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  • 1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    Having an idea of the wattage used by your grow lights will tell you the grow light power consumption. This is important for you to determine the cost of operations. For example, you may be wondering how much 1000w grow light will cost per month. We will let you know in this post.

    Almost every grower’s wish is to minimize cost and optimize yield. One of the deciding profit decisions when it comes to indoor gardening centers around the appropriate method of sun substitution. This is why it’s essential you know the wattage consumption so you can plan your running cost.

    So, in this article, we will be looking at how much 1000w grow light will cost per month.

    Wattage

    Before we go into the power consumption of grow light, let’s look at what wattage (w) is. Wattage will determine the amount of power your grow light consumes. When the light wattage goes higher, it consumes more energy for electricity. Thus, you can have an idea of the running cost per month with wattage.

    The amount of wattage consumption on your grow light will majorly depend on the type of grow light used. There are some grow lights made of high-pressure sodium (HPS) while some are made of light-emitting diode (LED). Note that HPS grow light will consume more power than LED grow lights.

    Most grow light these days are made to replace the HPS consuming power light. So, a grow light labeled 1000w may not actually be consuming 1000w. It is only replacing a 1000w HPS bulb and thus will consume less wattage.

    1000w Grow Light Cost Per Month

    To determine the cost per month of 1000w LED grow light, you need to put some things into considerations. So, let’s take a look at them.

    Things To Consider When Calculating How Much Do Grow Lights Cost

    • How many hours per day will you be running your grow lights?
    • What stage in the plant cycle does your plant fall? Is it in the seedlings stage, vegetative stage, flowering stage, or fruiting stage? Seedlings will require about 14 to 16 hours of grow light. For the Vegetative, flowering, and fruiting stage, we can say roughly 12 to 18 hours per day.
    • What is the actual number of wattage your grow light draws from the wall? For example, if you have a 3000w grow light, the light may only draw about 700w from the wall. Also, the wattage the grow light emits is totally different from the wattage it will pull from the wall or consume.

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    • The number of weeks each growth stage will take. For example, seedlings can take 1 to 2 weeks. The vegetative and flowering stages can take weeks. But in this article, we will be doing 4 weeks, which is one month.
    • Electricity cost per kWh (kilowatt-hour). In the United States, the average cost of kWh is around 13 cents. However, this energy rate can differ widely depending on the states you live in. It could be cheaper or more expensive.

    Here You Can Find Out A List of Quality but Cheapest LED Grow Lights Online

    Calculating 1000w Grow Light Price Per Month

    So for example, you run your 1000w LED grow light for 15 hours per day. Remember we said you need to find out the actual number of wattage consumed. Dig and read through your grow light label to find out the actual wattage specs.

    For example, let’s say a grow light labeled 1000w actual wattage consumption number is 200w; we will have our total grow light cost per month to be $1170. This is calculated using 1kWh for 13 cents. This implies that the number of wattages consumed per day is 3kWh. While the number of wattage used per month equals 27kWh from running 15 hours grow light per day.

    Calculating 1000w Grow Light Price Per Month

    This is just an estimate of running 15 hours grow light daily with an actual wattage consumption of 200w. This may vary depending on some things such as the actual wattage values or the number of hours you run your grow light.

    However, if your light is actually consuming a 1000w and you’re running your grow light for 15 hours, the cost per month will be $5850. This is calculated using 1kWh for 13 cents. This shows that the number of wattages consumed per day is 15kWh. While the wattage number used per month is 105kWh from running 15 hours grow light per day.

    You can use this grow light calculator by inputting your values here to get your monthly cost estimation.

    FAQ’s

    How many watts does a 1000 watt LED grow light use?

    LED grow lights do not use any wattage. They are a type of light emitting diode, but they don’t have any filament or other heating element. They use an electric current to produce light, and they are designed to be used in conjunction with a fan to move air through them. The amount of light output is determined by the color temperature. Cooler light will provide more red/blue spectrum light and more plants will grow.

    A 1000 watt Led grow light equals 900 watts of HPS light.

    How many plants can a 1000 watt LED grow?

    In general, 4 plants.

    In general, 4 plants.

    LED lights are the future of lighting. They’re incredibly energy-efficient and can last for years, even decades. If you’re considering purchasing some, you might be wondering how much they cost to run each month. You can find this information by simply dividing the cost of the light bulb by its expected lifetime, which is typically 20 years or more.

    Do LED lights take a lot of electricity?

    LEDs are very efficient, so it is unlikely that they use much more energy than incandescent bulbs. They do use a lot less power.

    What are the disadvantages of LED lights?

    LED lights are not only energy efficient, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs. However, there are some disadvantages to using LED lights that you should be aware of before you buy. LEDs are extremely durable. They can last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of bulb you purchase.

    LEDs are more expensive than other lighting options, such as incandescent bulbs. For example, an average LED light bulb can cost around $40-$50, whereas a typical incandescent light bulb can cost under $1. Another disadvantage of LEDs is that they can be difficult to install. They require a very specific installation and cannot be used in many existing fixtures. If you have an existing fixture, you will have to remove it before installing the LED lights. What types of LEDs are there? There are three main types of LEDs: white, amber, and blue. White and amber lights are more common and are great for lighting up a space. They also tend to have more energy efficient bulbs, so they are perfect for home use.

    Do LED lights get hot?

    How many watts does a 1000 watt LED grow light use?

    LED grow lights do not use any wattage. They are a type of light emitting diode, but they don’t have any filament or other heating element. They use an electric current to produce light, and they are designed to be used in conjunction with a fan to move air through them. The amount of light output is determined by the color temperature. Cooler light will provide more red/blue spectrum light and more plants will grow.

    A 1000 watt Led grow light equals 900 of HPS light.

    How many plants can a 1000 watt LED grow?

    In general, 4 plants.

    How much do LED lights cost per month?
    LED lights are the future of lighting. They’re incredibly energy-efficient and can last for years, even decades. If you’re considering purchasing some, you might be wondering how much they cost to run each month. You can find this information by simply dividing the cost of the light bulb by its expected lifetime, which is typically 20 years or more.

