What is a fluorescent grow light? 2020 Updated
Fluorescent grow lights are a great choice for indoor plant growth, especially high-output fluorescent T5 Fluorescent Fixturebulbs. They are 3–7 times more efficient than incandescents, meaning you will use less electricity while producing more light. Fluorescent lamps are available in a wide range of spectrum’s, with bulbs in the 6500k range being ideal for growing.
When should you use fluorescent grow lights?
Most large-scale and commercial operations use led grow lights for marijuana because they last longer and emit more light. Fluorescent bulbs are also more fragile, meaning a farmer can incur additional labor costs to maintain them, and that may not be worth the time or money.
However, the small-scale or hobby farmer may find fluorescent lights to be an economical choice, especially for low-light plants or plants at a low-light stage of development in marijuana grow tents.
T5 Fluorescent Grow Lights
This is the newest improvement to fluorescent grow light systems. The T5 system uses improved high output bulbs, like the ones I suggest using in the section above. They use several bulbs side by side, and there is an arched reflector behind each bulb. These lights are designed to support bigger plant growth. Their best use is for growing strong, healthy plants up to 24 inches tall in the vegetative state.
Fluorescent strip grow lights generally illuminate the same area that the fixture itself takes up. So, if your fixture measures 4ft by 2ft, then it will evenly illuminate that area of your garden.
- Ask whether your fixture runs HO or VHO lamps. They are not cross-compatible so this is really important!
- Be sure to add up those watts! For instance, an 8 lamp VHO fixture will use 760 watts of power-not an inconsiderable amount, especially when illuminating vegetative plants for 15–18 hours a day.
- Check whether lamps are included in the purchase price or if it’s “fixture only.”
Best Fluorescent Grow Lights for Sale
California Lightworks SolarSystem T5 Fluorescent Grow Light
The SolarSystem UVB light by California Lightworks is a great choice for anyone wanting to supplement their existing light with some UVB light for improved oil development and potency.
Note that this is a T5 fluorescent UVB tube, not and LED light. UVB LEDs are very expensive, which is why all LED fixtures that feature UV light use UVA diodes, not UVB.
Hydroplanet T5 Fluorescent Grow Lights
HYDRO PLANET T5 fluorescent lighting systems are becoming increasingly popular with hydroponic gardeners because of the energy efficiency and great yields that come with this type of lighting. Plants thrive under T5 fluorescent lights, without the excessive cost that often comes with traditional metal halide or HID systems.