Mattbonsai

Hi All,

I have 3 Ficus in my collection, 2 of which I inherited from Prowler.

I was given this free standing table lamp a few weeks ago by one of the elderly ladies, mum cleans for, I did a google for the stats of the bulb, and several sites came up selling 'Grow Lamps' with the same specs, so I decided to see if one of Prowlers Ficus would like it, I set up the Humidity Tray, put the plant on it and put the lamp over the top with the bulb as close to the plant as I could get.

A few weeks later and the tree has grown the fastest I've ever seen it grow, new leaves all over, I'm going to begin regular misting to help increase the humidity, as it appears to be a little dry, but otherwise is very healthy.

I now want to put the other two Ficus in the same spot, with a grow lamp, as they have suffered being outside with the recent rough weather, but as you can see from the second photo, the lamp just isn't big enough for any more trees, so now I am in the market for a new, larger lamp, and stand.

What would you suggest, would be the best lamp specs to go for, for a Ficus? as in terms of wattage output etc, and if you have any links to suppliers it would be a great help.

-Matt-

(P.s. Cheaper Is Better )

Attached Images

	43600149.JPG (38.5 KB, 25 views)
	43600155.JPG (70.1 KB, 28 views)

__________________

subnet_rx

I have a lamp that is like that. I have another that runs off of a 1600 lumen 23-watt fluorescent bulb. The one under the bulb grows better. I would get a lamp fixture and then go as high as you can find in lumens. The closer to 2000, the better. Just watch the heat output. It's more than the lamp like you have already.

Phil

It's not so much the wattage as the lumen output. Go to some of the home centers i.e. the large ones that carry everything for home improvement, repair, construction, etc. and grab the the highest lumen output fluorescent light you can get your hands on.

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say and, to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

Mattbonsai

Will I need a specialist socket to hold the higher lumen bulbs? the one I've got there won't hold anything bigger, size wise.

Cheers,

-Matt-

__________________

Phil

That would probably what is known as a mogul socket. They do have adapters for them so you can use the regular smaller socket.

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say and, to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

Mattbonsai

I did a bit of Googling, as there isn't really, a decent DIY supplier nearby, the nearest is Focus and quite frankly, id have better chance of finding a high energy bulb in a 'Save Electricity' Convention.

I found this 90,000 Lumen dual spectrum, 600 watt bulb for £19,99, and an adjustable Reflector for £49,99, they also have ballasts for £59,98, I'm not entirely sure what a Ballast is, or what it is for, but it sounds expensive, if I can get away with not getting one, that would be the better option.

Would this setup be a good option?

Cheers,

-Matt-

P.s: Heres the website:

Grow Lights*>*Grow Lamps*>*Dual Spectrum Grow Lamps

__________________

Phil

Most of your larger and older fluorescent fixtures have the ballast built in and it's necessary for a fluorescent light except for the CP's.

At 600 watts and having to buy the ballast separate does not sound like the road you want to go down. You should be good at about 1200 lumens and they can be had with the regular socket. I forget what mine are when I bring my Ficus inside for the winter but I'll try to find out as it's not on the base of the light.

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say and, to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

subnet_rx

I buy my bulbs at Wal-Mart. Again, just look for a fluorescent bulb around 20-25 watts. That should provide around >1500 lumens. About the only problem I have is my trees get bushy at the top where the light is. That's why I've started putting a second smaller flex lamp 6 inches away from the branches near the soil line. It has around a 1200 lumen bulb in it.

Phil

Sorry Matt, I didn’t notice your previous link to the light you referred to. The idea of a 600 watt bulb just did not seem right as to a fluorescent light! You through me off by your reference to ballast but as I can see that is just their pitch as it were as to what others on their site have purchased.

As to the 600 watt bulb it’s an incandescent light and of course has no need for any ballast and more than likely would burn the freaking hide off of a rhinoceros! A good light for plants? Might very well be if you’re willing to make the appropriate accommodations for the high output of heat and, of course, the electric bill! Stay with a very high lumen output CP if at all possible. They are indeed out there.

~Phil

__________________

Please, always keep in mind that the typewritten word does not always convey what you wish to say and, to always treat others as you would have them treat you. Think twice-submit once.
I started out with nothing....and still have most of it.
"Its hell out there, give them hell back." ~ Prowler/Victor Gray12/31/1943 - 11/24/2008

Prowler

Matt.
Are you sure you aint getting mixed up with a Halogen setup?
I purchased a two two bulb one ages ago, CF but the bulbs are a hell of size.
They cost a lot when they blow as Pearly can testify.
If you want i can send a setup called a starlight, cant remember the lums. but they run hot.
This is no Halogen lights, give me a shout, all you will have to buy is a set of sunglasses.

__________________
Its hell out there, give them hell back.