I've been asked to post a few pics of my recent changes to my flowering room. Nothing to write home about, but then again it works, and it's cheap to construct!

Unfortunately I am in the midst of changing out a fair number of bulbs (which were two years old), so you'll notice a lot of holes where light should be.

So, a brief description. The room itself is set up as two work areas, the flowering table was built to be about two feet off the ground, and is surrounded on three sides by permanent walls (one of which I put up). These pics don't show it, but there is a work area/desk and drying area to the right of the plants. Rough measurements for the table is 8' x 3' x 8'

Most of the CFLs here are 2700K, 27-30watt bulbs, available at any retailer: I wait till there is a sale, pick up as many as possible: Wally world has them on for ~$15 for a box of 6, but not very often at that price. Even at $19 for six, it's not a bad... These are the full-sized ones, not the 'mini -CLF's'. I've tossed in a few 6500K's for the fun of it; not convinced a mixed spectrum is essential, but no harm in doing so.

Each bulb is screwed into a light fixture (duh!); either the standard plastic white jobbies, or smaller ones I salvaged from old bathroom lighting fixtures. The wiring is reclaimed stuff from old appliances. I enjoy the challenge of doing things as cheaply as I can, yet will not sacrifice quality or safety. (more on this later..).

The whole thing is simply a large, flat 'box' I threw together with 1 x 4's. Each cross beam has four lights mounted on one side, five on t'other. They are spaced to allow a sort of zipper effect: study the pics to see what the H I'm talking about . Each cross beam has its own power cord, which is plugged into a power bar along with the rest - allowing for a single cord running to my timer. The top of this wooden frame is covered in thick boxboard, painted flat white (of course!). Picked up a simple window covering (white) which when dropped in front, creates a closed in box of white - hate to waste any of that expensive light ! The whole thing is suspended using four chains, but will be swapping these out for something easier to adjust....later.

Oh, the spot in the corner is a larger, 42w bulb. I have two more of these to position later.

Looking good Doobie and if you are looking for something nice to use other than chain than check these out pimp



http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/progrip-150lb-light-hanger-pair-p-2847.html

So that's how CFL is done...

I'm noticing variation in the lamps other than colour, do CFLs fade considerably during their operation life?

Hey DB, just curious, how many watts is that?

How many cfls you use?

The colour difference, as mentioned, is due to the different 'temperatures' of the bulbs, the whiter ones being 6500K, yellow bulbs are 2700K. Used a few white bulbs for two reasons; I ran out of 65s, and decided to give the mixed spectrum argument a go. Some folks believe that by using a wide range of light spectra, you end up with a better product.

I replace the bulbs every two years: you may have noticed my scribbling on each bulb - I record the date it was first turned on. Old bulbs do not change colour, and if you just look at them, there is little obvious difference compared to a new bulb. However the amount of lumens a bulb puts out does slowly decrease over time. Fwiw, I re-use the old bulbs in my house!

Each light support strut/bank/wooden thingy (for lack of a better descriptor!) has nine light fixtures attached, four on one side, five on the other. These are spaced to allow a solid row of nine lights per 'strut' (see pics to see I'm trying to say!). I have only four struts in place atm, but will probably add two more. So, right now there are 36 bulbs, which will likely increase to something around fifty.

Oh, how many watts is that ? Well, lessee.... roughly 950watts,
assuming all light banks are on. If I have only a few pots in there, I would turn off the outer two banks, and use the 42watt spots to hit any shadowy areas.

One thing I should mention is heat. As this setup is covered, i.e. basically a large closed box, heat buildup does occur. To counter this problem I simply have a large fan aimed up towards the lights, blowing the hot air out through the space between the curtain and wall. Works very well,so far

Thanks for the link to the ProGrippers bro, that is exactly what I need! Had no idea those were so inexpensive, will be ordering one asap.

Cheers!

Inventive. I like your design. Thank-you for the looksee into your herb world..

Grassy.

Great photos and description DB,

Looks like an excellent way to mount CFLs and keep the lights on the ladies, what I'd refer to as a SOL (Sea Of Light) with all of those light sources.

I like the use of the recycled materials in order to keep costs low, but especially like the fact that one could purchase all of the components at most hardware stores, cash and carry.

Good luck and keep us informed, 52.

Hey DB looks like you work for G.E. or at least have shares!. Well thought out!

Not trying to start anything here...What made you go the CFL route? Running 1000 watts allows for a multiple of options when comes to lighting.

Obviously heat wasn't the reason because you produce your fair share with 50 lights.

Inquiring minds want to know? Please don't get offended(like others)I just like to find out why others make choices they have made.

Thanks for posting your secret garden. Looks like lots of light for your happy ladies.