption can be made, that:
  • a. T8 is 40% more efficient than T12.
  • b. T5 is 51% more efficient than T12.
Yet, T5 in this environment is only 9% more efficient than T8. This would never justify the substantial increase in fixture, lamp and ballast costs.
Furthermore, if energy savings is an issue, you can often lower the light output by 9 or 10 percent in order to recover the efficiency without any real impact to the perceived light levels.
 
#25
I narrowed down my search to the 4' 2 bulb fluro but couldn't decide between the T5 and T8. After reading this, I'm going with the cheaper T8 fixture.
 
#26
nebulius said:
I narrowed down my search to the 4' 2 bulb fluro but couldn't decide between the T5 and T8. After reading this, I'm going with the cheaper T8 fixture.
Click to expand...

Proof is in the pudding. I'm getting the health, vigor, and growth rate I want for my mothers. Thinking about supplementing with some T8s in flower as well.

outwest
 
#27
I'm thinking of doing the same Outwest. I mean they're so cheap, how could you justify not doing it.
I am going to mount them on the side walls. I want to focus the supplemental light on the lower growth that doesn't get as good of light penetration. I am also thinking of putting some above to supplement the HPS to enhance color spectrum.

Some company makes a cool hood that allows you to mount a fluro light on 2 sides of the hood.
 
#28
Yep, I'm going to put a 4' 2-banger in each corner running vert.

outwest
 
#29
fluoros ftw. thats all i use for my mums n they do well enough for what i need. only have to keep em growing well enough to cut up into clones. use 4' lights.
 
#30
Went to Osh and bought 2 of the 4' 2 lamp T8 with daylight bulbs 6500k. $36 out the door. Great cheap lighting. Hope the mom likes it.
 
#31
Here are what the plants look like using my setup as described. I think they look quite healthy, and are maintaining a favorable growth rate.

outwest

SOGREEN sf


LIBABIES sf
 
#33
Nope. Just 2 4-lamp 4' shop lights. Going to put 2 more in soon.

outwest
 
#34
Dan Klover said:
how close are the bulbs to the plants
Click to expand...

I had them literally right on top of the tallest plants. Now they are anywhere from 2"-10" from the tops, not noticing any kind of stretch from raising them.

outwest
 
#35
outwest said:
I had them literally right on top of the tallest plants. Now they are anywhere from 2"-10" from the tops, not noticing any kind of stretch from raising them.

outwest
Click to expand...

yeah I had just started a seed and was using a small 24" T8 with a CW (cool white 18watts) bulb, just what I had laying around the house. anyway, my seed sprouted fine and grew for about 5 days and got to be about 3.5" tall and then toppled over from stretch. I got a toothpick and stood her back up but it's been 2 days and I don't think she's going to continue growing.

So got new seed under 4' 2 lamp T8 with 6500k bulb. what I should of had them under in the first place. u kill a seedling you learn.o_O
 
#36
I have a 2' 2 lamp T12 I'm thinking of using for a mother or two. Ideally I want their growth to be pretty slow. However in my experience with T12s the plants want to stretch (although this could just be the cheap tubes I'm using). Also have a 2' 4 lamp T5 that I could use but want to put minimum hours on it if possible.
 
#37
Raven said:
I have a 2' 2 lamp T12 I'm thinking of using for a mother or two. Ideally I want their growth to be pretty slow. However in my experience with T12s the plants want to stretch (although this could just be the cheap tubes I'm using). Also have a 2' 4 lamp T5 that I could use but want to put minimum hours on it if possible.
Click to expand...
Sounds like the t5 would be the best choice for a mom or two, IMO
 
#39
Maybe I am doing a much smaller-scale grow than you, but I think most of what people are recommending is overkill. I'm keeping a bonsai-style mom in a converted styrofoam cooler under a single 42w CFL, and she seems to be doing fine so far. I'll be taking 2-3 clones per month in order to keep her small enough, but she's definitely not stretching too bad or anything after a few weeks in here:

Ss2012 05 23motherbox
 
#40
Ourkansaw, nice little mom hut. Do you keep the light that far away, or was it just for the pic?
 
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