Thread: Super Newb ??

Ok well I've never grown in my life & gonna set up a closet or something outside if my lighting idea wont work.I also have no idea what to do a site search for so here's my ?....If I go closet I'd like some opinions on light setup I'm thinkin to use 4' fluorescent strips 8 of them in total wich each have 2 bulbs...What I was thinking on doing is putting the light strips vertical on the walls shining into the center of the closet..kind of like one of those stand up tanning booths..Then I would make a hanging hood of 2' strips prolly another 6 or 8 bulbs..Obviously it would depend on the type of fluorescent lights & $$..
Has anyone ever built anything like this or know if there's pics around for reference..?

Thanks Up Front..!!

Be sure you think about your ventilation and A/C. It sound like you have the lighting figured out. I had one T5 with four 4' lamps in a room and it raised the temp from 78F to 95F with just that fixture. The thing wasn't even that hot, but the heat accumulated over time.

T-5 high output fluorescents (thinnest tubes) are hotter than you would think. A lot depends on the size of your closet. The more area to dissipate the heat, the less heat issues you have...to a point.

I don't know anything about T-8s but T-12s (the old standard fattest tubes) can be used in some low light situations, like seed sprouting, cloning or keeping mothers. However, they are pretty inefficient for the light they put out. And more importantly, you won't be able to bloom well, if at all.

If you have a small area, consider using CFLs, although I have no personal experience with them. You would have to do your research.

In almost all circumstances, you have to have ventilation to bring in fresh air/CO2 and remove heat buildup.

Even if you can't do a site search, you can go into the grow forums and read the stickies and some of the highest rated threads.

Effective light from a fluorescent tube will only extend six inches or so, maximum. Vertical placement is a waste until your plants get tall enough to use the top-end of the bulb. Just because the light lights-up the closet, does not mean it's enough light for photosynthesis.
Horizontal against back wall might be a better option.

I'd go with compact fluorescents available at WalMart. There are 'vanity' light fixtures available, and you can "y" them for more bulbs. But I personally use the security lights with the swivel bases from WalMart.

Ok so that blows my lighting idea all to hell..lol whatcha guys think about this one..? LUMA TRI-SPEC 100W 90 LED HYDROPONIC GROW LIGHT PANEL !

No room to place the tubes horizontally?

Personally, I'd rather go with the 400w HPS. I had one in my 2 x 4 x 6" tall closet but you do need to vent the heat, which makes stealth more difficult. But regardless of set-up, constant fresh air is as important as venting heat out.

I have no idea how close the LED's need to be, but the effective HPS light would extend up to 3 feet or so, which comes in handy if the canopy is uneven. Versitility and proven performance outweigh my curiosity about LED's.

Thanks Rusty
I think I'll go with CFL's for my 1st try then if I'm not happy I'll get into MH's & or HPS.. I'm no real newb to lighting I had a 80 gallon reef tank I grew & bred live corral.I had alot of fun & since I had to sell the tank I need somethin new to grow...lol

The hood I built had a 1000W MH 4-4' Flouresents 4 CFL's & 8 moon ray lights on a perfect 24hr clock cycle..I dont mean to brag but it was pretty impressive to watch the sun go down & the moon come out in the tank..lol
Coral spawn @ night under a full moon..thus the reason for the night time lights..

CFL's are fine, but the effective range for the light is limited. Just means you'll either need some supplimental side lighting when they get larger, or switch 'em to 12/12 a tad sooner. (effective light won't penetrate to the lower branches of a taller plant)

Have you seen my profile picture? (I think it's still the photo of one of my tanks)

I kept a 12 gallon frag recovery tank, a 26 gallon flat-back hex with built-in sump for mostly softies, and a 60 gallon cube (mixed LPS, SPS and softies) with a homemade 24 gallon sump. (400w MH)

Twas definatelly an experience worth having, but got to be too expensive.

Anyone know how to directly upload pictures (attachments) now that my paperclip is gone? Guess I'll see if it's possible through the UCP gallery...

Thats a nice pic of your tank.! Good job..Yeah I know whatcha mean about getting expencive..lol But the only reason I sold mine is we moved & couldnt take it with us.. =\