Can I add some consumer-grade fluorescent plant lights to supplement my main LED light?

[John1977]

Hi,

I'm new to growing MJ, but not to growing plants; therefore, I have some 48" long fluorescent plant lights laying around.

Would it provide any benefit to add the florescent lights to the corners of my grow box for some side light, or would it mess up the light coming from the LED?

The LED light I currently have in use is Likesuns 600w (equivalent) LED​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TNP92WL/ref=twister_B07XXQHHCT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1​

​

The florescent lights that I'm asking if I can use are "GE Plant and Aquarium 40w (49893)"​

https://catalog.gecurrent.com/catalog/p/49893​

If it is OK to use, would it be safe to use in both the vegetative and flowering periods, or just the veg period?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[smokinrav]

In my room, the cost benefit analysis says no, 4' fluoros emit their lumens across the length of the 4' tube, so electricity used is not worth the few lumens provided to the plant

 

[mc130p]

It won't mess anything up if you add it. The plant might show some initial stress from adding more light. Like smokinrav says though, it probably won't do a whole lot, but it is more light.

 

[madvillian420]

 

[hybridway2]

No, the Floros explode from led radiation.

 

[John1977]

In my room, the cost benefit analysis says no, 4' fluoros emit their lumens across the length of the 4' tube, so electricity used is not worth the few lumens provided to the plant

I didn't think of the cost/benefit ratio but you've got a good point. I guess I didn't understand how few lumens the 4 ft tubes put out. Thanks for the input, smokinrav!

 

[lime73]

No harm in adding more side light, they will work but.... They have to be within inches to be beneficial to the plants.

 

[John1977]

It won't mess anything up if you add it. The plant might show some initial stress from adding more light. Like smokinrav says though, it probably won't do a whole lot, but it is more light.

I hadn't thought about stressing them from the additional light. I can't afford to stress the Gorilla Glue autoflowers since I heard they can turn hermi if stressed. On that note, and along with the unfavorable cost/benefit that smokinrav pointed out, I think I'll refrain from adding the florescent tubes at this point of the grow. Thanks, mc130p

 

[John1977]

LOL !!!
I kinda wanna DO IT!!
going through the pros and cons... tuff decision!

 

[mc130p]

LOL !!!
I kinda wanna DO IT!!
going through the pros and cons... tuff decision!

i would do it, maybe not that light, idk, i haven't looked at it too much, but whatever floats your boat. i just added 2 30W led bars to my grow. they don't do a lot either

 

[John1977]

No, the Floros explode from led radiation.

Really? I'd like to read up more on this, but didn't find anything when I performed an internet search. Could you point me to articles on the topic?

 

[PagingMrHerman]

Really? I'd like to read up more on this, but didn't find anything when I performed an internet search. Could you point me to articles on the topic?

He was kidding.

 

[hybridway2]

 

[John1977]

He was kidding.

Figured so much, that's why I asked for the citation to articles.

Thanks for confirming my suspicions!

 

[Herb & Suds]

It all depends on managing the additional heat from the ballast of the flouro's

 

[John1977]

It all depends on managing the additional heat from the ballast of the flouro's

Oh man, that's a really good point. I wasn't thinking about heat... I'm in a very warm climate, and I'm probably at my limits on where I want to be on temperature. I'm currently running between 78F and 85F degrees in the grow box with the LED and no A/C. I think adding the florescents would put me up to 90F or above and that might be too hot for the flowering stage I think

 

[John1977]

No harm in adding more side light, they will work but.... They have to be within inches to be beneficial to the plants.

Thanks for your reply, Lime. I imagine that as they grew they would be inches apart, possibly even touching the lamps. I believe touching the lamps would be bad and therefore would require some trimming. If indeed that's the case, I'm worried that I might stunt their growth since they're autoflowers, which I heard don't like pruning. If the box is crowded and they touch the lights would it be worse off to add them than to do nothing?

 

[Budzbuddha]

Add those flouros , they are doing supplemental lighting. And i am certain that led panel is no where near 600 w either. You can replace those flouro bulbs too to match stage you are in - 6500 k for veg or 2700k for flower .

Definitely think about getting a better “ main “ light for your grows.

 

[lime73]

Thanks for your reply, Lime. I imagine that as they grew they would be inches apart, possibly even touching the lamps. I believe touching the lamps would be bad and therefore would require some trimming. If indeed that's the case, I'm worried that I might stunt their growth since they're autoflowers, which I heard don't like pruning. If the box is crowded and they touch the lights would it be worse off to add them than to do nothing?

Are you adding side light for veg or flower?
Depends on color temp K
I have the 6500k cool white t5 for veg and my plants often touch bulbs and they are fine with no damage.

 

[Jimdamick]

I wouldn't bother using the fluorescents, they will not add much & cost money to run.
The LED is adequate
Good luck/stay safe