buying CFLs??

Hi, im brand new to growing and although i have 6 plants sat by a big window, as they grow bigger they are becoming more and more recognizable!

I am going to move them into the loft but im just wondering where is the best place to buy CFL bulbs? Can i get them in hardware stores like B&Q or homebase?

Do they have to be specifically "hydroponics" lighting? all seem quite expensive and im still well confused!! thanks

If u have the $ def. buy a metal halide or high pressure sodium.(400 should be good 4 ya)

If not get like atleast 6-8 "daylite" 42watt CFL's and figuer out how to set the up over ur plants.This should be good to start ur veg. state

well im going for CFLs because im trying to keep the temperature down as it is in the loft!

temps? a cfl per lumen is more heat then a HID. And an extra perk is that with a HID you can relocate the ballast (can't with a cfl)

No you dont have to buy them at special stores, you can get them at wallmart or any other store like that. They are pretty cheap so if you are on a budget there a good idea, but youll get a much better yield with a mh or hps light

Yea they are available anywhere, you want daylight 5000k for veg and soft light 3100k to flower. I agree you would get better yeald with HID but those are what you want to use with cfls

stealth hydroponic dual spectrum SH Hydroponics, Inc. > Dual Spectrum II High Output Fluorescent Light Kit

i use them they are great almost no heat i have 6 plants as well