    Do LED lights take a lot of electricity?
    LEDs are very efficient, so it is unlikely that they use much more energy than incandescent bulbs. They do use a lot less power.

    What are the disadvantages of LED lights?
    LED lights are not only energy efficient, but they also last much longer than traditional bulbs. However, there are some disadvantages to using LED lights that you should be aware of before you buy. LEDs are extremely durable. They can last anywhere from 15-20 years, depending on the type and quality of bulb you purchase.
    LEDs are more expensive than other lighting options, such as incandescent bulbs. For example, an average LED light bulb can cost around $40-$50, whereas a typical incandescent light bulb can cost under $1. Another disadvantage of LEDs is that they can be difficult to install. They require a very specific installation and cannot be used in many existing fixtures. If you have an existing fixture, you will have to remove it before installing the LED lights. What types of LEDs are there? There are three main types of LEDs: white, amber, and blue. White and amber lights are more common and are great for lighting up a space. They also tend to have more energy efficient bulbs, so they are perfect for home use.
    Do LED lights get hot?
    They get hot, but not as much as the regular incandescent bulb probably because they’re more efficient.

    Are LED brighter than halogen?

    When it comes to comparing a LED bulb with a traditional incandescent, halogen or fluorescent, the answer is yes. The average LED bulb can produce up to 90 percent of the light as a comparably sized traditional bulb. However, they’re also much smaller and have longer life spans. 

    An LED (light emitting diode) is a semiconductor-based light source that converts electricity into light, whereas a CFL (compact fluorescent lamp) is a type of compact fluorescent light that produces light using the same principle as an incandescent bulb. LED bulbs are generally much smaller and have longer life spans than CFL bulbs. They also produce more light per watt of energy used. In other words, a LED bulb is brighter than a CFL bulb.

    Led Grow Light Cost Per Month Final Word

    How much wattage your grow light consumes matters when it comes to the planning cost of electricity. But the wish of most growers is to use a grow light that consumes less power and offers maximum output for optimal yield. So, you can achieve this by choosing the appropriate grow light.

  • Platinum LED Grow Light Review (Our Top 4)

    Platinum LED Grow Light Review (Our Top 4)

    Indoor hydroponic grow lights are gaining popularity as more and more people are indulging in indoor gardening. In this article, we will be taking a look at the advanced Platinum LED grow light reviews.

    You’ve probably heard of great things about the platinum LED grow lights and you may be wondering if it is just hype or if they are truly great. Well, we’ve got the answer for you here. Platinum LED grow lights are some of America’s finest grow lights you can use for your indoor plants.

    We will also be discussing some great features that your plant stands to enjoy using the advanced platinum LED grow lights and many more points. So, continue reading for more info.

    Quick Info on Platinum LED Grow Lights

    Some of the best types of grow lights to use in your indoor garden are the advanced platinum LED grow lights.  The brand platinum LED is one of America’s leading grow light companies and we highly recommend them for your indoor garden.

    Also, they offer a combination of 3-watt diodes and they all come in 12 or 14 LED bands. So, these types of grow lights are very impressive even with their price.

    You will encounter some downsides with these lights but you can rest assured they are some of the finest types of LED grow lights on the market.

    The platinum LED light comes in different series and some of the best options are the advanced series which includes P150, P300, and P450.

    In this article, we will be looking at the advanced platinum LED P300 series to grow lights reviews so, let’s begin.

    Advanced Platinum Series P300

    The advanced platinum P300 series offers excellent features such as a superior 12-band full light spectrum. The combination of these 12 different bands gives us a more complete light spectrum all through the depths of ultraviolet (UV) to the upper infrared (IR).

    Amongst other LED grow lights, the brand platinum LED lights offer the highest lumen output per watt. Thus, your plants will enjoy 2 times or even 3 times light intensity for optimal yield!

    This advanced platinum grow light has heat moderation as systems have been put in place to moderate the heat emitted. Thus, they are safe to be placed at a reasonably close range to your plant so they can get adequate light intensity for optimal yield. It has also been upgraded with aluminum cooling heat sinks and it comes with 2 times high-speed whisper-quiet fans.

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    We appreciate the dual light spectrum that can be switched to suit the vegetative or flowering growth phase. This advanced platinum grow light is also made of waterproof materials so you don’t have to worry about damage from water splashing over your lights.

    Another great benefit we admire is the ability to mimic the conventional 400-watt HPS grow light while it actually consumes only 180 watts of power.

    Additionally, you get a 90 days refund policy and 5-year warranties which will give you ease and satisfaction in purchasing these great lights.

    However, the downside we notice is the heat. Plants must not be too close to the light.

    All in all, they are great for indoor gardening use. It’s one of our favorite versions of the advanced platinum series.

    Pros

    • Offers 100% light usability for plant growth.
    • 12 bands full light spectrum.
    • Packed with heat moderation supplies and cooling racks.
    • Made of waterproof materials.
    • Great for vegetative and flowering stages.
    • Offers high lumen output.
    • 90 days money-back guarantee and 5 years warranty.

    Cons

    • It’s a little pricey.
    • You should not place it too close to plants because of heat.

    Platinum Led Grow Lights Pros and Cons

    Advanced Platinum P600

    The Advanced Platinum p600 offers great features such as a 12-band full light spectrum from the depths of UV to the heights of IR. It has 2x-3x the intensity of any other grow lights. It also has a dual vegetative and flower functionality that makes it easy to switch between the two without having to swap out lights. It is fitted with high-speed whisper quiet fans plus ALL NEW upgraded aluminum cooling heat sinks.

    The p600 replaces the conventional 800W HPS grow light, and only consumes 350 watts of power while giving plants 100% usable light for maximum photosynthesis.

