Category: Lighting

  • Best LED Grow Light Glasses: Top 10 Best LED Grow Room Glasses (Review 2020)

    The need for the LED grow light glasses arises when a gardener is supposed to spend continuously several hours under artificial lights dealing with the health and vigor of the plants to adjust and maintain grow room temperatures, adding essential nutrients and finding the right humidity level for the optimum growth of the lovely greens where he is compelled to focus his plants and fixtures under bright LED lights that emit rays of multiple wavelengths including UV and IR to affect his vision. So, the protection of this precious God gift needs to be protected from the harms of rays that is only possible if he is using a quality looking glass to save himself from these harmful rays. It is necessary to consider the following perimeters if you are interested to buy LED grow light protective glasses for your personnel use.

    Things to consider before buying led grow light safety glasses

    #1 UV Protection & Eye Protective

    We must know that both Ultra Violet-A and Ultra Violet-B are damaging to our eyes so the selection of the safety glasses is supposed to base on protecting from these lights. Blue light is also considered if the exposure to light is longer as it passes through the cornea to hit retina while UV-B is limited to cornea only but may develop a growth on the out surface of the eye creating a hindrance for vision.

    #2 Style of glasses

    Since the style of the protective glasses is not much important compared to the safety needed for the eye. Anything goes if the purpose of the glasses is met.

    #3 Lens color

    Always prefer green, blue or blond of both color because they are capable of holding the harmful wavelength of rays not desired for looking things natural.

    #4 Frame size

    Any size of frame that your eye feels comfortable doesn’t irritate your eye and never slip from the fixture is good.

    #5 Affordable price

    The affordability of the glasses can never be compromised on the quality. Never go for the cheaper since it might not suit your eye. Even some cheaper products may have good quality and vice versa. Check with friends and colleagues for the quality of the products they use or go for online reviews if you are supposed to buy from the online market place.

    #6 Extensive use

    Check with the design that is easy for longer wearing since it sometimes needs several hours to remain inside grow room for the gardeners or professional workers looking after their plants.

    #7 Special features

    Also check for the special features or tasks that you can perform using these features like wearing it on eyesight glasses, heat resistance, ability to use it on camera to take pics, and anti-fogging quality.

    Do these glasses work for an LED lighting system?

    LED Grow light protection glasses are manufactured to the typical spectrum that harms your eye whereas it will give a natural look of your plants, fixtures, and accessories in a grow room. They work to give you a natural look since it is necessary for the grow room workers to monitor the health and vigor of the plants that become possible if they can see the entire plant growth in natural green whereas these glasses also work to save their eye from Ultra Violet rays. Many eyeglass manufacturers claim the authenticity of their products for protecting your eye from the wavelengths emitted by LED grow lights while you spend time with the plants in a grow room, efficiently.

    Will you be able to see the real color of plants in led lighting conditions?

    Don’t depend on the regular sunglasses for protection from LED grow lights since they are not capable of protecting you from the rays emitted by LED lights. Moreover, your plants may not show the natural color they possess. LED grow lights glasses allow you to see the real color, contrast, and margins of the plants, fixtures, and installation inside your grow room under bright LED lights.

    Top 10 Best LED Grow Room Glasses (Review 2020)

    #1 Full-spectrum LED Grow Room Glasses-Method Seven

    This product brings a comfortable scientific formula for LEDFx. It promises visual safety, performance, and visual insight. Method Seven’s lens seamlessly fit for Full Spectrum LED and perfect for life outside the grow too. Its makers state that it blocks all the infrared rays and is the first of its kind in the world.
    Even in the warmest areas, it keeps your eyes cool and moist. For complete light protection, it is equipped with a curved and bold base lens. Moreover, its rubber nose pads and bomber hinges make it completely comfortable and durable to use.

    #2 Indoor Hydroponics LED Grow Room Glasses-VIVOSUN

    This product is of high quality that not only alleviates glares but also blocks UVB and UVA rays. It reduces the tension from the eyes and thus lower straining when working under intense grow lights. Its design is lightweight and has proper uniform distortion formula, thus helps in a proper and clean vision for convenience.
    This product provides complete protection by its bold, wrap-around lens design. These glasses wrap around the face and provide a wide face coverage. According to its makers, these glasses have met all the safety standards of CSA Z94.3 and ANSI Z87+.

    #3 HPS Grow light Eyewear Glasses-Apolla Horticulture

    These glasses are designed in a fashion that is both lightweight and sits perfectly on the face. It is widely being used by the growers and the gardeners. The company promises to bring safety from all the UVB and UVA radiations to the eyes. Moreover, pain-causing glares are also prevented by its lens, thus reduces the tension on your eyes.
    LED grow light glasses have met all the safety standards regarding the CSA Z94.3 and ANSI Z87+, and reduces all the glares under the HPS, HID and MH lighting. Other than that, it also helps in preventing fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. One special feature of its own is that it can be easily fit on the regular glasses too, for the visual ease of the user.

    #4 Hydro LED Grow Room Glasses- Happy Hydro

    Happy hydro glasses are engineered to help all types of growers around the globe, either small scale or commercial scale. Its lens is green in color and filters all the damaging waves. This product also comes with blue lenses that protect HPS lights too. 100% protection is guaranteed from UV rays and has a half upper jacket frame.
    It saves your vision from the harmful UVA, UVC and UVB rays while providing comfort and clarity with it. No-slip rubber jackets on the frame prevent it from falling and its mold frame fits perfectly around the eyes for long usage. It comes with a pouch so that it can be stored with safety when not in use.

    #5 LED Grow Light Room Glasses -Apollo Horticulture

    Apollo Horticulture gets you optimal eyewear that provides superior eye protection in indoors. These glasses work fit for a variety of hydroponic grow lights. It can also be used in lighting systems like MH, HPS and LED, blocking all the UVA and UVB rays. Infrared heat rays are forbidden to pass through to its lens.
    It reduces pain and strain from eyes in harsh lighting. It is designed to wear on the prescribed glasses. Its comfortable design can be worn for hours and it has a 90-days money-back guarantee.

    #6 Indoor Hydroponics Grow Room Light Glasses-iPower

    iPower grow room glasses are designed to be used under a variety of different hydroponics grow lights. Blocks all the UV rays, especially UVA and UVB. Reduces all types of tensions from the eyes and thus prevents fatigue and headaches.
    This product is verified by all the ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 safety standards. This set of glasses cannot be worn above the regular glasses. It’s bold, wrapped around style protects the eyes from all the directions. It can be used in growing spaces, rooms, and greenhouses.

    #7 Esbaybulbs Grow Room LED Light Glasses (led grow light glasses uk)

    LED lighting causes the eye’s long-lasting or sometimes permanent damage to your eyesight. These grow glasses have rendition lenses that help in balancing the room lighting that reaches your eyes. It reduces eye strain and mental fatigue. Blocking all the UV rays and infrared radiation can help prevent irreparable eye damage. It helps in stopping all such radiation and ways.
    It is specifically made to be used for extensive and long use. It also provides a clear view that can help in working with ease. Now its users do not need to turn off the lights when working in the grow rooms.

    #8 Indoor Grow Light Glasses-Derlights (led grow light glasses uk)

    It has a versatile design that is scratch and force-resistance. It is made from polycarbonate material that protects your eyes from both front and sides. Derlights lenses provide color correction, so the indoor grow rooms look exactly like how it should be in the broad daylight. Protection against all the UV rays is granted from these glasses.
    If the eyes were to be exposed to the grow room lights without the protective glasses, heavy strain and fatigue results, that can cause damage to the eyes. These Derlight glasses prevent this from happening. Eyestrain can also cause headaches, which causes mental fatigue. So mental fatigue is also banned by it. Its makers provide 12 months guarantee and 30-days return warranty too.

    #9 Happy Hydro-HPS Grow Room Glasses (led grow light glasses canada)

    Eyes comfort is the main need of the farmers and these glasses stop them from getting eye fatigue or damage of any kind. It provides clarity to the eyesight and thus the farmer can easily work and observe the required area. Its specially engineered lenses also come with blue lenses, that can come in handy when working under High-Intensity Discharge lights. Other than that, the green lenses help under LED lights.
    Its elegant and smart design comes with a sleek back frame that fits perfectly around the eyes. Its user can easily change the lenses according to the requirement. It can be worn outdoor as well as in grow rooms. Having a one-year guarantee makes it perfect for use.

    #10 LED clip Glow room glasses-Method Seven

    These new glasses completely change the way you look at your plants while working. It is used with your prescribed glasses and this clip is attached over it. Its green lenses block all the harmful and intense rays from getting into your eyes. Infrared rays, UVA, UVB, and UVC are all stopped from it.
    These lenses are manufactured by the specialist in Italy and meet all safety standards by Carl Zeiss. These lenses can be fitted on all types of glasses for complete protection. Clarity and clear vision are the best features of these glasses.

    What types of light can cause us harm?

    UV radiations of all types, Infrared radiations, LED’s and blue lights are harmful to humans.

    Can LED grow lights damage your eyes?

