Any ideas on how to use lightbulb splitters?

LabsOwnYou · Feb 8, 2013

Hey fellow chili-heads, I've got a question regarding lighting. I don't believe the single bulb I have will do much for my seedlings soon. I've got 23 sprouts and plan on planting quite a few more today, and to accompany my growing quantities of pepper plants, I'm looking into my options.

My first thought would be to buy a t5 4 bulb setup, but I also like the idea of using something similar to these:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001ATG0JU/ref=mw_dp_sim_ss1?pi=SY125

And that brings me to my question: does anyone use these? How did you set them up? A lamp would find it too heavy, assuming they even fit! I'd really rather use the "splitters" if there's a practical way of doing so, so if you do use them, please share your thoughts/setup!

Sorry if there's already a thread on them, I don't know what to call them other than light bulb splitters, and Tapatalk's search isn't that great...

millworkman · Feb 8, 2013

Just twist em together. Most of those things are rated at 660 watts so using a few together with cfls will be fine. There are some really interesting ways to do it. Do a google search for "diy cfl grow" and peruse the "other" crop forums. Dont want to link to them from here but you will get the idea.

There are also a few here who are doing it. Shane is one, stc3130958132108!#$*%01701398 or like that, hang on.

First page, first post.

http://thehotpepper.com/topic/36599-stc3248-2013-grow-loghere-we-go-again-look-what-i-found/

Burning Colon · Feb 8, 2013

my first attempt at using a splitter looked like this: (then i cleaned the mess up installed a proper table and overhead bridge which i then mounted the bulbs on a board and hung it from the bridge - i don't have a picture of the latter). i had to install an extension adapter to get the splitter beyond the lamp housing.

KiNGDeNNiZ · Feb 8, 2013

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heres mine...

heres Shane's setup

http://thehotpepper.com/topic/36599-stc3248-2013-grow-loghere-we-go-again-look-what-i-found/

outlet strip at harbor freight was $20... and each spliiter and plug was $5 together.. as shane said. go to costco get the bulbs at $4-6/6pack and your set

SadisticPeppers · Feb 8, 2013

This is rather serendipitous, since I was thinking about doing something involving my vertical greenhouse (which has 5 shelves on it) and trying to do a setup where each shelf has a pair of small CFL's in it, and using the stuff I'm seeing here would definitely work for me. Especially once I move into my parents house, and am able to grow (significantly) more plants, I can have a single variety of seed on each shelf with the lighting setup this way in the covered patio, and not have to worry too much about the cost of electricity...

meinchoh · Feb 8, 2013

Those Y-splitters are amazingly useful with CFL's. Anybody contemplating using them - go for it! With single plug-in sockets, they're very versatile, too.

SadisticPeppers · Feb 8, 2013

meinchoh said:
Those Y-splitters are amazingly useful with CFL's. Anybody contemplating using them - go for it! With single plug-in sockets, they're very versatile, too.

And I imagine easier on the electricity bill than using a 150w or 200w CFL bulb lol

queequeg152 · Feb 8, 2013

you also have the option of just purchasing individual lamp sockets. they cost as little as a buck. they come in flush mounting varieties as well as sockets meant for mounting inside fixtures such as desk lamps or floor lamps. the latter will often include a small length of pull chain or a little twisty knob.

wiring them together is extremely simple. i would recommend using 14 gauge or 16 gauge thnn stranded wire, however single wire will still work.

stc3248 · Feb 8, 2013

Thanks for the props fellas...yeah, they work well. Here are some pics...more on my glog on the whole setup.

I use this along with two T8 shoplights and some reflective insulated sheathing to make...

this. This 2'x4' shelf is putting out around 50000 lumens with a mixture of 5000k and 6500k bulbs.

My other shelf I used 4 standard power strips...

and its just over 40000 lumens. They work very well for me. Here are my plants after a month in this setup...

Hope this helps...incredibly cheap way to put down a TON of light. The plants love it and are really rocking for me!

Good luck, post some pics once you get it together!
Shane

Shandley · Feb 9, 2013

I thought I was the only one!

+999999 to using the splitters with CFLs. Just a great way to not only save on space with individual sockets but you get a nice spread with the Y.

LabsOwnYou · Feb 9, 2013

Thanks for the replies! Haha, I never would have figured out that you use a really long power strip had I not asked this. Awesome! I'll have to make a trip to Home Depot soon then... I'll post whatever contraption I create on my glog and add a link to it here when that happens. Thanks again!

SadisticPeppers · Feb 9, 2013

LabsOwnYou said:
Thanks for the replies! Haha, I never would have figured out that you use a really long power strip had I not asked this. Awesome! I'll have to make a trip to Home Depot soon then... I'll post whatever contraption I create on my glog and add a link to it here when that happens. Thanks again!

I was thinking something similar once I move into my parents place later this year, since their back patio is covered and has an electrical outlet in the perfect spot for something like this.

Pepperhead · Feb 11, 2013

Buy them quick! Went to one of my Lowe's stores the other day and they said they stopped carrying them because they weren't OSHA compliant or something. Went to the other Lowe's and found them, though. Hopefully that rumor doesn't spread.