    This grow light is one of the most popular lights due to its ability to reach depths of up to 4 feet, which allows for maximum coverage of plants. It is also a flexible light and is easily scalable to fit any grow area size due to its long and narrow panel dimensions. With these, you can perfectly cover any grown area and still provide maximum light intensity for maximum plant yield.

    The p600 is equipped with 200 pcs 3w epistar LED, 4 pcs big quiet fans, and 5 pcs Aluminum heat sink, perfect cooling the light system, and keeping the light a long time output.

    The further focus by the 90-degree glass lens which expands the lighting area and focuses the light on the plant makes the light 100% absorbed.

    This grow light has all these advantages plus a complete 5-year warranty and a 90-day satisfaction or return guarantee.

    The Advanced Platinum p600 is great value for money and has great applications for greenhouse plants.

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    Advanced Platinum P1200

    The Advanced Platinum p1200 is an effective replacement for the conventional 1400W HPS grow light, while only consuming 758 watts of power and giving your plants 100% usable light.

    This is Advanced Platinum’s most powerful commercial-grade light, and the most powerful LED grow light available at the moment! 

    Suitable for everything from small-scale to full-scale commercial operations, this light produces amazing results like you wouldn’t believe. 

    The selectable “veg” and “bloom” light spectrums are sure to deliver maximum performance for your plants for seeding through to the final flower and harvest. You would therefore not need supplemental lighting as your plants are covered for their entire growth cycle.

    The Advanced Platinum p1200 has the highest PAR/lumen output per watt of any LED grow light. It provides a superior 12-band full spectrum with UV and IR. It also has whisper-quiet fans and aluminum cooling heat sinks.

    This light is perfect for large commercial operations and multiple units for even light coverage. It also comes with a 5-year warranty and an exclusive 90-day satisfaction or return guarantee

    Other advantages of this light include that it has no ballasts, it is easy to manage, clean, and relatively compact, making it easy to store.

    There are however some downsides to this product is very heavy. It also lacks manual guidelines which result in ambiguity. It has a smaller coverage area than other high-end competitors. 

    Advanced Platinum P900

    The light provides some of the highest PAR per watt of any LED grow lights on the market. It has a complete 12-band spectrum and ensures maximum yield with minimum power usage and heat

    The Platinum p900 replaces the conventional 1000w HPS grow light and only consumes 557 watts of power. It is still able to provide 100% usable light which creates the perfect conditions for maximum photosynthetic activity.

    The P900 is one of the most professional strength lights suitable for everything from a single light grow to full-scale commercial operations and especially excels in multi-panel setups such as 5×5 grow tents or large hydroponic flood trays.

    As with other Platinum LED lights, it has a selectable veg and bloom spectrum, as well as whisper-quiet fans and an upgraded cooling heat sink. All this and a 5-year warranty and 90-day money-back guarantee.

    Advanced Platinum Grow Lights Positioning

    While using advanced platinum lights, it’s important to get the right positioning to avoid plant burns. Follow these tips to get the right placements:

    • Seedlings: When using advanced platinum lights for your seedlings, you have to be very careful. We suggest you use the vegetative switch only and position your grow light about 36 to 40 inches apart. As your seedlings begin to germinate after a week or two weeks, you can then adjust the length between your grow light and plants to 24 inches. Ensure you use only the vegetative switch even through the rest of the vegetative period.
    • Vegetative: For the vegetative phase, the distance between your grow light and plants should be around 22 to 25 inches. You can then move your grow light closer as your plants mature and adapt to increased light intensity.
    • Flowering: For the flowering phase, you can maintain a distance of 15 to 18 inches between your grow lights and plants. Use both vegetative and flowering switches for this phase.

    The most important thing in all these is to always keep an eye on how your plants are reacting to light intensity. Your plants will always give you a hint of the perceptions of these lights.

    Advanced Platinum Grow Lights Positioning

    If you notice your plants’ leaves are pointing or moving in the direction of light, then that’s a good sign. It means you can move the light a bit closer. However, if you notice your plants are looking dry, with uneven color, or wilting, and you are sure every other environmental condition is perfected, you might want to move the lights away a little.

    You can also do a simple test by putting your palm in between the grow lights. This is to feel the heat emitted, so if it is hot, you should adjust accordingly and vice versa.

    Conclusion – Platinum LED Grow Light Review

    So, that’s it on platinum LED grow lights reviews. These lights are some of the top-rated LED grow lights on the market. They offer a lot of benefits, ease of use, and versatility that other brands of grow lights do not offer. With a wide selection of lights to choose from, you can be sure to find one that will suit you and your growing area or scale of operation.

    If you decide to purchase any of the advanced platinum lights, you can rest assured your plants will get optimal light for successful and optimal growth.

    FAQs

    Are Platinum led grow lights good?

    Yes, they are. Platinum led grow light system are more energy efficient than other lighting systems.

    Platinum lights are more expensive but if you do your research and decide on a system that you feel will work best for you, you should be good.

    What are the top rated LED grow lights?

    It can be a bit confusing with all of these different types of grow lights and different ways to grow your plants.

    LUXE LED Grow Lights Luxe is an industry leader in the field of LED grow lights, with products ranging from high-powered grow lights to low-wattage grow lights. Luxe LED grow lights are known for their ability to provide up to 4 times more plant growth than other types of lights. A single Luxe LED grow light can produce more than 10,000 lumens, which makes them a great option for growing plants indoors or outdoors. This means that you will have the ability to grow large plants quickly, which can make your indoor grow space more efficient. You can also use Luxe LED grow lights to grow herbs and flowers, and this is one of the main uses of these lights.

    Other LED light worth mentioning include Best LED grow light and Gixier Grow light, each featuring 1000 watts.

    What color of LED grow lights are best?

    LEDs (light emitting diodes) produce a lot less heat than HID lights, and they also produce less light energy waste. They have a longer life span and they use less electricity than HID lights, which makes them the most efficient way to grow plants indoors.