    Extensive exposure to the LED lights can cause permanent damage to our eyes. So, it is best to use protective glasses when you are in a grow room.

    What is the effect of UV light on our eyes?

    The exposure to UV light can cause temporary vision loss and cataracts while it may convert into permanent sight failure.

    Is it bad to look at led grow lights?

    Not really, but if the exposure is longer then it is alarming for the eyesight.

    Are led lights safe for human eyes?

    Yes, as for as ordinary exposure is concerned, they are pretty safe for human eyes but long exposure can cause irreversible damages.

    Benefits of Grow Room Glasses

    #1 Saves Eye Fatigue

    These glasses are capable to protect you from multiple wavelengths of Ultra Violet-A, Ultra Violet-B, and Ultra Violet-C or at least from Ultra Violet-A and Ultra Violet-B. The highest proportion of blue and red lights may cause eye fatigue when exposed for longer while protective glasses are good at saving your eye from their brightness.

    #2 Impact-resistance

    Another benefit of the grow glasses is their impact resistance that comes in polycarbonate glasses. There is are chances of jerks or falling of glasses during extensive and busy schedules while working in a grow room, impact resistance will help them to stop from such breakage.

    #3 Clear Vision

    The clear vision is of prime importance when working in hot and humid indoor environments while their anti-fogging features will let you see clear through the humid conditions. Most of the grow room workers are supposed to be monitoring the occurrence of diseases or pests even on the minor level. A slight color change in foliage needs to be noticed for the nutrient’s deficiencies or abnormal growth. These glasses help them in performing their duties with their ability to see clearly on the objects in the grow room.

  • Best Led Grow Light Strips: 9 factors to consider (2020 – 2020)

    What are Grow Lights?

    The plant grow lights are the artificial light source that is used to initiate and stimulate plant growth and provide the spectrum of light that is necessary to start the process of photosynthesis in the plants that are either deprived of direct sunlight or no light source exists at all. They are generally electrically powered and are used to provide the spectrum of the light that is similar to the sun in the conditions where the day lengths are short and plants are unable to receive the number of lights required for their optimum growth. Depending on the nature of the plants being grown, grow lights can be adjusted to meet their requirements of temperature, intensity, wavelength, and distance according to the growth stages such as germination, flowering, vegetative growth, and buds or fruit formation till the maturity of the plants to the final harvests.

    LED Grow Light Strips

    If you are not fully aware of the type of grow lights that meets the need of your indoor plants then LED grow light strips are the best solution for early birds. These strips are fully compatible to design a complete growing system with its accessories to enhance the range and size according to the growing requirements and suit well to the underground conditions where direct light is the major issue.
    The LED grows light strips are also an ideal solution if you are interested to grow herbs, Vegas and microgreens in many limited spaces to meet their requirements otherwise not possible to do with ordinary light. Its prominent feature is 3 colors light spectrum where blue spectrum is used for growing, the red for the blossoms while the entire spectrum range can be kept in use at once. Here is a complete list of the best LED Grow Light Strips to choose one as you consider best suitable for growing your leafy greens, vegetables, herbs and Cannabis.

    Top 5 Best Led Grow Light Strips

    #1 Sondiko LED Grow Light Strip

    This 10W Strip having 48 LED’s including 36 red and 12 blue bulbs comes with the automated timer while you don’t need to worry about switching it on or off. It can best suit you when you are preparing for vacations.
    its brightness is adjustable at 4 different levels from 25% to 100% as per plants requirements while the spectrum range varies from 420 nm to 800 nm. Mounting and installation are easy with adhesive pads and powerful magnets while the length of the strips is around 13 inches making it ideal to use for growing a big range of microgreens including fruits and vegetables.

    #2 MIXC 4 Pack LED Strips Light Bar

    These 28W Strips come with 5 different brightness levels that are adjustable from 20% to 100% depending on the plant need according to their growth stages whereas it suits well to Greenhouse or home plants growing indoors. It’s considered ideal for seedling growth and to meet the light requirements of succulents for both germination and vegetative growth.
    Each strip comprises 14 chips to deliver the spectral range of 460 nm to 680 nm while 4 strips contribute 56 chips in total with 40 red and 16 blue chips needed for better food assimilation and vegetative growth of the growing greens. Installation is dammed easy while it can be placed inside an iron frame or wood panel as its heat dissipation is extraordinary and never warms up in the longer use.

    #3 Yoyomax-Grow Light

    This 30W Strip contains 39 red and 21 blue to provide the best spectrum of the plants need while they keep on growing indoors, successfully and is best suited to commercial Greenhouses and indoor gardening plants with the flexibility to adjust the timer for different intervals from 3 hours to onwards 12 hours or so.
    it has a rotatable neck that can be placed right over the individual plant or more plants at the site at the same time. It contains 3 head plant strips with 6 brightness options.

    #4 Cholas-LED Grow Light Strips

    This 36W Strip comes with 132 LEDs in 3 pieces bar that are connectable to each other with the added extensions with the spectrum range of 400 nm to 840 nm that is excellent for growing vegetables, flowering, herbs and Cannabis plants with automated timing options and suits well when you are away from your home for vacations.
    it has 5 brightness control levels with 3 modes of light to switch on or off according to the plants growing stages to help them in either germination and flowering or vegetative growth. Easy to install, handle and take care of afterward.

    #5 Litever-Grow Light Strip Kit

    This 45W kit contains 4 pieces each 16 inches in length with the spectrum range of 420 nm to 800 nm. Its multiple spectrum help grows indoor plants such as vegetables, microgreen, herbs, and Cannabis successfully. The light spectrum of 420-470nm is needed for seed germination, sprouts, and strong roots. Light spectrum 610-680nm for vegetative growth and flowering whereas 700 nm to 800 nm improves photosynthesis in plants.
    it can be easily installed on a grow shelf, grow room or cabinet where you are intended to grow vegetables, herbs, and Cannabis plants indoor. This kit comes with a warranty and easy to install manual for the client’s guidance.

    What to look for when buying LED grow lights?

    You need to consider the following features when you are considering a purchase for growing your favorite plants, indoors.

    #1 Wattage (How many led watts per weed plant?)

    You need to consider the size of the grow room and the plants that are inside to determine the right wattage of the light strips to buy. For a small grow room with only one or a few plants, you will already be good with a light that has a minimal wattage. If the grow tent is large, you need a more powerful light or use several light  strips.

    #2 Light spectrum (What is the spectrum resolution for weed?)

    The light spectrum is the wavelength of light that the plant needs at different stages of growth. The light spectrum needed to grow indoor weed varies for different growth stages. Usually, weed needs blue wavelength during germination and vegetative stages and red at flowering stage The best Light Spectrum for growing Cannabis differs during different stages of growth in plants and what they need. The weed plants, like all other plants, rely on the light spectrum for signs about their growth. Blue light is particularly useful during vegetative growth, while the red light is particularly useful during the flowering stage. For the best results, you will also want to supplement these with the other colors on the visible light spectrum. Similarly, all other plants use the light of different wavelengths during different growth stages but generally, blue light is important for initial plant growth and red for flowering and bud formation.

    #3 Amount of light

    Weed plants are adaptable to blue and red wavelengths for germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and bud formation. So, select a light that delivers the entire range of the light spectrum that your plants need. Even if you are not growing weed plants, it is necessary to select a full spectrum light for your grow room that exhibits the following wavelengths range.
    Ultra Violet (380-410 Nanometer), Blue (1st Spectrum 440-450 and 2nd Spectrum 450-460 Nanometer), Orange (605-610 Nanometer), Red (1st Spectrum 620-630 and 2nd Spectrum 655-660 Nanometer), Far Red (730 Nanometer).

    #4 Wattage per square foot and coverage area

    Your grow lights are supposed to be operative most of the growing time probably 12-14 hours if you are growing Cannabis. So, it is import to know the wattage and the daily light consumption your selected lights will consume. On the other hand, your selection must be based on future gardening programs keeping in mind that these selected lights would go a long time with you. Your selection must be based on the type of plants and the area they might cover during their growth. Large spaces need more lights while growing 1 or 2 plants indoor should limit you buy accordingly.

    #5 Low Heat Emission

    High heat omission may be of substantial damage to your lovely plants due to burning issues. Choose only those light that is durable and protect your plants from the heat burns. The lights remain close to the plant’s foliage whereas high heat omission lights are prone to burn plants when kept lightening for several hours during a day. So, make a careful choice by selecting a light that omits a balanced heat.

    #6 Quality of materials

    The quality of any material is judged only after you use it. There might be several products with different capacities and prices but you may not aware of the quality. Go and check the brand repute, check existing users’ reviews and check the portfolio of the company for their business history. Make purchases after you are fully satisfied with the product and services by the supplier.

    #7 Energy Savings

    Your grow lights are supposed to be operative most of the growing time probably 12-14 hours if you are growing Cannabis. So, it is import to know the wattage and the daily light consumption your selected lights will consume. Go the energy-saving options that will not increase your cost of production for the particular plants especially if you are a hobbyist and not supposed to grow commercially.

