What are lumens?

[Relvious420]

Hey, I read in some of the other forums about things called lumens. What are these lumens? Also, I've got a few new sprouts in my basement (Yes, my mom knows, we smoke together) and they're growing just fine with a desk lamp that i rigged to the ceiling. It's cool, it can rotate and stuff, but it's just a 60 watt regular lightbulb. So why exactly is a halogen light thats like, 400 watts better? They seem to be growing just fine. If anyone can answer these, it would be nice.
Peace,
Relvious

 

[Relvious420]

Yeah, i already transplanted most of them outside, but i still have a few under the 60 watt. I'll go transplant tomorrow, its a little late right now. Thanks for the advice, whenever you come back, tell me about lumens. Thanks man.

 

[Harryhood]

Yea desk lamp baaad. Halogen light baaad too. If youre really interested in an indoor grow your going to either want a lot of fluoros, a hps light (high pressure sodium), or a MH light (metal halide)

Lumens are a measure of light. Dont know a whole lot about Lumens themselves but you want approximately 3,500-5,000 lumens per plant. hope that helps. -Hood