    LEDs produce light with a spectral distribution of specific colors. These colors are measured in nanometers or nanometers. Nanometers are the distance between two colors on a rainbow. For example, the yellow spectrum produces light with a wavelength of 560nm, which is closer to the red spectrum than the blue spectrum.

    The most efficient wavelengths are in the blue and red range. Plants need light in different wavelengths for different purposes. Blue light is known to promote flowering in some plants. The higher the blue content of the LED grow lights, the more blue light will be emitted. Red light is used to promote flowering in plants like tomatoes. You can also mix blue and red light to get different colors.

    What wattage is best for grow lights?

    In general, you need to consider grow lights of 20 to 40 watts per square foot.
    If you are going to be doing this for a while, you may want to consider 50 watts per square foot, which would be closer to what you get from a 60 watt CFL or a 75 watt T8. You can always go bigger later on if you see that the plants need it.

  • Growing With T12 Fluorescent Lights

    Growing With T12 Fluorescent Lights

    Growing with fluorescent grow lights is great for your plants. However, there are different types of fluorescent grow lights that perform different operations. In this article, we will be discussing growing with T12 fluorescent lights.

    It is crucial you choose the right type of fluorescent light for your plants’ needs. This is so your plants can receive the appropriate light to develop. So, let’s look into growing with T12 fluorescent lights and how they affect your plants’ growth.

    What Are Fluorescent Lights?

    Fluorescent growing bulbs produce low intensity and will not emit too much heat. Thus, they are perfect for growing various plants such including seedlings and clones.

    Fluorescent lights are also ideal for growing plants that do not demand too much light intensity. It will supply the appropriate type of light needed by your plants without causing any harm. They are especially ideal for growing vegetables, herbs, spinach, lettuce, and the likes. They are also great for vegetative growth and flowering growth.

    There are various types of fluorescent tube lights you can choose for your indoor garden but not all fluorescent lights are the same.  You can distinguish them by their diameters and they are represented by the “T” letter. The T letter indicates the bulb has a tube shape.

    We have from T4 to T12 fluorescent light tubes and we will be discussing the T12 fluorescent lights. The 12 in this T12 bulb indicates that the bulb is 12/8 in diameter or 1.5 inches.

    Growing With T12 Fluorescent Lights

    Although T12 is not so great amongst the other T fluorescent lights we have, nevertheless, T12 can supply your plants with lights for their growing needs.

    T12 fluorescent light has been in existence for a long and they are regarded as older technology. It may be a little scarce to find them in the market as they are been discontinued by some manufactures. However, you can find the ones used for residential purposes still available.

    The T12 fluorescent lights usually absorb more wattage and they will only supply you with fewer lumens or brightness. They are not so long-lasting as other fluorescents. Thus, using T12 fluorescent lights might cost you to always replace them very often and they are not so efficient unlike other types of T fluorescent lights.

    T12 Fluorescent Lights - Growing Plants

    We will not recommend you depend on T12 lights only for growing. You can have other types of fluorescent lights such as T5 and T8 to get optimal plant production.

    You can however rely on T12 fluorescent grow light if you’re using them for only small seedlings germination. Small seedlings germination does not require too much light intensity.

    Some Recommended T12 Fluorescent Lights

    Below are some recommended T12 fluorescent lights you can use I growing your plants:

    1.    GE Plant and Aquarium Fluorescent Light Bulb, F20T12 Grow Light

    GE plant and aquarium fluorescent F20T12 grow light is ideal for some plants and aquariums. It features 750 lumens, 20 watts, warm white, bi-pin base, and it measures 1.5-inch diameter.

    This is a T12 type of fluorescent grow light that can supply your indoor plants with light. They are especially great for indoor vegetable garden seedlings.

    GE Lighting (Pack of 4) Fluorescent F20T12 Daylight, 24 inch, 20 watt T12, Fluorescent Light Bulb
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    10/19/2025 02:04 am GMT

    It can also provide light to your aquatic vegetation. The fluorescent bulb comprises a combination of phosphorous and this will supply plenty of red and blue lights. The bulb can last you up to 4 years if you follow the 6 hours daily usage.

    Although they may not provide a wide range of the light spectrum, they can still be utilized on plants that require lesser light intensity.

    2.    Active Grow T8/T12 High Output 4FT LED Grow Light Tube for Germination & Microgreens

    The active grow light is a type of T8/T12 tube your indoor plants can utilize. It features 22 watts and sun white full spectrum. The bulbs are great as they offer bright light for your plants’ growth. The brightness is twice as bright compared to older fluorescent lamps.

    This grow light is especially ideal for seed germination and microgreens. It is also ideal for vertical farming and can be used on houseplants.

    This grow light is energy-saving and the lamp features are durable. The heat emitted is also moderate thus, safe for your plants.

    FAQ’s

    Can I use T12 as grow lights?

    T12’s are not really meant to be used as grow lights. They are not designed for that purpose, and are not as efficient as other lighting technologies.

    They are intended to be used as a general lighting fixture in the home, similar to an incandescent bulb. The average T12 has a rated output of about 700-1000 lumens (lm). For comparison, a 600W incandescent bulb has an output of about 30 lm. If you were to use a T12 as a grow light, you would have to replace it every year or two because the light output will decrease over time due to a chemical reaction.

    Can I use a regular fluorescent light as a grow light?

    Yes, you can.
    Fluorescent bulbs are the most common type of lighting used in homes and offices today. They are compact, low energy consuming, durable, and easy to operate. They can be found at any hardware store or home improvement store. You can choose between incandescent and fluorescent bulbs for your grow room.
    The only issue you will have with using a regular fluorescents is that the light will not be as bright as it could be. You can still use a regular fluorescent bulb for plants if you are growing indoors. The amount of light that your plants get depends on how close they are to the bulb.

    Which is better for plants LED or fluorescent?

    LEDs are superior for plant lighting, but they’re not perfect. They don’t have the same color temperature (which you may want in your garden) as florescent tubes, and they aren’t quite as efficient. The problem is that LEDs are based on semiconductors, which can be easily damaged by moisture, so you’ll need to keep them well-ventilated.