    #8 Lifespan

    LED lights are supposed to operative for the years under normal conditions in your grow room. Check for the maximum viable guarantee that consists of years with the replacement options. Don’t compromise on quality for cheap purchase as it would harm you in the long run.

    #9 Easy to use

    Be sure that the product you are going to purchase is easy to handle, easy to install and operate.

    Why do people buy led bars do not buy led wires?

    People buy LED bars to avoid one of the following wiring mistakes that are made while connecting wires with the LED bulbs and to the source of light like a stabilizer or electric generators.
    Sometimes, wires are not fully exposed and don’t make contact with the correct wire or port on your LED lights. The wires often get crossed up or touched which may increase the risk of electric shock. Another reason is possibly the loose, overwrapped wires and serial connections that result in the voltage drop whereas in the LED bars people don’t face such problems as they simply need to connect the LED bars with the electricity source.

    Led grow light strips (Pros, Cons and Features)

    LED Grow light strips have emerged as the best technology of the recent times with several Pros over the conventional lights for their horticultural use along with a few Cons that are constantly being addressed by the manufactures and things are shifting in the right direction while several issues have already been fixed by them together with reduction in prices and efficacy.
    Let’s have a look at major Pros and Cons regarding LED Grow Lights strips.

    #1 Pros of LED Grow Light Strips

    #1 Long Life

    These are manufactured to deliver more than 50, 000 hours of lightening while this duration is increasing day by day with the efforts of quality manufacturers in this industry whereas a few manufactures are guarantying even 60000 hours of working that has become possible due to low heat emissions by these lights contrary to the conventional lights that heat up early to have a limited lifespan. Keep in view their lifespan, you can grow unstoppable greens without any need to replace them that reduces the cost of production.

    #2 Speedy Harvests

    With these LED Grow light strips, you have a key at hand to tell your plants it’s their time to grow more as you have the options to keep them on for 24 hours without telling your plants it is snowing outside your place at the moment. The longer working doesn’t heat them up and they keep on growing under the conditions that you master for them. You can reap multiple harvests during a single cropping season by increasing the amount of red light to induce more flowering that means more harvests and higher production.

    #3 Healthy Growth using full spectrum

    LED Grow Light strips reduce the effects of heat emission along with delivering the accurate wavelength of light that is needed for the beneficial growth of the plants. Ultra Violet and Infra-Red rays are limited that otherwise harm plants and burn the foliage of the plants to cause considerable damages. The plants grow healthy after negating these factors and produce successful yields. Grow strips provide the complete range of wavelength that is needed for their effective growth.

    #4 Toxins Free

    Since the Grow strips don’t discharge or use substances like mercury and unhealthy gases and are 100% environment-friendly and recyclable, are certified by Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive posing no threat to humans or environment around them, are more beneficial and productive.

    #5 Low Temperature Performance

    They are designed to operate under low temperature for many hours while they don’t heat up like conventional lights that need a separate cooling system and exhaust to minimize the effect of heat. In result, plants keep on growing under properly without the installation of cooling pads, exhausts and air conditioners to keep the grow room cool.

    #6 Desired light Wavelength Saves Energy

    LED grow light strips are capable of providing us with the desired wavelength of light during different stages of their growth. i.e. Blue wavelength during germination and seedling while increasing the red wavelength for vegetative growth and flowering whereas for the ordinary lights, one can’t intervene with their wavelength. The energy can be fully utilized that saves a lot of money for growing your precious greens. It is estimated that Grow light strips save up to 60% energy compared to the conventional grow lights.

    #2 Cons of LED Grow Light Strips

    There have very few cons but the most common being the following.

    #1 High Priced

    Apparently, the quality products look costly when compared to the conventional lights but are durable as already discussed. First time purchase might cost you but in the long run, that proves fruitful for the growers. On the other hand, manufacturers are inclined to produce low-priced quality products with time.

    #2 Unidirectional light throw

    The light thrown by LED Grow lights strips is often unidirectional while you need to bring the lights closer to the plant’s canopy and this issue has been resolved in most of the strips with their rotating heads that can be placed well over the canopy of the plants, where desired.

    #3 Low Heat & Dirt Resistance

    These strips are prone to dirt and their heat resistance is low compared to the conventional systems. Exposing them to grow rooms under high temperatures may damage them while they easily catch dirt and humidity in the grow room that affects their performance.

    Led Grow Light Comparison between (led bars and led bulb)

    LED Bars

    LED Bulbs

    Bars have the multiple lights It’s a single bulb that is used purposefully
    Already design to produce full-spectrum They need to be arranged according to need
    Prefixed Red & Blue lights in 3:1,4:1 & 5:1 ratio You need to choose each color for the combination
    Beneficial for individual or a few plants It can be used for big setup i.e. Greenhouses
    Rotary heads to throw light on plants They are fixed above the plant
    Don’t need wiring, just connect with the light source They need extensive wiring according to the diagram
    Bars can be fixed at any place They need a certain place to fix
    Easy to Install and operate Complex to handle
    More productive for household users Used for large commercial setups

    LED Grow Light Strips distance

    Grow lights are used when there is unavailability or lack of direct sunlight and a mistake can result either in plant withering or burning of the foliage if put so close to the plants. Proper use may enhance the yield and health of the plant and for that purpose, you need to follow the owner’s manual for the proper placement of LED Grow Lights Strips for your indoor plants.

    #1 Grow Lights distance from plants

    Grow lights of different power capacities will behave differently and their distances will also vary from the canopy of the plant. For example, A 250 W led grow lights can be kept at the distance of 1 to 2 feet from the canopy of the plant while using for 2 to 4 plants only whereas 450W grow light may serve around 8 plants in the distance of 15 inches to 30 inches. The distance keeps increasing with an increase in Watts and may go up to 3 feet in 900 W grow lights.

    #2 Grow Lights during the vegetative stage

    The vegetative stage is the most crucial stage of plant development that it makes its entire biomass during this period while it determines the amount of flowering a plant will exhibit during the next stage. Vegetative growth period can be handled with 16 hours of continuous light per day or in some cases it can further be prolonged for 24 hours to obtain smooth growth. For the plants exposed to 16-18 hours of light per day will be ready in 6-8 weeks to move into the flowering stage.

    #3 Grow Lights during Flowering stage

    The exposure of the plants to indoor grow lights will determine the flowering initiation and the period it will keep continuous flowering. Generally, the exposure to the lights is reduced to 12 hours per day, red light is increased along with the far-red light of the visible spectrum that will determine flowering. The flowering under these conditions remains to continue for 8 to 10 weeks that determine bud’s formation along with stem elongation whereas flowering is reduced when bud’s formation is at its peak. Plants need more Phosphorus and Potash for healthy flower formation than Nitrogen at this stage.

    How to care and maintain LED Grow Lights?

    Always keep them clean and free of dirt and smoke.
    Keep a look at spiders or insects that tend to develop a nest in the grow spaces and use this space for their hidings. Blowing compressed air will help you to eliminate them when lights are turned off.
    Always use a power stabilizer when several lights are connected in the row and working simultaneously.
    Keep your connectors and plugs free from the rust accumulation as it may hinder the supply of electricity and may cause damage to your lights upon heating up.

  • Best LED Grow Light setup: [Instructions] How to hang & setup LED Grow Light (Review 2020)

    How to LED grow light setup for the ball round, bar or panel?

    #1 How to setup Ball-round LED Grow Lights

    The ball round LED Grow lights are a new concept in growing using lights for indoor gardens or grow rooms. They come with the promoted hanging brackets to hang at any of your desired levels according to the lighting needs of your plants. Simply plug the bracket of the Ball round light with the hanging rope that takes hardly minute or two. They are often lightweight and come with 60-100 inches of cord wire that is capable of bearing the weight of the ball lights while use can adjust its hanging height according to the growing needs of the plants, whenever required. The ball round lights are considered ideal for the seedlings and initial vegetative growth of the plants; however, they meet the lighting needs during the entire growth stages of the plants in small areas.

    #2 How to setup Bar Grow Lights

    LED light bars seem to appear top option for growers due to their effectiveness and broad coverage while their fixing is difficult due to their slender and longer sizes as there is limited space in any grow room but coverage is wider and easily dispersible to the areas you want to lit with. These bars often come with two adjustable brackets that augment the installation procedure with 4 screws to hold them. Fix in screws into the bracket by placing at the points given with holes and insert the desired bars into the brackets. You may use daisy-chaining for hanging lights while their height can be adjusted using a 1/8-inch size of rachet. Tie one end of rachet with the daisy chain and hook another end to the overhead arrangement which will help you to lower or raise the height of height with great ease without touching the light fixtures.

    #3 How to setup Grow Lights panel

    There is no rocket science required to setup LED panels for the requirements of your plants. LED panel comes with an installation kit and a booklet on how to set up grow lights panels. You need to drill holes for bracketing to hang the cord with the bracket and tying another end to the panel. If they are supposed to be fixed into the frames then you simply need to both brackets into the holes made for this purpose and screw them tightly. Grow light bars can be fixed after you are done with frames to avoid any sort of damage.

