The Best Lights for Hydroponics

Conventional Fluorescent Light

• Fluorescent lights are low output and low heat lights. These are good supplemental lights when it comes to growing plants that have a low need for light such as seedlings and several types of lettuce. They are not as draining on your power bill; however, their efficiency is limited.

T5 Fluorescent Light

• Unlike the conventional fluorescent light, the T5 produces a broad spectrum of colors necessary for plant photosynthesis and plant growth. The T5 produces light that falls into several categories. The 3000K T5 bulb produces a red/orange spectrum that is ideal for budding and flowering. AT5-6500K bulb produces a blue/white spectrum that is excellent for all stages for plant growth.

Metal Halide Lights

• This is the best light choice if you are using it as the primary light source for your plants. The metal halide (MH) lights produce a broad spectrum of light. Plants need certain colors of light during specific stages of growth. Therefore, the MH light meets the needs of the plant during every stage with its broad light spectrum. The MH light appears as white-blue to the human eye. It is called a high intensity discharge lamp. It produces a high amount of light and heat at high wattage.

High Pressure Sodium

• High pressure sodium (HPS) lamps are best as supplemental lamps along with sunshine. These lamps fall into the yellow-orange spectrum and are great for helping plants bud and flower. Like the MH, the HPS lamp is a high intensity discharge lamp. These lamps serve well in commercial applications and greenhouses. These lamps also produce a high wattage.