An Inexpensive & Better CFL for Growing in Small Spaces

[alphacat]

Sounded really good until I saw the two reviews posted on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Lights-of-America-Fluorescent-Flood/dp/B000HJ75RU

~ "I've had Lights Of America explode in the socket...

I've owned a few Lights Of America Model 2920. Not one of them has lasted over a year and the most recent BLEW UP in the fixture. I will be pulling any more I own out and disposing of them properly. I guess you get what you pay for."

and

~ "Out in days, not months

I've owned 8 of these total over the last two months. Eight.
And in that time every one of them has gone out. At first I thought there may be a problem with my socket but a swap-out with an existing GE CFL bulb proved that wrong. The design is fine on the outside, with good light output (if slow to warm) and quick "on" time from the time you flick the switch. The only issue I've had with them is their complete lack of longevity."

Anyone else who's used these have this kind of issue?

 

[slackerbri]

I've got at least a half dozen of those I got at albertsons on sale once for next to nothing, little did I know they may have another purpose.

Thanks for the info.

 

[GDB]

I've got at least a half dozen of those I got at albertsons on sale once for next to nothing, little did I know they may have another purpose.

Thanks for the info.

Yeah because they might blow up in the socket!

Ouch.

 

[Pipedream]

Since I started this thread back in April, I've used these bulbs in both my grow and in twoi that I assist with. We've yet to have any of the bulbs fail. So far, so good. They are working well for us and we see no reason to stop using them.

 

[Vol Funk]

I have these
http://www.1000bulbs.com/product.php?product=4654

I don't know how many lumans these give out, I'm not familiar with " Krypton and Gas Increases Light Output" .

 

[Pipedream]

Looks like some sort of modified incandescent bulb. I'd have to give it a thumbs down unless someone else knows something I don't about it.

 

[abirdintheair]

went light bulb hunting and this is what i found...

went light bulb hunting and this is what i found...

after reading this thread a week ago i went on a hunt for both makes of lights of america bulbs. the depot, wally world, target...none had it. finally when i stopped at menards the guy told me they that stopped carrying the brand awhile back. next best choice was a 65w that puts out 4200lumens for my vegg.

 

[Mystic420]

Possible Alternative

Possible Alternative

 

[tarzan of thc]

This is the best best price I could find on cfl's. I use them in conjuction with the cheap clip on reflectors. There much more space efficient than t-5 ho. http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie..._bulbs-ft1_light_bulbs_1;pg103995_103999.html
Joe

I think you made a great find pipeline. However, I think the 125w CFL that joe posted puts out way more than "a bit more" light pipeline.

The 42w, 40w or the bigger 125w and greater size CFL's have a base that holds the ballast. You can seperate the tubes from this base. They will have 2 wires going from the tube base and mini ballast base. All you have to do is make these wires 2 or 3 feet long and now they are remote ballast lights. You can keep the socket with the base up where you keep you 150w ballast and put the bulbs in the grow room. The bulbs could lay on the plants and not burn them at all.

There is a DIY thread on here that shows how to remote ballast the CFLs.

 

[Pipedream]

Yes, it does put out more light. But then a 1000w HPS puts out a bit more than a 150 watter.

However both have different applications, just as these two CFL bulbs do.

The light I posted is Small, Cheap, Ready To Use, Has A Reflector, and is Ideal for a Tiny Space.

Joe's light is surely brighter, but is also Larger, Needs Additional Work, Requires More Space, and cost nine times as much. $5 vs. $45. (delivered)

Both are good lights, but each sreve a different master.

JMHO

 

[tarzan of thc]

Pipeline I think if you screw the $10 42w cfl into a cheap funnel reflector for a shop work light it will be way brighter on your light meter than the 30w bulb you are using. The 30w is in it's own little reflector so your comparo wasn't exactly fair.

Now get back into the lab and reconduct the experiment using a reflector with the 42w.

Your 30w lights do have a friendlier profile for a small cab grow and if they are giving out as much light or close to it they will be a boon for the small grow cab grower.

 

[Wicked]

those are interesting lighting specs, Im putting together a stealth dresser and need all the help I can get. Unfortunatly my 400 mh is going to have to go into storage for some other time when Ive less nosey neighbors. So I look at these cfls, and think to myself...well self, that must be a cheap, less heat way to go...i might not even need a coolin system in the cab.
anyhoo, if you can point to any step by step tutorials, id be very appreciative!

 

[frostynugs420]

could someone post me a link on remote ballsting CFL's? ive never een heard of this and it sound prime to the time if you know what i mean...

 

[crentist]

bump, good thread forgotten

 

[Guest]

True it's a good thread. I just got done reading it.

 

[stealthballer]

This is the best best price I could find on cfl's. I use them in conjuction with the cheap clip on reflectors. There much more space efficient than t-5 ho. http://www.farmtek.com/farm/supplie..._bulbs-ft1_light_bulbs_1;pg103995_103999.html
Joe

1000bulbs.com has that beat imho

 

[ezgo1]

I have had really good luck with the Flourex Lights of america lights. The 6500K light gives you really tight node spacing.

- Ezgo

 

[Andyman]

any one know were I can find the link on remote ballsting CFL's?

 

[magiccannabus]

They don't make a daylight flood, that sucks. I'd love one for supplemental needs, and random other uses. The closest thing I can find is this http://lightsofamerica.com/Products/2830S.aspx

 

[ballast]

Awesome, gonna look for these for my speaker box, as it already has vertically mounted sockets. I like the way the tube is well exposed rather than blocking itself so much as in regular lamps. And that reflector is a nice bonus. Probably already saw these in HD or somewhere and did not notice if they were flourescents. Nicely done article.