    What is the best brand of LED grow lights?

    There are several brands across different market places but King LED has developed its quality consistently with the constant feedback from its clients and has emerged a leading brand for the most competent and cost-effective LEDs, globally. These LED lights are famous for increasing crop yield and trigger growth of the Cannabis and the plants that need continuous exposure to bright light. Its best replacement of 600 Watts of HPS that uses multiple heat sinks with 2 mute fans whereas the 10-Watt dual-chip LED is made to run for 100, 000 hours to use 185 Watts only. Another good feature is the full spectrum of light similar to that of the sun with both vegetative and bloom switches that can be turned on simultaneously. They also guarantee professional services for 3 years.

    What lights do professional growers use?

    The LED lights have finally attained equivalence with old-style HID lightings while proving more productive than all existing light systems that were used to grow indoor.
    The best-LED lights keep the grow environment cool whereas economically benefitting for running longer in the seen. Professional growers look for the lights with high PPFD ranges between 400-2000μmol/m²/s that provide consistent light through all growing stages of the plants, are more economical, don’t heat up and provides a full spectrum of light for the plants in their grow room.
    They also look for the photonic pressure any light yields while in operation as excessive pressures can adverse the yield. Their demands for the full spectrum, high PAR, high PPFD, and low heat are only met through the use of the modern LEDs where they find satisfaction to grow in their grow room, confidently.

    Instructions: How to hang & setup LED Grow Light

    Here is one of the simplest methods to hang panels to the ceiling or on any of the available racks that would help you to adjust the distance of lights from the plant’s foliage with ease.

    #1 What tools are needed to set up?

    You may need a screw hook, drill machine, ratchet, screwdriver, and hammer along with Pylons, Adjustable Rope, and Protective glasses that may be ordered before starting set up of the lights in your grow room while these Amazon resources will help you to find the best of its kind.
    – For best Self Tapping Screw Hanging Hook measuring 3.54 inches in length.

    – For the best Drill Machine with 30 accessories that include screwdrivers bits, magnetic bit holder, nut drivers, and rechargeable batteries. (If you haven’t already)

    – For heavy-duty adjustable 1/8-inch rachet, ideal to hang grow lights.

    – For Hammers, This Spifflyer 8 OZ Small Claw is best for small jobs.

    – Best Rope Hangers for hanging lights.

    – For the best protective glasses.

    #2 How to hang & setup

    Firstly, you are supposed to look for a wooden bean under the plaster of your ceiling to make holes using a drill machine to hook the screws into those holes. A screw hook measuring 3 inches can well hold the weight of the light panel that weighs up to 10 pounds.
    Inter connect both loops on one side of the panel to one another and tie the ends into a small rachet. Similarly, interconnect both loops on the other side of the panel and connect into the hook of the racket. Hook the rachet into a hook in the ceiling and adjust the height of your lights. The rachet will help you to lower and raise the height of the panels without touching lights.
    Best LED Grow Lights
    You must follow the instruction from the manufacturer for the recommended distance during different stages of the plant’s growth that may vary from 18 inches to 30 inches above the canopy of the plants growing in controlled conditions. Make sure that the inclination of the panels throws sufficient light on the complete foliage of the plants so that they get high PPFD/PAR with a big footprint of the light. If you are supposed to hang a light in a grow tent, repeat the entire practice while instead of hanging to the ceiling, direct the rachet to the frame of the tent. The majority of the grow tents have this provision for hanging grow lights.

    Top 5 Best LED Grow Light Review

    #1 King Plus 1200 Watts

    These LED lights are famous for increasing crop yield and trigger growth of the Cannabis and the plants that need continuous exposure to bright light. It is the best replacement of 600 Watts of HPS that uses multiple heat sinks with 2 mute fans whereas the 10-Watts dual-chip LED are made to run for 100, 000 hours to use 185 Watts only. Another good feature is the full spectrum of light similar to that of the sun with both vegetative and bloom switches that can be turned on simultaneously.
    The general recommendation for distance is:
    – For Germination, 30-35 inches above the canopy for 14 to 18 hours/day.
    – Vegetation, 26-30 inches above the canopy for 14 hours/day.
    – For Flowering, 22-30 inches above the canopy for 10 to 12 hours/day.
    – For Fruiting, 20-24 inches above the canopy for 8 hours/day.

    #2 Spider Farmer SF-2000 Watts

    It’s another high energy efficient grow light for commercial growers of the Cannabis and vegetables that take longer to mature. The energy consumption is only 202 Watts while the output is equivalent to 2000 Watts of Blurple light. During the vegetative stage, it can cover up to 3 x 4 feet whereas in the flowering stage 2 x 4 feet area.
    It uses SAMSUNG LM301B Diodes for the highest out that can penetrate deeply into the plant canopy for bigger yields backed by MEAN WELL drivers for the safety. No noise as it is without fans while tightly sealed with gum to make it water-proof and shock-resistant.

    #3 MARS HYDRO TSW 2000 Watts

    It consumes a bit more wattage compared to the similar version of Spider Farmer-2000 while it is perfect for 3.5×3.5 feet during the flowering stage and 4×4 feet for the vegetative stage of the Cannabis plants. It is light of commercial importance while growers adopt this light due to the newest SMD technology that provides the highest PPFD, PAR, and LUMEN.
    the inbuilt auto-sensing power works on variable power. i.e. 120, 240, and 277 AC power that suits well to large commercial Cannabis growers. The dimmable option makes easy to adjust brightness for different growing conditions while high Lumen makes your yield perfect under a variety of conditions.

    #4 Phlizon Newest 1500W High Power LED

    Phlizon Newest 1500W High Power LED is a product that you can rest assured because it does not have any problems with heat dissipation compared to other LEDs of the same capacity. Not only is this LED light affordable, it also provides a full spectrum of light and does a good job of growing plants.
    It is a powerful LED compared to a 1000W bulb that consumes 340 Watts, while this LED only consumes 280 Watts.
    The best distance from this product to the plant is 24 inches.

    #5 Phlizon 2000 Watts

    The beauty and the difference with other 2000 watts lights are it is without reflectors that often melt when the temperature rises above the optimum level. They claim it a safety measure that avoids short circuits and breakage in the system. They also use 10 Watts Dual-Chip with high PAR and maximum LUMEN output for which it stays brighter than the traditional lights.
    Commercial Cannabis growers love these lights for its full-spectrum and its capacity to keep both vegetative and flowering switches turn on simultaneously. Optimum coverage is 7.2*7.2 feet that extends up to 7.8*7.8 feet if desired.

    How high should I hang my LED grow light?

    Hanging your LED lights close to the plants may burn them while hanging too for can result in distorted and stunted growth whereas an optimum distance will give your plants the best way to show stunning growth. The care is to be taken that plants receive the amount of light as prescribed by the manufacturer of any LED light. So, if you are supposed to use 2000 Watts light, you must hang it at least 20 inches above the canopy of the plants where it should not be placed more 36 inches away from the upper shoots of the plants. It again depends on the strength of the light as the distance is directly associated with the output of any light that increases with an increase in output and decreases if the output is reduced.

    LED Grow Light setup grow tent

    All Grow tents contain a rod in the middle of the frame arrangement for hanging grow lights being an essential part for growing inside any tent. You may use two Light Rope Ratchet by hooking each end of the rachet to the back of the light frame first and then to the hook into the frame. Pulling the loose end of the rope in the rachet will raise the level of the light frame and to lower it just release the lock on the rachet, it will slide down gradually.
    Rope Ratchet works for you like a rope pulley, locking pully, and adjustable rope hanger for its toughness and makes the operation of light adjustment much easy, as and when desired.

  • Best LED Grow Light Panel: 8 Pros and Cons (Review 2020)

    These modern lighting panels offer great flexibility for using them as indoor grow lights for better illumination and smooth growing of all types of plants and are highly durable to suit multiple sites that come with several advantages and a few disadvantages. Their cons can be neglected if the following pros are deeply looked for their performance for indoor gardening.

    LED Grow Light Panel (Pros, Cons, and Features)

    #1 Pros LED Grow Light Panels

    #1 Long life

    Theoretical life for the LED panels is considered up to 100000 hours, assuming 16 hours of working a day, its life might be around 13 years while the average life for the lights is estimated at around 10 Million hours. Its durability gives it longevity while the gardeners don’t need to replace their panels for the years along with getting the finest growth of their lovely plants yielding superior harvest.

    #2 Flexible Designs

    LED Grow light panels are considered in a way that they provide better lighting using their flexible designs that meet the variety of growing conditions. Their aluminum frames are the important part they are used to stop light seepage and heat dissipation. The customers can select any type of panel keeping in mind their growing needs and in the variety of shapes and colors.

    #3 Heat dissipation & Energy Savers

    These panels are extra slim and can be adjusted according to the available space while their heat sink system guarantees its safety for the users together with their aluminum frames that dissipate heat. Moreover, they save a lot of energy if compared to other systems of similar capacity and save up to 70% energy costs.

