New Grower CFL Bulbs and Timers - warning on bulb label +

[GCase]

I just got back from a national hardware store. Was looking for 6500k and 2700k CFL as supplemental lighting. Thought I would run three bulbs to one extension cord and then to the digital timer being used for 240w BlackStar.

The person assisting (not much of a problem solver etc.) me told me they had nothing beyond 5000k and this store had every bulb you can imagine.

I found lots of 2700k up to 50 watt and on the back it stated not to use with a timer. I asked the guy what would happen and he said it would flicker and the timer had to be compatible with CFLs. I decided to walk out. Would not want a bulb to explode in the tent or cause a crazy lighting issue.

Any thoughts on this. Is it a fact or just a liability precaution. Also, are the 6500 bulbs difficult to find in big hardware stores.

Thanks for input and other suggestions.

 

[greenthumper]

I use timers with cfls and have never had an issue. I bought 6500k at lowes if you live in the U.S.

 

[WVTurtle]

My last visit to Walmart they had 6500k's now in 23W. I also found 4 packs of either 6500k or 2700k at Biglots for $10, if your in the U.S. .

 

[JM]

Get a hydrofarm timer... they are the shit... every other timer I've used has crapped out for one reason or another... my hydrofarm dual outlet 8 program-capable timers have not...

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-TM0...&sr=8-3&keywords=hydrofarm+timer++dual+outlet

I found them at a local nursery store for same price... but if you have to order it, its worth it... get 2... they're great!

 

[KindredSpirit]

Seconded on the HydroFarm timers. They're the cat's ass with fuzzy balls. :thumbs::thumbs:

 

[GCase]

Thank and thanks ----------------- to all. Greenthumber --------- that is where I was Loews. I'll try another store - maybe WallyWorld. :thumbs:

JM - Tony the cat. Fill it up please.


This is the timer I am using. Should I upgrade:


http://www.amazon.com/Aube-Honeywell-TI062-Plug-Timer/dp/B001QFZ3Z0/ref=pd_sbs_lg_29

 

[JM]

definetly worth the 20 bucks

 

[Mr Piggy]

I honestly think this guy is full of shit. I've run CFLs on many different kinds of timers from digital to manual with not a single problem. If the dude wasn't that helpful in the first place it's probably not worth listening to his advice.

On another note the best timer I ever bought was a Titan Controls - Apollo 9 digital timer. Even if the power goes out the timer keeps right on schedule, the cycle goes on and the plants just think a big black cloud blew over.

 

[GCase]

Thanks Mr. Piggy.

So, I hit every major national hardware store and not one had the 6500k. Guess what VWTurtle------------Big Lot had them. Good old overstocked discount store.

All set-up. Will see if timer works. Have them suspended from LED cables. Clamps are dangerously loose with weight of bulbs on tent poles. Photos next week in my log next week.

Link , I found below. May help others with CFL.

http://www.pcgrowcase.com/cflgrow.htm

 

[namvet25]

Iv'e been running 24 cfls at a time on a eight dollar timer for two years with no problems.