    LEDs can also be pricey, so it may be worth considering a florescent tube instead of an LED if your budget allows.

    Can I leave my grow light on 24 hours?

    Yes, you can leave your grow light on 24/7 and it will not damage your plants. But, there are a few things you should be aware of if you do so. The first thing is that you need to make sure you have a good ventilation system in place to avoid a buildup of carbon dioxide. If the carbon dioxide levels get too high, you could end up with a greenhouse effect. This could cause your plants to look like they are under stress and could even kill them. Also, make sure you have adequate humidity levels in your closet, as well as a temperature monitor. These will help you keep track of how much heat your grow light is giving off and how much humidity you’re creating.

    What light bulb is closest to natural sunlight?

    I think the closest you’re going to get is a “daylight” bulb. There are bulbs that are closer, but they are still far from perfect. This one is rated at 2700K and has a color rendering index (CRI) of 92, which is very good for a bulb in this range.

    Fluorescent Grow Lights Bulbs Conclusion

    Growing with T12 fluorescent lights may not be the best of the best but they can be used on certain plants that require low light intensity. They can also be used on small germinating seedlings.

     

  • 5000k vs 6500k For Plants- Know The Difference

    5000k vs 6500k For Plants- Know The Difference

    You may have come across some color temperature values especially these two options: 5000k and 6500k. Now, the question is which better option when it comes to 5000k vs 6500k for your plants growth?

    Different people or even experts may recommend you go for either one because they are better and you end up getting confused. But in the actual sense, which one is really better in 5000k vs 6500k for your plants?

    To answer your troubling questions, we have put together this article for you to know the difference between 5000k and 6500k. So, continue reading to find out the answer.

    Kelvin Color Temperature

    Before we look into 5000k vs 6500k for plants, let’s have an idea of what Kelvin’s color temperature is. Kelvin’s color temperature illustrates the look of light supplied by a given light bulb. The measurement of color temperature is in Kelvin (K) and the Kelvin scale ranges from 1,000 to 10,000.

    Kelvin scale is used to measure or determine the source of light and the direction the light spectrum follows. Now if you want to describe or have an idea of how the light appears, color temperature is used. On a Kelvin scale, the lesser numbers 1000k to 3000k fall under orange and yellow while the higher numbers around 4000k to 7000k fall under blue.

    Kelvin Color Temperature

    The Importance Of Color Temperature For Plants

    Color temperature is very crucial for the growth of plants as it will tell you the spectrum of light required. Growing various plants indoors will require you to recreate the light supplied by the sun.

    Light serves as the energy in plants used in their developments. Photosynthesis makes use of light to make food and certain chemicals or pigments on the leaves make this possible.

    The pigment chlorophyll present in plants allows light to be absorbed for their use. Chlorophyll will take in the different light spectrum at different rates. So, getting the right color temperature values for your plants’ growth is important.

    Also, note that the distance you place your light source will determine the light intensity supplied to your plant. If the light source is moved closer to your plants they will receive more light intensity and vice versa.  However, ensure the heat emitted from your grow light is minimal to prevent your plants from burning.

    6500k vs 5000k For Plants: Which Is Better?

    Generally, plants will grow optimally between the 2700k and 7000k range. This range is very similar to natural sunlight which helps plants grow better. So, when it comes to 500k vs 6500k, we can say they fall into the perfect Kelvin scale range ideal for plant growth.

    If you’re already making use of either 5000k or 6500k and it is working for you perfectly, then there’s no reason to change. They will both offer your plants pretty similar results. If you keep asking different people what the best color temperature between 5000k and 6500k, you will keep getting up to 10 different answers.

    Ideally, your plants will benefit from anything daylight ranging from 5000k to 6500k. So, you can stick with whichever one.

    Both 5000k and 6500k are great for the vegetative phase, flowering phase, and fruiting phase. So, they are ideal for the general growth of your plants.

    The only difference between 5000k and 6500k is that 5000k is considered morning light. On the other hand, 6500k may be regarded as noon light.

    Which Is Brighter In 5000K vs 6500K?

    The Kelvin color temperature does not depend on brightness. For instance, a LED light with 6500k could be dim and have a lamp of 5000k that is extremely bright and vice versa.

    The color temperature of Kelvin will not tell you how anything about the brightness of a light source. It will only determine or measure the source of light and the direction of the light spectrum.

    There are various ways to determine brightness but one common way you can determine the brightness is through the lumen. Higher lumen results in brighter light and it measures the intensity of light that we humans can see.

    Therefore, the combination of Kelvin and lumen will give you a hint of how good the light intensity of a certain grow light is.

    Final Say 5000k for veg vs 6500k for veg Plants

    So, we have concluded that there’s isn’t much difference when it comes to 5000k vs 6500k for plants. Your plants will do well with either one of these color temperature values.

     

  • Growing With T8 Fluorescent Lights

    Growing With T8 Fluorescent Lights

    Commencing hydroponic indoor gardening will require some good planning. Choosing the appropriate grow light is an important factor to consider in indoor gardening. Using T8 fluorescent lights when it comes to growing with hydroponics is a great option as it will provide optimal lighting for your plants’ growth.

    Choosing the right lighting source for your indoor garden will determine how well your plant flourishes and yield a good harvest. Be it flowers, vegetables, etc, you should know the right type of grow light for your various plants.

    We will be discussing growing with T8 fluorescent lights and see how they affect the growth of your plants. So, read on to find out.

    Grow Light For Indoor Plants

    Grow lights are bulbs used to replicate and provide the light from sunlight to your plant. They are used in indoor gardens and are essential at every stage of your plant’s life cycle.

    There are various grow lights that can be purchased. Some are costly while some are of moderate price. Choosing the right type of grow light that will offer your plant optimal support and result in greater yield is important. You wouldn’t want to end up choosing the wrong type of grow light.

    Therefore, let’s take a look at how growing with T8 fluorescent grow lights will be and how they affect the growth of your plants.