    #4 Quality Light for Speedy Harvests

    Its quality multispectral light let your plants grow up to their maximum potential while you have the liberty to regulate constant light in your grow rooms when experiencing shorter daylength outside your environment. This allows your plants to keep growing irrespective of the conditions outdoors whereas their growth can be triggered to harvest several times during one cropping season of the particular crop.

    #5 Full-spectrum light

    Panels are designed in the way that they deliver the complete range of spectrum needed at different stages of plant growth. The harmful wavelengths are reduced through their sleek design that often harms plants while red and blue spectrum lights are placed in a manner that enhances plant growth during germination and vegetative growth leading to maximum flowering and great harvests.

    #6 Environmentally friend

    These are flexible to the variety of conditions, shock resistant and waterproof whereas they don’t emit any harmful gases that pollute your indoor environments. So, safety comes with recyclable substances that lead to growing healthy and toxin-free vegetables and microgreens that can be used without any fear for the general edibility purposes.

    #7 Controllability & Adjustments

    The lights on the panels can be monitored and controlled using different programs from the control panels that permit users to obtain light of desired brightness via external controller using a remote-control device for the purpose. This option provides users with easy control on the lights according to the need of their microgreens, herbs, vegetables, and Cannabis, they are growing.

    #8 Maintenance-free installation

    These panels are designed in a way that failure of any single light doesn’t affect the performance of other installations working on the same panel. Their circuit design allows you to place your system under inconsistent voltage supplies. Moreover, they are considered ideal for placing in the conditions where maintenance is not easy.

    #2 Cons LED Grow Light Panels

    Initial Cost: The biggest disadvantage that gardeners see is the purchasing cost of Grow panels at the first hand but once purchased they can be their long-term partner for growing all types of vegetables, herbs, microgreens, and Cannabis with ease. Other cons are low dirt resistance, insect nesting and regular checking and monitoring of diodes for rust which are often neglected for their upside benefits and a great solution for growing indoors. After going through the pros and cons you must be thinking where I can find grow light panel near me? Here is a guideline for purchasing the best panels based on the customer’s reviews and experience that you can find online.

    Top 5 LED Grow Light Panels Review

    #1 King Plus Grow Panel

    This system has been tested for plant growth in both vegetative and bloom stages and there is a build-in switch to shift on either stage. It is available in 600,1000- & 1200-Watts capacity. In the germination and vegetative stages, blue and white light switch can be used whereas shifting to red switch is needed during a flowering stage or the combination of blue and red can be used while some plants are growing & others flowering at the same time comprising the light spectrum of 380 Nanometers to 780 Nanometers.
    this panel also contains a double-chip LED 10 Watts each. The cooling system is a bit advanced than conventional systems with mute fans and ultra-sleek aluminum radiators that make the system work on the low-temperature range of 50°F to 60°F that doesn’t let burn foliage of your Cannabis plants or vegetables or herbs in the grow room.

    #2 VIPARSPECTRA-1000W Grow Panel

    VIPARSPECTRA’s VA-Series is similar to King Plus in all features and its spectrum suits well to all growing stages of Cannabis and other microgreens in the grow room. It has also Dual-Chip, 10 Watts each that included full spectrum along with Infra-red while the dimmer allows you to switch lights according to needs of the plants at germination, vegetative and flowering stages.
    it has a built-in power plug tied with daisy Chain that helps gardeners connect multiple lights. VIPARSPECTRA is an ideal solution if you are supposed to cover an area of 3’ into 3’ following a spacing of 22 inches for vegetative growth and 16 inches for the flowering stage but the area will be reduced to 2.5 feet into 2.5 feet for better results. The general recommendation is to hang the light panel at 18 inches to 24 inches using 100 % Vegetative brightness and 60% bloom light option to run the system for 18 hours in a day during the veg stages and for 12 hours during fruit and flower stages on both modes for powerful harvests.

    #3 Phlizon-1200W LED Plant Grow Panel

    You always need to compare Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density and the actual power any panel takes running on its full spectrum in your grow room. This panel has an ideal PPFD, uses less power and covers larger areas compared to the other panels of the similar capacity and price range. Generally, during the germination phase, panels can be hanged higher than covers more area compared to the flowering phase when it needs to bring somewhat closer to the plant canopy for more light and Phlizon Grow Panel is ideal under such conditions. The package also includes complimentary Thermometer & Humidity meter inside.
    Dual switch for blue & white combination for vegetative phase and red & white contrast for flowering and fruiting phases that work at 90- and 120-degree angles. Double fans to keep the system cool while it can be hanged keeping a 2 feet distance from the canopy of the plant to cover 9 square feet area where you can grow your microgreen and vegetables successfully.

    #4 KINGBO Optical Lens (1000w LED Grow Light)

    Another 1000W panel with a 90-degree optical lens that ensures energy loss up to 30% and provides a concentrated light that enables a plant to maximize growth leading to a great harvest. Optical lens technology is ideal for growing Cannabis, vegetables, microgreens, herbs and flowers in your grow room for efficacy for maximum growth and splendid yields.
    Full Spectrum of the panel covers 380 nm -760 nm including Ultra-Violet and Infra-red spectrum that Cannabis needs during entire stages of its growth that otherwise is derived from the direct sunlight when available. It consumes only 400Watts while covers 3 feet into 4 feet area (extendable to 5 feet) if placed 2 feet away from the canopy of the plant. 3 high-speed mute fans keep the system cool.

    #5 MARS HYDRO-LED Grow Panel

    This 600 Watts Sun-like Spectrum Grow panel is ideal for vegetables and flowers during their all stages of growth in any hydroponics system. It uses less energy to fix a maximum amount of mass in herbs, microgreens and Cannabis plants providing them the entire range of spectrum for successful growing and maximum harvests in any grow room.
    this 600-watt panel can cover a 2″x2.5 feet area that can be extended to 3.5’x5.5′ feet at maximum. It provides an intensive light penetration that can cover 2 to 5 plants growing under the panel whereas the system is self-cooled using 2 high-speed fans and can be used to the variety of the plants and herbs under its wide coverage.

    What to look for when buying LED grow lights?

    You need to consider the following features when you are considering a purchase for growing your favorite plants, indoors.

    #1 Wattage (How many led watts per weed plant?)

    You need to consider the size of the grow room and the plants that are inside to determine the right wattage of the light strips to buy. For a small grow room with only one or a few plants, you will already be good with a light that has a minimal wattage. If the grow tent is large, you need a more powerful light or use several light  strips.

    #2 Light spectrum (What is the spectrum resolution for weed?)

    The light spectrum is the wavelength of light that the plant needs at different stages of growth. The light spectrum needed to grow indoor weed varies for different growth stages. Usually, weed needs blue wavelength during germination and vegetative stages and red at flowering stage The best Light Spectrum for growing Cannabis differs during different stages of growth in plants and what they need. The weed plants, like all other plants, rely on the light spectrum for signs about their growth. Blue light is particularly useful during vegetative growth, while the red light is particularly useful during the flowering stage. For the best results, you will also want to supplement these with the other colors on the visible light spectrum. Similarly, all other plants use the light of different wavelengths during different growth stages but generally, blue light is important for initial plant growth and red for flowering and bud formation.

    #3 Amount of light

    Weed plants are adaptable to blue and red wavelengths for germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and bud formation. So, select a light that delivers the entire range of the light spectrum that your plants need. Even if you are not growing weed plants, it is necessary to select a full spectrum light for your grow room that exhibits the following wavelengths range.
    Ultra Violet (380-410 Nanometer), Blue (1st Spectrum 440-450 and 2nd Spectrum 450-460 Nanometer), Orange (605-610 Nanometer), Red (1st Spectrum 620-630 and 2nd Spectrum 655-660 Nanometer), Far Red (730 Nanometer).

    #4 Wattage per square foot and coverage area

    Your grow lights are supposed to be operative most of the growing time probably 12-14 hours if you are growing Cannabis. So, it is import to know the wattage and the daily light consumption your selected lights will consume. On the other hand, your selection must be based on future gardening programs keeping in mind that these selected lights would go a long time with you. Your selection must be based on the type of plants and the area they might cover during their growth. Large spaces need more lights while growing 1 or 2 plants indoor should limit you buy accordingly.

    #5 Low Heat Emission

    High heat omission may be of substantial damage to your lovely plants due to burning issues. Choose only those light that is durable and protect your plants from the heat burns. The lights remain close to the plant’s foliage whereas high heat omission lights are prone to burn plants when kept lightening for several hours during a day. So, make a careful choice by selecting a light that omits a balanced heat.

    #6 Quality of materials

    The quality of any material is judged only after you use it. There might be several products with different capacities and prices but you may not aware of the quality. Go and check the brand repute, check existing users’ reviews and check the portfolio of the company for their business history. Make purchases after you are fully satisfied with the product and services by the supplier.

    #7 Energy Savings

    Your grow lights are supposed to be operative most of the growing time probably 12-14 hours if you are growing Cannabis. So, it is import to know the wattage and the daily light consumption your selected lights will consume. Go the energy-saving options that will not increase your cost of production for the particular plants especially if you are a hobbyist and not supposed to grow commercially.

