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Old 05-13-2011, 02:22 AM
GpsFrontier GpsFrontier is offline
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Lake Havasu AZ.
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m wondering, if you're able to put the cfl or other fluorescents (sp?) closer to the canopy does that effect the number of lumens that the plants are able to use?
Yes, the distance of the light is from the plant canopy defiantly does affects the plants usable lumens. This is true for all artificial lighting. But in the case of florescent, the amount of usable lumens drops off much faster than MH or hps lighting. Therefor floresent lighting should be placed as close as possible without burning the leaves. If it's to hot to hold your hand there it's too hot for the plant, or use a small thermometer to see how warm it is at the top of the plant canopy. Most plants like it around 85 degrees F, however lettuce plants like it cooler, around 75 degrees F.

Quote:
Because if watt for watt the CFL's or fluorescent tubes are just as good because they can be closer, then because of the lack of heat this seems like the best answer.
Watt for watt florescent lighting is NOT as good as HID (MH and/or HPS), but florescent are a good for growing some plants. Mostly low light requirement plants like lettuce. Basically plants that do well in shaded areas, and/or seedlings. But florescent's need to be placed as close to the plant as possible to get the most usable light.
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