    Growing With T8 Fluorescent Grow Lights

    T8 fluorescent lights have been in existence for a long and they have been used in an indoor hydroponics garden.

    Generally, fluorescent lights are more affordable unlike some other grow lights such as LED. The heat they emit is minimal thus will not burn your plants. They will also supply your plants with good light intensity for their development.

    T8 grow light is made of tubular style with a 1-inch diameter. They are energy efficient and they are mainly used for seedlings, veggies, cuttings or cloning, and flowering. T8 grow light can also be easily interchanged with older types of fluorescent light.

    They are also one of the best lights used in the vertical farming system. T8 grow lights are known to be pretty durable with a longer lifespan.

    Growing Vegetables With T8 Fluorescent Lights

    Growing vegetables indoors with T8 fluorescent lights will offer your veggies lots of benefits.

    Simply ensure you position your fixtures at the appropriate distance to your plants so they can receive optimal light intensity. Also, make sure you leave the T8 to grow light long enough for your plants to receive adequate light for growth.

    grow lights t8

    Seedlings

    T8 light can as well be used on germinating seeds or growing seedlings. Just ensure you place your grow light in the right position as young seedlings will require less light intensity. It is when they begin to grow well and strong the light fixtures can be increased.

    However, for seedlings that love sun or light, you should have their grow light at least 1 foot above the plants. T8 bulb of 48 inches should be left on for around 22 to 28 hours daily.

    Some Recommended T8 Grow Lights Bulbs

    Below are some recommended T8 fluorescent lights you can go for:

    1.    Monios-L T8 LED Grow Light 2FT, 144W(6×24W) High Output Plant Grow Light Strip

    The Monions-L T8 LED grow light features two rows with a high-quality full-spectrum LED. The heat emitted is not too much and it’s safe for plants. It’s also very bright and easy to install.

    Also, this T8 grow light is great for all plant stages. It is capable of connecting up to 6 grow lights at once. Ensure you keep the 4 to 39 inches between your plants and grow light.

    61J7ginep7L. AC SL1000
    Check Price on Amazon

    2.    LED Grow Light Strip, 4ft T8 Grow Light Fixture

    This T8 LED grow light will offer your plants a full light spectrum. It features removable reflectors and the light angles can be conveniently adjusted.

    It is very durable, easy to install, and has a low maintenance cost. They are very flexible and can be easily fixed or hanged in most places in your house.

    Also, you can link them with 6 other grow lights and they are a great choice for home gardening and commercial gardening.

    61bFdwd2NuL. AC SL1000
    Check Price on Amazon

    3.    Barrina Grow Light, 96W(4 x 24W, 600W Equivalent), 2ft T8, Super Bright, Full Spectrum Sunlight Plant Light

    The Barrina T8 grow light is another full-spectrum light ideal for your indoor plants. They are easy to set up and are made of reflectors which helps enhance the light output.

    71jvQT bMLL. AC SL1000
    Check Price on Amazon

    Can I use T8 bulbs to grow plants?

    The short answer is yes. The T8 bulb produces a brighter light than the HPS bulbs used in your current setup, and it’s usually about half as much power (so less heat) as an HPS. It does not produce quite as much UV as an HPS bulb, so you may want to consider whether that’s enough for your plants.
    T8 bulbs are good for replacing fluorescent lamps or CFLs in existing lighting systems, but not for replacing the HPS bulbs.

    Can fluorescent lights be used as grow lights?

    The answer is that it should be ok, but you have to use high quality bulbs.
    I would also advise to make sure that his light fixture has enough space for the plant to grow and has adequate ventilation. There is no doubt that the fluorescent lights will give off some heat, so he should keep the lights a good distance from the plants and not have the plants too close to the fixture. There is always the danger of the bulb burning out in the fixtures if the plant is too close.
    here are many types of fluorescent lamps available. Some are designed specifically for growing plants and some are general purpose. There are three main types of fluorescent lights that you can use to grow plants: High-pressure sodium (HPS), medium-pressure sodium (MPS) and low-pressure sodium (LPS). There are also fluorescent tubes that you can purchase for the same purpose.

    How far should fluorescent lights be from plants?

    The distance between the plant and the light should be as short as possible, but not longer than 3-4 feet. If the lights are too far away, they can appear to “grow” upwards instead of downwards. This is called “vertical growth.” The reason for this is that as a plant grows, it pushes out new cells in the top of the stem.

    These cells then send their own roots towards the light source. When the cell’s roots reach the light source, the cell stops growing. Because the light source is so close to the plant, the new roots grow upwards rather than downwards. This is a normal part of a plant’s growth cycle.

    Will tomatoes grow under fluorescent lights?

    Yes, they will. But it is important to keep the lights low and in a position where the plant can’t get shade from any overhead source. Here’s what I would recommend. Place the lights directly over the plants. Make sure you have adequate ventilation if you are using them indoors. The heat that they produce will be enough to warm the air around the plants, but you need to make sure the temperature doesn’t rise too high.

    If the air gets too hot, you may want to move the plants to a cooler area, such as a basement or garage.

    Conclusion

    These grow lights t8 can be linked with 12 other lights with connecting cords. Their light is very bright and great for indoor gardens.

  • Best Light Spectrum For Clones

    Best Light Spectrum For Clones

    It is the wish of all growers to maximize the growth potential of their clones. Providing the correct light spectrum is paramount to the development of your clones. So, if you’re wondering what the best light spectrum for your clones is, we will let you know in this post.

    Plant cloning has been in existence for decades and it’s been used to produce desirable plant characteristics on a large scale.  One of the major sources of energy comes from the light which is why it’s crucial for the development of your clones.

    Continue reading to find out the best light spectrum required for the growth of your plant clones.

    Cloning Light

    Cloning involves producing or making an exact match or copy of a plant from a mother plant. The plant to be cloned must have excellent features such as no plant stress, plant disease resistance, healthy plant growth, etc.