    #8 Lifespan

    LED lights are supposed to operative for the years under normal conditions in your grow room. Check for the maximum viable guarantee that consists of years with the replacement options. Don’t compromise on quality for cheap purchase as it would harm you in the long run.

    #9 Easy to use

    Be sure that the product you are going to purchase is easy to handle, easy to install and operate.

    Why do people buy panel led do not buy led bars?

    There are several reasons for not buying LED bars in comparison to panels but the most vigilant are as under.

    #1 Uniform Wavelength

    No doubt, the most common reason to use LED Grow light panels over LED bars is that they are designed to distribute light of uniform wavelength across their coverage area and plants don’t get deprived of constant light while in the bars you need to focus the surface of the plant to maintain the required level.

    #2 Long-Lasting

    The most common lights including Led bars last for 50000 hours but panels have a long life span compared to bars while in cases panels may prolong their life up to 13 years.

    #3 Easy to Install

    The custom lights including bars are quite difficult to install for the desired angles according to the need of the plants while panels are easy to handle and place where they are needed in your grow room or garden.

    #4 Energy Saving

    When it comes to the coverage area panels save more energy compared to the bars and it is estimated that 40% saving is possible with the efficient use of panels compared to the led bars.

    #5 Heat Resistant

    Unlike LED bars, the panels produce little heat compared to the surface area that is being in use for growing plants while bars have minimum coverage and relatively produce more heat whereas there are no arrangements for keeping bars cool while panels are designed with additional fans to keep the system cool while it is running.

    #6 Cost-effective

    Led panels are cost-effective compared to bars as they are meant for large spaces where you can grow a greater number of plants compared to bars.

    Instructions for hanging lights

    You need a drill machine, ratchet, screwdriver and a small hammer for carrying out the entire panel hanging process.
    Here is the simplest way to hang grow light panels to the ceiling if required.
    First of all, find the wooden beams in your ceiling and drill a hole using a drill machine and screw the hook into that hole. A screw hook of 2-3 inches can hold the weight of the panel up to 10 pounds.
    Inter connect two loops on the panel with each other and take it the screw hook placed in the ceiling for hanging purpose.
    Hang the panel at the right height based on the instruction manual from your manufacturer. Generally, it is placed 24 inches from the top of the plant and decreases to 18 inches at the flowering stage.
    Make sure the light thrown covers the foliage of plants.

    LED Grow Light Strips distance

    Grow lights are used when there is unavailability or lack of direct sunlight and a mistake can result either in plant withering or burning of the foliage if put so close to the plants. Proper use may enhance the yield and health of the plant and for that purpose, you need to follow the owner’s manual for the proper placement of LED Grow Lights Strips for your indoor plants.

    #1 Grow Lights distance from plants

    Grow lights of different power capacities will behave differently and their distances will also vary from the canopy of the plant. For example, A 250 W led grow lights can be kept at the distance of 1 to 2 feet from the canopy of the plant while using for 2 to 4 plants only whereas 450W grow light may serve around 8 plants in the distance of 15 inches to 30 inches. The distance keeps increasing with an increase in Watts and may go up to 3 feet in 900 W grow lights.

    #2 Grow Lights during the vegetative stage

    The vegetative stage is the most crucial stage of plant development that it makes its entire biomass during this period while it determines the amount of flowering a plant will exhibit during the next stage. Vegetative growth period can be handled with 16 hours of continuous light per day or in some cases it can further be prolonged for 24 hours to obtain smooth growth. For the plants exposed to 16-18 hours of light per day will be ready in 6-8 weeks to move into the flowering stage.

    #3 Grow Lights during Flowering stage

    The exposure of the plants to indoor grow lights will determine the flowering initiation and the period it will keep continuous flowering. Generally, the exposure to the lights is reduced to 12 hours per day, red light is increased along with the far-red light of the visible spectrum that will determine flowering. The flowering under these conditions remains to continue for 8 to 10 weeks that determine bud’s formation along with stem elongation whereas flowering is reduced when bud’s formation is at its peak. Plants need more Phosphorus and Potash for healthy flower formation than Nitrogen at this stage.

    LED grow light panel compared to HPS

    Besides their requirements of a decent growing media and water, plants also need the light of the true spectrum as per their specific needs to trigger their growth that results in an excellent harvest. Different plant species have variable light needs that again varies in the certain strains within species. The selection of suitable grow lights is of principal concern for the greenhouse growers despite given all growing needs plants will be unable to make food in the absence of the proper light. Many growers randomly install several HPS lamps close to the plants’ foliage that causes the burning of the leaves, stops the growth and defoliates leaves from the plants. In contrast, LED grow lights are the best replacement of the traditional HPS lights with over several advantages such as power shortages along with the shortening of the day length during the winter when plants don’t have sufficient sunlight for their optimum growth. This leads to embarrassing situations when you are maintaining all essential factors like watering, essential nutrients solution, growing medium while your greenhouse plants not as responsive as they should be, where the light is the limiting factor that is not allowing your plants to assimilate food to increase their mass. LED grow light panels are the simple answer for all the major issues that HPS lights pose to the gardeners growing, indoors.

  • LED vs CFL Grow Light: Which is Better?

    LED vs CFL Grow Light: Which is Better?

    4 out of 5 stars. 16 votes


    When getting started with growing your own weed, it’s easy to get bogged down with which is the best grow light to make the best weed for your needs. The answer will, of course, depend on what the  ‘best’ means for you. Does it mean the best value, the best on the market, or the best light variant? Here, we look at the pros and cons of the different types of lighting.

    LED lighting is better for:

    • Use over the full growth phase
    • Energy savings & lifetime
    • Yields

    CFL lighting is better for:

    • Beginners as the cost is low
    • Clones & seedlings
    • Growing smaller plants/keeping plant size under control

    $$$Key Lighting Tip$$$
    Once your plant has gone through the vegetation phase you should not switch the type of light it is receiving (ie. from LED to CFL or vice versa). This change will be too stressful for your plant and lead to reduced or failed yields.

    What Does CFL and LED Stand for?

    CFL stands for ‘compact fluorescent lamp’ and is a highly efficient bulb used by many indoor growers as they produce low levels of heat, are energy efficient, and are reasonably priced. They will typically last up to 10 years too.

    LED stands for ‘is light emitting diode’ and is an even more energy efficient bulb in terms of transforming energy into delicious light for your plants to use. They will also last up to 25 years, saving you money on bills throughout their life-cycle.

    What are the Pros and Cons of CFL Grows?

    CFLs are the cheapest grow lights available on the market, making them a good choice for beginners. As they don’t pump out loads of heat, you also won’t need to worry about putting together a complicated setup with large extraction fans to make sure your plants don’t get singed and burnt.

    CFLs are particularly good for growing clones, seedlings, and if you are happy with small plants. They are also readily available in most stores and have a variety of color temperatures suitable for different grow phases. However, as they put out less power than other lighting options yields will be lower per meter cubed, they need to be placed very close to your plants for them to get the light they need, and growth rates will also be slower.

    What are the Pros and Cons of LED Grows?

    LED grow lights have been available for some time now, but it is only recently that technology has progressed far enough to make them a good choice. This means you have to be a bit more careful you’re not getting a shoddy product when investing in LED lighting systems for your grow space. However, with more Chips on Board (COBs) modern variants can provide intense penetrative light that surpasses both CFL and HID lighting.

    Like CFLs, LEDs produce very little heat making it easier to control temperatures and reduce the risk of burning your plants. They are also even more energy efficient and actually way more powerful than CFL lighting so will lead to better comparative yields. However, cheaper variants are widespread on the market, and to reap the benefits of higher yields you’ll need to invest in a much more expensive LED setup that actually lives up to what its stated output is.

    What is the Best Grow Schedule for Cannabis?

    Whether you choose a CFL or LED setup, a great grow schedule is the 18/6 to 12/12 hours. For the first few weeks, you want your plants to think it is spring as it will focus on leaf and stem growth. To do this you give it a full 18 hours of light a day and just 6 hours of total darkness.

    After around 4 weeks, when your plant has a decent amount of vegetation growth behind it the light schedule should be gradually tapered down towards 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness, helping it to realize summer is coming to an end and it is time to focus its energy on bud creation! Whether you’ve opted for CFL or LED lighting, it’s a good idea to change to a flowering light bulb (one that is redder) at this point.

    #1 Best CFL Light for Vegetative Growth: Hydrofarm Agrobrite FLT24 T5

    Hydrofarm have been making great CFL lighting systems for years and this setup is great for producing a healthy and vibrant vegetative growth phase. Its flexible design means you can easily install it vertically or horizontally and it has an impressive rating of 18,800 lumens that your plants will love when guzzling 18 hours of it up per day. With the option to use 7 differently sized tubes you can also use this in the flowering stage with equally excellent results.

