Fluorescent light help.

Hi im trying to find a good fluorescent light setup for use for cloning. I have never used fluorescents so im not sure what to go for. Does anyone have any suggestions on any light systems and or wattage etc? thanks.

also will there be a big difference if i use fluoro's for cloning instead of MH? I am just trying to keep wattage down.

I've always had lot's of luck for cloning with a simple shop fluorescent. The kind that's 4' long with 2 bulbs (add more as needed). You can clone an entire tray of clones (over 90) with one light fixture. This one fixture should consist of one soft white and one warm bulb. Each bulb only 40 watts. Cost at any hardware store is only about $20.00
There is also the option of a T-5 fluorescent that you would need to purchased at a hydroponic store. This light set-up is very good but will create a higher initial investment situation. Hope that helps.

EmptyWords said:

also will there be a big difference if i use fluoro's for cloning instead of MH? I am just trying to keep wattage down.

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DUDE ...Run a search for CFL...

Thanks for your reply. I am not really worried about cost. I am looking for good quality lights. I see alot of people talking about using T-5's so maybe that is the route i will go. I am looking at these right now http://www.4hydroponics.com/clone/nwt5.asp "New wave t5-24" but im not sure about what kind of lights to use. Cool tubes or mixed? any other suggestions anyone may have are appreciated.

Are you talking cloning here or bringing to fruition?
I keep several clones healthy on as little as 26 watts with indirect light. I personally prefer the lower wattage, so as to keep the vegetive growth as slow as I possibly can.
If your goal is to get 2 foot clones in a short amount of time, obviously use MH or up the cfl watts.

Well actually my goal is to use the lighting for germination and get about 12 inch clones when cloning. I want to have clones about 12 inches or so in about 2 weeks and then put them directly into flower under 1000w hps. I have never never cloned before so it is new to me and im not sure as to what the best lighting would be for me.

My take is if you want 12" clones in two weeks, best to up your wattage--daylight bulbs.

You can use 3 18 watt fluorescent 15" long use nothing in energy grab blue and one red. if you have a bigger hatchery grab a dual fixture bar say 24 " and load a red and a blue and you are done. Low light 24/7

Babs34 said:

My take is if you want 12" clones in two weeks, best to up your wattage--daylight bulbs.

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yeah after further review---but dont kill them with bright light ease them into it--- some strains just incinerate like spontaneous combustion come back and they are brown like a Forrest fire went by it. Strange every so often nothing but a spritz of clean H2o and a dome and one outta 15 will just go up in light.

EmptyWords said:

Well actually my goal is to use the lighting for germination and get about 12 inch clones when cloning. I want to have clones about 12 inches or so in about 2 weeks and then put them directly into flower under 1000w hps. I have never never cloned before so it is new to me and im not sure as to what the best lighting would be for me.

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seedlings are seedlings they can grow in brite lite from the start--like the sun. Clones are different. k? Mature Clones can do that but not from making one and to flower in 2 weeks.

Cali chronic said:

You can use 3 18 watt fluorescent 15" long use nothing in energy grab blue and one red. if you have a bigger hatchery grab a dual fixture bar say 24 " and load a red and a blue and you are done. Low light 24/7

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Ok I will give that a try thanks for your reply.