Grow light question... thinking ahead

8 years ago

Hi all,

wondering what other’s experiences have been with using different types of grow lights/bulbs. I have 2 large 3 tier shelves; a total of 6 fixtures. Each fixture uses 2 T5 fluorescent bulbs. These worked great for me and all my succulents over the winter and were honestly less harmful to my electric bill than I had initially anticipated. Now I’m considering switching the bulbs out for T5 LEDs because they use less energy, last nearly twice as long and produce significantly less heat. Although I know it will be pretty expensive up front to make the switch, it seems like over the long term, LEDs would provide some real savings. However, I have limited knowledge in terms of which, fluorescent or LED, would be more beneficial to my plants and their growth. And I’m not entirely sure of the best way to figure that out. Currently the vast majority my plants are outside for the summer, minus a couple finicky ones, so I have plenty of time to decide and/or chip away at replacing bulbs. Just wondering if there’s anyone who has grown succulents under both fluorescent and LED and if so, did one seem to perform better over the other? Are there any other types of lights that have worked well for you? I’m open to suggestions:)

Thanks a million for any insight!

Featured Answer

User

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

You really are thinking way ahead! That's good, you have plenty of time.

I grow only succulents and the short of it is this: I ended up replacing all of my T12s with LED panels which turned out to be way better. I have also tried two LED replacement tubes and ended up ditching it (not enough light output). I kept my 4-bulb T5HO panel for plants that need both light and heat in winter.

Check this out.

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Comments (10)

AnnaWSul1 (5a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you! I will definitely read through some of those discussions! I’m currently using just regular T5s not T5HO which I’m assuming means mine are less intense? Did you find your plants were stretching under LED tubes?In terms of panels, do you have a recommendation? I looked into them in the past when I was first considering grow lights but honestly my head was spinning with all the different types I landed on T5s instead. My shelves give me a total of 30 square feet of space, so no matter what, a switch will be pricey
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SpanishFly - (Mediterranean)
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I only use a 4 X 10^26 W 5800K fusion light . The best and TOTALLY FREE

.
jaittasa
8 years ago
Love me some LEDs. Finally got around to hanging 4 more strips to the left shelf.

The bulbs on the top shelves are just regular 20w spots from supermarket, each puts out 2520 lumens. The lower shelves have Horticulture Lighting Groups Quantum Boards, about 40 watts per light and 6000+ lumens each.
AnnaWSul1 (5a)
Original Author
8 years ago
@SpanishFly - is that fluorescent? I can’t seem to find anything on it?

@jaittasa - holy smokes! That’s amazing! Those little strips provide enough light?!? Mind blown!
SpanishFly - (Mediterranean)
8 years ago
No Anna - it´s the SUN !!!
ewwmayo
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have both T5HO and LED. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

LED efficiency and lower heat output for equivalent light is pretty awesome for growing indoors on hot days. Price is a major downside.

Both work very well. I had no issues getting very good colourful growth throughout the year with either with a wide variety of succulents.

Here are some of mine hiding indoors from the heat today under LED:

And others hanging out on the roof right now, tolerating the heat:
AnnaWSul1 (5a)
Original Author
8 years ago
Hahaha SpanishFly, if only I lived in an ideal climate for year round outdoor growing :(

ewwmayo - thank you so much!! This helps immensely. If LED tubes ultimately provide the same amount of light, and there’s similar if not the same results for plant growth, it seems like a really good option. Even if I only do one fixture at a time.
Chris (6a in MA)
8 years ago
Ewwmayo, what is the specs for the LED tube? I use the blurple LED panel for winter.
ewwmayo
8 years ago
Chris - This is what I'm using: https://www.sunblasterlighting.com/our-products/grow-lighting/led-strip-lights/

Anna - Both LED and T5HO produce plenty of light for succulents. If you need more light you can add more fixtures and place them closer together.