    The major pros of this product are that: it has a super high and efficient lumen output (and has full daylight 6400k spectrum capability); it is ‘daisy-chainable’ (you can run more than one from a single outlet if you have a large grow space); it has a useful reflector hood that more efficiently directs the light to where you want it to go, and; it is great value. The downsides are that it is not as energy efficient as an LED lighting system and has a lesser lifespan.

    #CFL #Full_Spectrum #6400K #Efficency #Lumens

    #2 Best CFL for Hydroponics:  Hydroplanet T5 4ft 8lamp

    If you have a big grow space, but not a huge budget, then this excellent CFL light is a great option as it has 8 bulbs, is daisy-chainable, and will efficiently distribute full spectrum 6500K light with its built-in reflective aluminum casing. The 2-year warranty provides you with decent security and the included fittings mean you can set this up horizontally or vertically as required. The included bulbs are only really suitable for the vegetative growth phase but are easily changeable.

    The major pros of this product are that; it will cover a wide area whilst also providing the penetrative rays your plants crave; it is great for big grow spaces; it is very easy to install, and; it is very powerful in comparison to small CFL lights. On the negative side, it is not compatible with LED lights and you will need to buy additional lights to make it suitable for the flowering stage.

    #CFL # Full_Spectrum #6400K #PPFD #DIL

    #3 Best LED for Complete Cannabis Grow Phases: BESTVA DC Series 2000W

    This light might cost a pretty penny, but it really stands above the rest in terms of what it can do and we love the fact that this setup is ready to take you through the whole grow phase without having to mess around with lightbulb changes once you have it installed in the perfect spot for your plants. You’ll have no risk of burning your plants with this cool running system and it has great light spread that is hard to beat.

    The major pros of this light are that: it is designed to maximize light penetration; it is easy to set on a timer to switch off; it is suitable for every phase of the growing cycle; it has a quiet built-in cooling fan, and; it offers 1400-watt HPS at a fraction of the energy cost! The only downside of this product is that it is quite expensive!

    #4 Best LED for Potent Cannabis: King Plus 2000W Double Chips

    If you love your harvest to be strong, then this high Luminen and PAR value LED system will be a great investment for you to draw the most from your favorite plants. With 10W double chips, this unit pumps out brighter light than most lights in its price bracket and the high-tech design ensures this light is evenly distributed and penetrates the plant with vibrant intensity. This clever design will soon lead to your plants producing some of the finest potent buds you’ve ever seen.

    The major pros of this light beyond what it does to your plant’s potency are that; it is easy to install and suitable in grow tents or bigger grow spaces; it evenly and efficiently distributes light with the perfect PAR and Lumen balance; it fosters rapid plant growth; it has a built-in cooling system, and; it provides full spectrum lighting suitable for the whole growth phase. One issue with the design is that the power cord is annoyingly short.

    Conclusion

    It is clear that LED lighting systems are moving ahead in terms of the smart technology they are able to offer and that will usually come built in. They are also best for the whole grow phase without the need to change bulbs. However, you need to be careful what you buy with LED lighting as the cheaper variants don’t beat what CFL has to offer, so CFL still has much to offer if you are a beginner to growing and don’t want to spend a huge amount on new lighting.

  • Top 6 Best Grow Lights for Weed (2019 Reviews)

    Best Grow Lights for weedWhen growing marijuana in an indoor environment, there is perhaps nothing more important than light. Don’t get me wrong! I am not saying that all other elements can be ignored. What I am trying to say is that light is perhaps the most crucial element that will affect the overall health and growth of the plant. That being said, whether you are a casual grower or an experienced marijuana cultivator, you need to find the best grow lights available on the market.

    A grow light is exactly what the name implies – it is a light that helps the marijuana to grow in an enclosed environment. It supplements the light that the sun cannot provide. The options can be overwhelming. They differ in terms of heat production, longevity, spectrum, and design, among many others. If you need help in choosing the right product, keep on reading and learn from the insights that we will be sharing.

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    Table of Contents

    Best Type of Grow Light: A Look at the Choices

    Before we discuss some of the top products available on the market, this section will provide a glimpse of some of the types of lights that are available, as well as their respective pros and cons.

    LED: Best Energy-Efficient Grow Lights

    Light Emitting Diode growth lights are amongst the most popular used by marijuana cultivators, despite the fact that they are quite new. The initial cost is quite expensive. Nonetheless, as it is being a preferred choice nowadays, the increase in demand is believed to be a factor to drive down the current prices.

    Most of the LED lights are relatively small, making them space-efficient. Nonetheless, despite being compact, this does not mean that their functionality is compromised.

    Pros:

    • This is known for their low running temperature, despite being turned on for an extended period. This means that it won’t generate too much heat.
    • If you are looking for an energy-efficient grow light, LED should be on the top of the list. They can produce a great deal of light without consuming too much electricity.
    • LED lights are also known for their extended lifespan, which is expected to be about 50,000 to 100,000 on average.

    Cons:

    • The initial cost can be quite high, which is what limits most buyers. Nonetheless, think of the long-term benefits as they make the steep price justifiable.
    • There are some LEDs that are quite weak in terms of their light intensity, which can be attributed to the fact that they use minimal energy to operate.

    CFL: Best Small Grow Light

    CFL stands for compact fluorescent, which is a type of fluorescent grow lighting, along with T5, which will be discussed later on. It is a replacement to the traditional incandescent lamp. It is also nicknamed the Tom Cruise of marijuana grow lights, which is because of its popularity and efficiency.

    The light spectrum that is given out by CFL is not as intense as the other types that are discussed in this post. This is actually the reason why it is good only during the initial stages of the growth of weed. This will also be the perfect choice for the best light for marijuana clones. Because it is not as intense, it will not cause the plant to burn.

    Pros:

    • Buying a CFL is easy on the wallet as it is one of the cheapest from the grow lights that you can find on the market
    • The cool temperature that is produced by CFL is also a plus, which will minimize the likelihood that the plant will suffer from stress
    • Good for novice gardeners with minimal knowledge about marijuana cultivation

    Cons:

    • If you have a large grow room, this is not the right choice for you. It is best only for growing a single plant in a small space
    • There are also problems when it comes to the strength or the intensity of the light that is produced by CFLs

    HID:  Best Grow Lights for Vegetative and Flowering Stages

    Also known as high-intensity discharge light, it is a large bulb that is able to generate light through the ignition of the gas that is found in the bulb. They are known for being effective while being energy efficient. The HID grow lights can be further classified into two.

    The first type of HIF is Metal Halide or MH light. This is recommended if you are looking for the best light for vegging cannabis. It has a high light output to provide the intensity that is needed. It emits blue light, which is why it is recommended for the vegging stage.

    The second type is known as the High-Pressure Sodium or HPS light. The light that it emits is yellow-orange-red, which is more useful during the flowering stage.

    It should not be a choice of either MH or HPS. As most growers would recommend, a combination of the two will work best if you want the best outcomes for your marijuana.

    Pros:

    • In the long run, the cost of operating HID light is less when compared to most of the other types of grow lights
    • The usable light that it produces will be more than what you can expect to be produced by fluorescent grow lights
    • In most cases, they are dimmable, providing you with the opportunity to customize the light output based on the needs of the grow room

    Cons:

    • The amount of heat produced by most HID bulbs can be too high, and hence, can possibly stress the plant
    • They cannot be simply plugged in into a regular socket, which will require the need for additional tools for installation, such as a ballast

    T5: Best Cheap Lights for Growing Weed

    This is another kind of fluorescent grow light, which is similar to the CFL. This is a bulb that is known for running a cool temperature, which is why it is best to be used during the propagation stage. T from its name stands for tubular. The number 5, on the other hand, stands for 5/8-inch of a diameter.

    Most of the lights that fall under this category are either two or four feet long. More often than not, they are not used on their own. Rather, they are used as a group, usually of four tubes. They also typically have a hood or a reflector, which is hang on the top of the plant. The hood makes it possible to maximize the intensity of the light.

    Pros:

    • It produces minimal heat, which means that this will not cause the plant to burn or die, especially during the initial stages of growth
    • The extended lifespan of the bulb is also a plus, which is estimated to be at least 20,000 hours.
    • If you are looking for a grow light with a price that won’t hurt the wallet, this is another option worth considering

    Cons:

    • There are times when the yields can end up being smaller than expected, especially when you use the light during the plant’s flowering stage
    • The light does not reach far, which makes it important to have it positioned closely to the top of the plant

    Best LED Grow Lights

    #1 Roleadro Galaxyhydro Series LED Grow Light Review

    This 30-watt grow light has a full-spectrum, making it perfect for all stages of growth of the plant. It has both red and blue spectrums, which will be needed by the marijuana during the vegetative and flowering stages.

    Among others, one of the most exceptional features of this product is the heat removal system, which is basically the reason for its ability to stay cool despite long hours of use. This is as against many other that can generate too much heat and burn the plants. This is made possible by the two high-speed fans integrated into the unit.

    If you want a light that can deliver energy efficiency, you will have another reason to have it chosen. Because it is LED, you can be confident that it won’t consume too much energy in the absence of compromising its performance.

    Q&A: What is the PAR rating of this light?