    Cloning is another way of starting and growing a plant instead of seed germination. If you maintain and follow all the right tips for cloning, you will have a successful plant in the end.

    Best Light Spectrum For Clones

    Starting off your cloned plants the right way is the key to a successful plant outcome. So, talking about providing the best light spectrum for your clones, we recommend the blue light color. Also, if you wish to provide a full light spectrum to your clones, it won’t hurt.

    Generally, plants require two main types of the light spectrum to flourish which are blue and red. Blue and red are as well great for plant cloning.

    The blue light spectrum is required by clones for root development. On the other hand, the red light spectrum assists in the growth of plants and flowering of the plant. The red light spectrum is also required for photosynthesis which helps in the production of plant food to boost their growth.

    However, for the first period, ensure you make use of blue light first to enhance the growth of the root.

    Read more about: How Long it For Clones To Root

    Grow Light That Produces The Best Light Spectrum For Clones

    Note that the grow light that produces one of the best light spectrums is the cool white fluorescents. You can as well go for a combination of cool white fluorescents and warm white fluorescents. These lights are especially great for young clones as they require minimal light power for their early growth stage.

    clone light

    Other types of grow lights such as HID, LED, and so on can as well be used for your clones. However, these grow lights may be too strong for young clones. They won’t be as effective as fluorescent grow lights.

    The household CFL is another good option to use on your clones. Household CFLs such as spiraled light have also shown good outcomes on young clones. Be sure to take care when using CFL lights on your clones as they emit plenty of heat. Give them a good distance between your clones to avoid burning them.

    How Much Light For Clones Is Required?

    Supplying your clones with the correct light spectrum will enhance their growth to give you abundant yield. Although for the first two days, your clone does not require any light because they need to be in the dark.

    Ideally, you should supply your clones with about 18 hours of light. This will encourage the growth of stems and healthy leaves. The remaining of your clone 6 hours is to be in the dark to also encourage the growth of roots.

    Other Lighting Tips For Clones

    Here are some cloning tips to ensure you give your clones the best lighting for optimal growth:

    1. Take note of the heat of any to-grow light you’re making use of. You can do a simple test by placing your hand between the distance of the light and your clones to feel the heat. If you feel too much heat on your hand try to move the distance a little farther from your clones.
    2. As your clones develop, ensure you monitor their appearance. If you notice the yellowing of leaves or drying of leaves, it may imply your grow light is too close to your plants that it gives off too much heat. Quickly do the proper adjustments.
    3. Use only low light levels for your clones as they flourish and grow well in them.
    4. As your clones develop and grow stronger and hardened, they will need more light. Thus, you can increase the light intensity gradually.
    5. Allow your clones to develop strong root systems before exposing them to powerful or bright lights.

    Which Wavelength of Light is The Least Useful to Your Plants’ Growth?

    Greenlight is the least useful for plant growth. Plants poorly absorb this light wavelength since their chlorophyll pigment is already green. It might not make much sense, but this rejection is a form of protection. However, scientists don’t have the exact reason pinned down yet.

    What Wavelength of Light Do Plants Absorb?

    The pigments in plant cells that are responsible for collecting energy can only absorb specific wavelengths of light. Plants absorb blue and red light the best. Blue light has a wavelength range of 425 – 450 nm, and red light ranges from 600 – 700 nm.

    The wavelength range plants use to photosynthesize is between 400 nm and 700nm. This is known as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR), and this changes seasonally and even differs depending on the time of the day.

    What is The Best Light Spectrum for Vegetative Growth?

    Vegetative growth refers to the growth period between germination and flowering. During this stage, plants photosynthesize and collect the energy they need to flower and reproduce. If you’re growing plants under a grow light, you need to ensure they have the right light during this developmental stage.

    Blue and red light waves are best for the vegetative stage. If you use a mixture of both, you’ll get great results! Blue light improves plant structure. Red light is responsible for increasing leaf growth and stem elongation. This wavelength also promotes flowering and fruit development.

    If you need to encourage structure strength, increase the ratio of blue light. Use more red light if your plants are leafy or near flowering.

    Do Full-Spectrum Grow Lights Emit UV Rays?

    If you’re keeping your plants under grow lights, you need to mimic natural sunlight as closely as possible. A full-spectrum light will do this task best.

    Full-spectrum grow lights emit UV rays. The wavelength of your light should be between 100 and 400nm for effectiveness. You’ll have to keep your plants under this light for at least 12 hours daily.

    Compared to standard blue and red fluorescent light bulbs, a full-spectrum light can almost double the quality of light. It’s the closest to the natural sunlight you can give your plants.

    How to Make a Full-Spectrum LED Grow Light?

    It’s relatively easy to set up your own full-spectrum grow light. I suggest buying a kit that contains all the elements you need. This will work out cheaper, especially if you have nothing on hand.

    Your kit should include blue, red, green, and white light. The lights your choice will determine the quality of your setup. Ultimately, the outcome of your plants!

    Full-spectrum LED growth lights should range from ultraviolet to infrared. This will ensure it mimics natural daylight as closely as possible. The wavelength range of your setup should be between 400 nm and 700 nm.

    Remember to evaluate the CRI (color rendering index) of your setup. The higher this is, the closer your lights are to sunlight.

    Clone Light Conclusion

    We have concluded that the best light spectrum for clones is blue and red colors. They are required for the development of roots for your clones and optimal growth.

  • How To Build A Recirculating Deep Water Culture System

    How To Build A Recirculating Deep Water Culture System

    If you would like to know how to build a recirculating deep water culture system, we will enlighten you on this. We have various types of hydroponic systems and recirculating deep water culture system is one of them.

    Recirculating deep water culture system (DWC) is one of the most convenient, easy to build, and moderate cost hydroponic systems you can go for. So let’s explore how to build a recirculating deep water culture system.

    What Is A Deep Water Culture & Recirculating Deep Water System?

    Deepwater culture (DWC) is a method of hydroponic system gardening whereby plants’ roots are suspended or submerged in a nutrient-rich solution and oxygenated water. There is a reservoir used to store the nutrient and water solution for plants use.

