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Newville, PA

Just curious as to which type of grow light will work the best. I had a light that I was planning on using, but when I plugged it in...of course...it doesnt work. SO before I go out to buy one, I wanted to get some advice as to which one I should chose...

4/25/2012 11:07:39 PM

East Jordan, MI

I like a 4 ft fluorescent 2 bulb shop light with at least one full spectrum light bulb (I use one aquarium/plant tube and one full spectrum bulb(sunlight)tube -- I don't think the normal white lights give off enough UV light). They are reasonably cheap, easy to use, work well for the short amount of time I need them and are easy to store for next season.

The light needs to be placed within an inch or two of the plant to keep it from "reaching for the light" and becoming long and leggy. By using fluorescent bulbs you don't have to worry about heat burning a plant if it touchs it, but you will have to raise it a little as the plant grows, the shop lights come with a chain to hang it from, so it makes it fairly easy to adjust.

Good luck.

4/26/2012 1:25:37 AM

Taylorsville, California

A T5 high output Florescent is best for starting seedlings and getting the most stocky quality growth. The regular Florescents(t8,t12 or t5HE) with an aquarium or terrarium bulb will do the trick also, just leggier plants. The t5 HO is well worth buying if you start many seeds. I have a 4 ft x 4 bulbs, great for starting maters peppers AGs ect- best of luck to you!

4/26/2012 1:31:52 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

One hot, One cold

4/26/2012 1:36:32 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

i now use an 8 bulb 4 ft grow light i have experianced not enough light with other types of 1 /2 light set ups... i start alot of veggys so more light for me works awsome. after some research i did on grow lights, hood design is important and also the type of bulb used.... not all grow / plant tubes are not the same.... oh ya its a t5 set up from a grow store.

4/29/2012 12:27:32 AM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

oh ya there are veg/grow bulbs and also flower/fruit bulbs in the t 5 set ups

4/29/2012 12:35:53 AM

Buffalo, New York

I made a stop at the local Hydroponic store today and picked up a Lightstick 4' T5 Lamp/Bulb.

I found the 4' plant/aquarium bulbs i got last week wern't enough light and due the "lack of sun" this week.....I thought it was best try something else.

5/1/2012 7:30:19 PM