1.Introduction to Grow Lightsย
Like everything in the world, agriculture has evolved with time and technology. We are able to do tunnel farming, grow plants within our house, and allow plants to nurture with artificial grow lights and much more. Today, we have waterproof LED grow light, dimmable LED grow light, T8 LED grow light, and much more.
Even though all grow lights serve the basic purpose, that is to help plants grow, each has its unique characteristics and advantages. Before we get down to the scientific part of these grow lights, let us focus on the basics.
1)Why Use a Grow Light?
The tall buildings and the changing weathers might not allow the plants to take-in the required natural light. However, with grow lights, you can easily overcome these hurdles. Light, after all, is imperative for the growth of the plan, but sometimes, it fails to reach them especially in winters or for indoor plants.
In this case, let the grow lights nurture your plant. With these lights you can grow plants anywhere you want and at any time of the year. These lights are effective for seed starting, herbs, house plants, fruits, vegetables, flowers, and much more.
2)Can a grow light substitute for sunlight??ย
Sunlight is a natural process, and it goes without saying that nature is always the best. However, grow lights are definitely a good alternative especially when you donโt have access to natural light. These modern, sophisticated lights have the ability to provide most, if not all, amenities that sunshine has to offer.
2.Different Types of Grow Lightsย
Thanks to technological advancement, you now have access to different types of grow lights. You can choose the one that would suit your needs to perfection. Do bear in mind that different growth lights offer different features, make a different impacts and are used for different purposes.
There are different types of LED Grow Lights available in the market. In addition to types, we have different watts. For instance, you can use a 600 watt LED grow light for your plants, or you can go with a 800watt LED grow light.
The intensity of the light that you use greatly depends upon the type of plantation, the output you are expecting and the environment you are planning to install the light in.
3.Things to Look For in an LED Grow Light
Once you decide that you want to invest in a grow light, it is time to give them a try. However, do bear in mind that you would need to know the basics in order to buy the right kind of LED light.
Some of the factors that require consideration include:
1)Power
Of course, power is the first thing that requires consideration. You need to know the amount of power you would require. You measure the power in watts. A general rule is that a grow plant with higher power tends to cover larger area.
However, do bear in mind that raw power is not the only thing that you need, there are several other things that require consideration.
2)PPFD
The Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (PPFD) is a branch of PAR. Basically, a light that has a good PPFD rating has the ability to deliver wavelengths that are important to the plantโs growth instead of generic wavelengths.
4)Height and Area
Every grow light has a rating that greatly depends upon the area of the plants it can cover when you hang it at a specific height. Sometimes, you need to invest in waterproof LED grow light strips especially when there are chances that the light would come in contact with water.
It is important to ensure that the light you choose matches your requirements. For instance, there is a light that can cover an area of 3ft x 3ft, when you hang them at a height of 24 inches.
5)Spectrumย
When we talk about spectrum, it is basically the range of wavelengths that these grow lights can produce. For instance, there are certain grow lights that are labeled as the โFull spectrumโ. This means that these lights can produce all the wavelengths that a human eye can see.
However, not all โfull-spectrumโ models include ultraviolet and infrared light. Since these lights are useful for plants as they help them fight bacterial infection, therefore, it is better to opt for models that offer both the above lights.
4.Recommend๏ผGrow lights
1)600w led grow lightย โ Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lightsย
When you are growing in a greenhouse and want to find a top fill light, you might as well take a look at this one, 600w led grow light.
The 600W LED grow light is made of aviation aluminum, which is stable and has good heat dissipation. The full spectrum simulates natural sunlight and promotes the growth of plants at all stages. The lamp is UL certified and has a waterproof design, suitable for a variety of environments. Its main advantages include:
- High-strength material: Aviation aluminum ensures stability and heat dissipation performance.
- Easy maintenance : Removable power supply structure, easy installation and maintenance, and extended service life.
- Full spectrum : Add 660nm red light to promote photosynthesis, accelerate plant flowering and fruiting, and improve yield and quality.
- High-performance light source: Using Samsung 281B LED chip, PPF reaches 1560 ยตmol/s, which effectively supports plant growth.
2)1000wย Full Spectrum LED Grow Light
If you are looking for a high-quality grow light for large-scale planting, the 1000W LED Full Spectrum Grow Light may be the perfect choice for you.
Designed with 10 LED light bars and a 120ยฐ beam angle, it ensures even light distribution over large growing areas. The light is foldable for easy transportation and storage, while its excellent waterproof performance allows it to be used in a variety of growing environments. Capable of covering 2.5-3ใก
4)1600W Samsung LM301B LEDs Grow Lightย
If you are looking for a large-scale commercial plant growth light, the 1600W LED Plant Growth Light is an excellent choice. At the same time, it is also suitable for a 240*120*200cm planting tent.
It features 16 LED light strips and a double-folding design that can be extended to 2.1 meters, which can effectively cover a wide planting area. This light is easy to install and transport, which is perfect for saving the number of lights and installation costs.
Equipped with 5760 white LEDs and 192 red LEDs, it can provide a PPF of 4640 ยตmol/s and a light efficacy of 2.9 ยตmol/J, providing stable, high-quality light to promote plant growth and growth rate, with a yield of up to 2.9 grams per watt.
5๏ผ2000W Grow Light
This 2000w Grow light model is a perfect choice when you want the highest power levels.ย
Advantages
Letโs go through some of the top advantages growers will get with this LED grow light:
- Bigger Size- Growers will get a lot of power to meet their growing needs
- Suitable for Any Plant Type- This light is a perfect choice for all development stages
- Full Spectrum- It offers the complete range of needed wavelengths that mimic the sunlight
Disadvantages
Below are a couple of potential drawbacks of this LED grow light:
- Can Produce Massive Heat- You need to be careful so that your plants donโt burn
- Spectrum Switch Unavailable- This light cannot adapt to different growth stages which makes it less adaptable
T5 vs T8 Grow Lights: A Quick Comparison
T5 LED Grow Lights
T5 bulbs come under the latest tubular style light bulb generation category. They come with a 5/8thsโ of diameter.ย
Advantages and Disadvantages of T5 LED Lights
Advantages
Here are some of the top advantages growers can get from T5 LED lights:
- Ideal choice for energy-efficient indoor plants growth
- Help you save a lot on your electricity bill
- Excellent choice for flowering and veg stages
- Higher output option available
- Brightest among T-style LED lights, with greater lumen capacity
Disadvantages
- The T5 LED lights emit greater heat which is not good for rooting, seed, and cloning
- Per bulb cost of T5 lights is more expensive
- The average lifespan is slighter lower
T8 LED Tube Grow Lights
2ft(60cm)ย or 4f(120CM)ย T8 LED tube are common T-style grow light. These lights have a tubular lighting style with a 1โ diameter.ย
Advantages and Disadvantages of T8ย LED Tube Lights
Advantages
Here are some of the great advantages that T8 LED Tube grow lightย offers:
- Reduced heat production
- The average price per light bulb is cheaper
- Extended average lifespan
- Better for rooting, cloning, and seeding phases
Disadvantages
- T8 lights are less energy-efficient that results in more power consumption
- Lumen capacity is low
- Not suitable for flowering or veg phases
When choosing a T8 LED Tube grow light, you should pay attention to several considerations. Remember that these lights are available in many types, sizes, and shapes. The most common ones available in the market are:
It is essential that you prefer the best quality light bars grow units for your growing needs. You can also find waterproof LED grow light and waterproof LED grow light stripย units in the market. Waterproof LED grow light fixtures are best for open area growers.