    Now, this deep water culture system has different types and recirculating deep water culture (RDCWC) is the one we are going to be talking about.

    In a regular or traditional deep water culture, there’s the stress of monitoring each system’s pH, nutrient level, and so on. It is only ideal for a small system. However, if you wish to have a larger system that will contain more plants, recirculating deep water system should be your choice.

    Learn How To Build A Recirculating Deep Water Culture System

    Recirculating deep water culture system is the combination of different deep water culture systems through some connecting pipes.

    The major difference between deep water culture and recirculating deep water culture is that the nutrient water solution in RDCWC will be pumped from a big reservoir. Then it will be passed through other small systems and returns to the reservoir. Thus creating a re-circulation.

    Materials Required

    A big nutrient reservoir, small gallon of buckets, net pots, air stones, air tubing, air pumps, growing medium, nutrient solution, pH meter, and connecting pipes, grow lights for indoor purpose.

    Step 1

    Obtain a big reservoir tank for storing nutrient solutions. Now, this big tank will be linked to every other small reservoir for each plant. Then all the small tanks or reservoirs will be connected by pipes.

    It is this big tank that will pass or supply nutrient solutions to other small tanks. It will now be returned or recirculated back into the big tank. An inline water filter is used to control and recirculate the water. The roots of your plants will be totally suspended on this nutrient solution.

    big reservoir tank RDCWC

    Note that the big reservoir needs to be stored in a light-proof container.

    Step 2

    Obtain some air pump and air stone to be put in the big tank and each small tank. Air stones will produce bubbles that encourage gas exchange and good aeration in combination with air pumps. So, this will keep the root of your plants well oxygenated as oxygenation is paramount to the survival of your plants in RCDWC.

    Step 3

    Next use net pots to hold your plants in. The net pots have holes that will allow your plant roots to reach below the nutrient water solution.

    Then go ahead to fill the net tots with a growing medium like perlite, clay pellets, pebbles, lava rocks, and so on.

    Step 4

    When you’re done setting up your deep water culture system, ensure you check the pH value. Always sustain a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth.

    The nutrient solution in your reservoir can be replaced once a week or once in two weeks. Also, ensure you always check the nutrient conditions in your reservoir with an EC meter and PPM meter.

    Deep Water Culture (DWC) Hydroponic Bubbler Bucket Kit

    7159OGi2CaL. AC SX569
    Check Price on Amazon

    Plants That Can Be Grown In Recirculating Deep Water Culture System

    So, plants that can be grown in recirculating deep water culture system include:

    Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, squash, pepper, cucumbers, and so on.

    Benefits Of Recirculating DWC System

    Below are the benefits you stand to gain when using recirculating deep water culture system for planting:

    • Recirculating deep water culture system is very easy to set up and the components are easily accessible.

    • This system is cost-effective. Also, maintenance is not demanding once your system is up and running. There is less worrying about clogging or blocked pipes or systems.

    • You enjoy the faster growth of plants because nutrients are absorbed directly and easily. Also, the rich oxygenated system encourages faster nutrient uptake.

    • Taller or larger plants can be grown in the recirculating deep water culture system.

    • The watering scheme is very easy.

    • The fertilization requirement is not demanding as the plants are always submerged in nutrient-filled water solutions.

    Benefits Of Recirculating DWC System

    FAQ’s

    How do you set up a recirculating deep water culture?

    You’ll need a PVC pipe with an internal diameter of at least 12 inches (30 cm), and ideally the bottom end should be threaded. You’ll also need a pump, some tubing to connect the pump to the pipe, and a valve.
    You’ll also need a few other things: A tank. A plastic or stainless steel tank is best for this, but if you don’t have one available, you can still grow plants, but the water quality will be poor. You may also need a heating element if you want to keep your growing area warm. A reservoir. This is a container that holds water when it’s not being used to grow plants. It’s usually connected to the tank, so the water level in both containers remains the same. Pots. These are the main part of the system. You’ll need at least two pots, though more would be better. An air pump. If you have a standard garden pump, you should be able to adapt it to work as an air pump, by placing it in a bucket with some holes drilled in the lid. The potting mix. For this you’ll need a small amount of compost or peat, and some kind of plant food.
    Fill the potting mix with water until it’s about 3/4 of the way full. Add the growing mix, using at least twice as much as the volume of the water you added. Pump the water through the tubing and into the potting mix in the reservoir, so that the water mixes with the potting mix. Leave the pump running for around 10 minutes. You can check how well the mix is draining by looking at the surface of the water in the reservoir. If it’s still relatively full, turn off the pump and leave the potting mix undisturbed overnight. The next day, check that the water has drained away. If it hasn’t, restart the pump. The first time you do this, you may need to add more fish emulsion to achieve the right consistency. Keep an eye on the level of the water in the reservoir. It should be just below the top of the growing mix. If the water level starts to rise, stop pumping. The extra water will drain away. When the water reaches the top of the growing mix, stop pumping again and wait a few minutes before restarting the pump. This will allow the water to drain away completely. When you restart the pump, keep an eye on the level of the water in the reservoir. It should be at the top of the growing mix. Repeat the process every day or two, until the water level in the reservoir is about 3/4 of the way down the potting mix. If you want to grow plants, you’ll need some kind of light. You can use any kind of light that’s appropriate for your plants, but a combination of fluorescent and regular lighting is probably best. You’ll also need a thermostat. This is a device that controls the temperature of your growing area, so you can maintain a constant temperature throughout the day.

    How much air is needed for a DWC system?

    The short answer is that it depends on the plants you are growing. If you are growing plants that do not have a lot of surface area, then you will need more air than if you were growing plants with a lot of surface area. If you are growing plants in pots, then you will need more air than if you were growing them in a tray or other container.

    Recirculating DWC Hydroponic System Conclusion

    We hope by now you have learned how to build a recirculating deep water culture system.