    Based on the specifications from the manufacturer, this model has 453 PAR when it is installed at a height of 18 inches. This is the highest that you can find from any 30-watt grow light. This makes it effective in almost any growing environment.

    Q&A: Does it produce a sound?

    Yes, the light produces a low hum, nothing that you will find annoying. This is actually quite common for grow lights with a fan. The fan allows air to circulate to prevent it from heating too much. For the fan to function, it creates minimal noise.

    Best CFL Grow Lights

    #2 Sunblaster CFL Grow Lamp Review

    This specific product comes in a pack of four, which already makes it a budget-friendly option. Each bulb has 26 watts, which is already quite impressive in terms of its performance. Take note, however, that CFLs are meant only to produce minimal light, which is why it is an ideal choice for clones or when plants are just starting out.

    Based on the details from the manufacturer, the rated lifespan of this bulb is 10,000 hours. This is way shorter compared to what you can find in the LED lights that can be used in a grow room setup.

    Ease of use is another reason why this can prove to be an excellent product. It fits in the standard light socket, which is why there is no need to install a different base.

    Q&A: What is the kelvin scale of the lamp?

    Looking at the technical details of this CFL light, you will see that it has 6400 Kelvins. It is a daylight bulb with a color that is comparable to natural sunlight. This makes an excellent choice for a light that is to be used during the vegetative growth of the plant.

    Q&A: How long should you turn it on?

    There is no definite answer to this question. There are several factors that will have an impact on the answer, such as the specific stage of growth of the plant. In most cases, however, growers note that they leave it on for 12 hours and off for the next 12 hours.

    Best HID Grow Lights

    #3 iPower HPS MH Digital Grow Light System Kit Review

    A complete kit with powerful lighting performance – this is what you can expect from this product. Among others, it is exceptional because it already has one 2100k HPS bulb and one 6000k MH bulb. Both of the bulbs are 400 watts. They have optimized spectrum to support the growth of weed.

    The 19-inch wing reflector is another thing that makes this a top choice on the market. A reflector is important to improve the intensity of the light while the energy consumption remains the same. The reflective material makes it possible to increase the impact of the light on the plants. The 95% reflective German aluminum is the one that is responsible for this benefit.

    Q&A: What are included in this kit?

    One of the best things about this product is that it offers excellent value for money, basically because it is inclusive of almost everything that you will need. It has HPA and MH bulbs, both of which are under the category of HID lamp. There is also a hanger rope included, which has a capacity of up to 150 pounds. It is also inclusive of a reflector, plug, and socket.

    Q&A: Does it come with a ballast?

    Yes, this kit is already inclusive of a ballast, which is already dimmable. Plus, there is already a built-in fan to keep the ballast cool as the light operates.

    Best MH Grow Light

    #4 Apollo Horticulture GLBMH400 Metal Halide Grow Light Review

    This 400-watt bulb is one of the options worth taking into account if you are looking for a grow light that you can use during the vegetative stage of marijuana. It has 4200 Kelvins, which will make it perfect for ensuring the best state of the health of the plant at such stage.

    Based on the technical specifications from the manufacturer, the anticipated lifespan is only 10,000 hours.

    Q&A: What is the base of this light?

    This metal halide grow lamp comes with an E39 base, which is not the standard E26. You need to install a separate ballast to use the light.

    Q&A: Is it dimmable?

    Yes, the light is dimmable. This is as long as you also have a dimmable ballast. This is good in terms of being able to control the intensity of the light based on what the plant needs.

    Best HPS Grow Light

    #5 Sun System HPS Grow Light Review

    If you are looking for an affordable light that is also user-friendly, this is one option that you have to take into account. This HPS light comes as a kit with almost everything that you will need to complete its assembly.

    Aside from the bulb, it also has a reflector hood. The aluminum surface will help to increase the reflectivity of the light. This improves the intensity without the need to add another light or use more electricity.

    Q&A: Can you use it for both soil and hydroponics?

    This is a versatile grow light. With this, you can use it whether you are planting marijuana in soil or in a hydroponic system. You can expect the same level of effectiveness.

    Q&A: What is the recommended size of the growing area for this light?

    Based on the reviews from the users of this product, it is good enough for a grow room that is 3×3 feet. If the grow room is larger, you will have to use multiple lights to be sure that the plant receives the intensity that it needs to trigger photosynthetic activity.

    Best T5 Grow Light

    #6 Hydroplanet T5 Grow Lights Review

    This is another popular choice amongst commercial growers because it provides a reliable performance without consuming too much energy. It is a 24-watt light with 5,000 lumens.

    It comes with plug and play ballasts, which will simplify the process of installation. You can expect that it is going to be user-friendly.

    Based on the information from the manufacturer, this has a rated lifespan of 20,000 hours. This is longer compared to the CFL light mentioned in this guide, but shorter compared to the LED light we have mentioned.

    Lastly, this grow light comes with a two-year warranty from the manufacturer.

    Q&A: Does it include a reflector?

    Aside from the four lamps that are already included in this kit, it also includes a reflector. The reflector is made of 95% reflective aluminum. It will help to significantly improve the intensity of the light.

    Q&A: Is it for the flowering or vegetative stage?

    From the technical details, it shows that the light is 6500 Kelvin and is on the blue spectrum. What this means is that it is better for the vegetative stage. Once the marijuana reaches the flowering stage, take note that you have to change the light.

    Best Grow Lights on the Market: Making the Right Choice

    Thinking about what lights are best for growing plant in an indoor grow room? Chances are, you will be overwhelmed with the possibilities. Nonetheless, make sure to consider the factors that will be mentioned below to help you choose the best marijuana grow light on the market.

    Spectrum

    Lights come in different spectrums, which is why it is one of the most important considerations when narrowing down the possibilities. The best light spectrum for plants will depend on its growth. For the vegetative phase, the blue spectrum is recommended. On the other hand, to induce flowering, choose lights with red spectrum. Full-spectrum light, meanwhile, can be used at all stages of growth.

    Wattage

    This will be directly proportional to the power of the light. If you have a large grow room, you will need to invest in a more powerful light. On the other hand, if space is small and if the wattage is too much, you will most probably end up burning the plant.

    Speaking of wattage, it will determine the right height between the plant and the lamp. If you are using an HID grow light, here is the suggested distance:

    • 400-watt HID: 12 to 19 inches
    • 600-watt HID: 14 to 25 inches
    • 1,000-watt HID: 16 to 31 inches

    On the other hand, if you are using LED lights, here is a quick guide for you to follow:

    • 240 to 400-watt LED: 16 to 30 inches
    • 450 to 550-watt LED: 20 to 30 inches
    • 600 to 850-watt LED: 24 to 26 inches
    • 900-watt and above LED: 26 to 42 inches

    Lastly, if you are using CFLs and T5s, you can position them about five inches above the canopy of the plant. They do not produce intense heat, which is why there is a slim chance that it is going to burn the plant.

    Lumen

    Scientifically speaking, lumen refers to the amount of light that is emitted per second from a specific source. For the marijuana to be healthy, it needs to be exposed to a certain amount of lumens, which is why you need to choose a light that will be able to produce such. For each plant, the minimum requirement would be around 2,500 to 3,000 lumens per square foot. During the vegetative stage, the plant may need up to 5,000. Meanwhile, during the flowering phase, it might need as much as 10,000 lumens.

    Kelvin

    As you pick the best lights for indoor growing, another technical specification that would matter is the Kelvin. This also refers to the light color or light temperature. During the growing or vegetative phase, choose a light that has about 6400 kelvins, which has a daylight or cool color. It has a blue spectrum. This will replicate the color of the sun during summer or spring.

    On the other hand, for the flowering stage, it should be about 2700 kelvins, which is warm and has a red spectrum. It has a color similar to that of the sun during fall or winter.

    Best Light for Weed: Other Things that you Need to Know

    Before we end this post, allow us to share with you other important things that you need to know when it comes to marijuana and light, which will make you a more educated grower.

    • Duration

      The duration at which the light should be turned on and off will depend on the stage of growth of the plant. Generally speaking, during the vegetation phase, the light needs to be turned on for 18 hours and turned off for 6 hours. On the other hand, during the flowering phase, it should be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours.

    • Amount of light

      The amount of light in the grow room is also an important consideration. This will depend on the size of the room or the number of the plants that are present. For every 10 square feet of a grow room, you will need at least 30,000 lumens of light. Larger grow rooms will definitely need more than just one grow light.

    • Height

      You also have to pay attention to the height between the plant and the light. If it is too close, the plant can suffer from stress. If it is too far, the light will most probably be useless. The type of light that you are using and the wattage will have an impact on the right positioning.

    • Reflector

      Using a reflector can also be an option. If you have a large grow room and if you do not need to install new lights or increase your energy consumption, a reflective material will help improve the intensity of the light.

    Wrap Up

    The best grow lights are indeed important for marijuana cultivated in an enclosed environment. Not all of the lights, however, can prove to be promising. For instance, you need to choose one based on the stage of the growth of the plant. To avoid having regrets, limit your choices to the products that have been mentioned in this post.