First Grow(pics included)

Kenstar15

Active Member
New to the site have been reading a lot since i signed up thanks for all the helpful information. Now my brother and I have started our first grow we have 3 plants going in a closet using 2 of the Walmart brand "grow lights". I have read a bunch of stuff on these lights and decided on them for the sprouting stage / vegging. Also on an interesting side note took the covers off these lights and the rating on the lights were 7800k which from what i have read is way above what they are claimed to be so my question is with them putting out that much will they work for the whole vegging period? here are a few pics of our setup nothing special just keeping it simple right now but plan on upgrading we started using foxfarm soil and bought the recommended fertilizer to go with it and some jiffy pots



 

<stealthgrowing>

Active Member
Those lights will work fine for vegetative growth although, if you really want good growth during veg, I would go with something higher wattage. A good alternative to those lights and having to buy another set of lights for flowering, is a 250 watt switchable balast + lamp. Sun systems makes a light with a built in ballast that can be switched from metal halide to high pressure sodium for veg and bloom stages. this way you could get by with one light that uses the two different kinds of recommended bulbs for veg and bloom. One light for veg and bloom is more convienient than having to purchase 2 different lighting setups. with the 2 in 1 light you just buy a single MH bulb and a single HPS bulb. With those lights you may experience tall plants that look less than steller, not full of nodes and leaves. With a HID fixture you will get plants that are healthier and have more stems and leaves, and produce more bud. If I were going to invest in something right now to make it succeed I would go with a 2 in 1 lamp; 250 watt or 400 watt is perfect for that small area.

Good luck!
 

Kenstar15

Active Member
I know the pics got a little too big and we went and checked out some lighting setups and the one with 2 lights for a 250watt was like 300 dollars at the shop we went to I was also looking into maybe using CFLs anyone have any info on if those would work? i know we should go ahead and get an HPS but trying to keep it cheap right now.
 

<stealthgrowing>

Active Member
Ebay my friend Ebay... You can get those lights cheaper on Ebay. I just ordered my 150 watt hps from HTG supply on ebay. Here is an example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CAP-Valuline-250-watt-Switchable-Ballast-Grow-Light-HPS_W0QQitemZ260400002525QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3ca10cb5dd&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

When buying lights, they will always be at least twice as expensive at a storefront that specializes in growing equipment. Shops charge huge mark ups on lights. Check the sellers feedback always before buying on ebay. I think you can get exactly what you are looking for there.

Here is another example from HTG supply. Its not a switchable unit but it you could just use the lights you already have for veg and use this for flowering.

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-High-Pressure-Sodium-250-watt-HPS-Grow-Light-w-250w_W0QQitemZ400039233601QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d24324841&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
 
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