Choosing a Light

 


When it comes to how your plants will receive the light they need, there is no doubt that sunlight is the best option. However, if you are unable to grow outdoors due to legal or security reasons, then you must grow indoors. Light is one of the biggest ways to increase yields. This article will go over the different options available to provide your cannabis plant with the light that it craves. Before reading this article on choosing a light, I recommend reading our grow overview for beginner and advanced growing tips. If you are looking for a reputable company with top of the line grow lights, check out Spider Farmer. 


Considerations Before Choosing a Light

Budget: Time and consideration should be taken before choosing a grow light. You will have to pick a light that fits your budget, but also suits your needs. There are definitely affordable options out there, but be sure to do your due diligence, because there are a lot of bootleg lights claiming to be top notch. Subscribe and check out this article in the future for recommendation links and discounts.

Number of lights needed: When purchasing a grow light, information will be listed that tells you what space that light is rated for. So make sure to choose accordingly. Choosing a light that is over/underpowered for your space can dramatically affect your yields. Sometimes you can get away with having an overpowered light if it has a dimmer. This is great if you know one day you will be growing in a bigger space. Just be sure the light can fit in the space that you are growing as well.

Airflow: Proper ventilation is key for indoor grows. If possible, having an intake fan that brings in cool air, and an exhaust fan to pull hot air out is the recommended. If heat is an issue, try using a light that doesn't generate as much heat as other lights, such as an LED (which I will discuss below). Having an AC in the growing room helps as well. Just be sure to monitor temps and keep them in the optimal range of 70-80°F with lights on and 65-75 with lights off.

Stage of plant growth: In terms of grow phases, one light does not fit all. The stage of growth that your plant is in will determine which light is best for you to use. You need a light that is not too strong for your young seedlings and then when they are more mature, they will need more light intensity.

Safety: Always be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines concerning your light to avoid fire hazards. If you are going to be working under grow lights for extended periods of time, depending on the light, you might also want to cover your skin with long sleeves and pants, wear a hat, and use specifically designed glasses to protect your eyes. Method Seven has an amazing selection of high quality products used by professionals and employees of commercial grow ops. Use coupon code KKMS420 during checkout to save 10%.


Grow Light Options

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL): These lights are the ones commonly used in the different rooms within your house. These bulbs use the least amount of electricity and they are gentle to use on seedlings. Once your plants become more mature, these lights are not recommended. Cannabis needs more light intensity at that stage and using these during vegetation can cause plants to grow "leggy" and your yields will be affected come harvest time. T5 lights are a great option when growing multiple seedlings or clones at one time.


T5 Lights Being Used for Growing Clones



High Intensity Discharge (HID): High intensity discharge lights use a reflector, hood, a screw in bulb, and it plugs into a ballast that plugs into your timer and power source. There are affordable options for these, but they also consume the most electricity compared to other options and the cost of bulbs will add up over time. There are two types of bulbs. They are metal halide (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS). Choose a wattage that is rated for your grow space.

Metal Halide (MH) - These bulbs produce a blue/white and are typically used by growers when the plant is in the vegetation stage of growth. 

High Pressure Sodium (HPS) - HPS bulbs produce a warm yellow light and are used by growers in the flowering stage of growth. Some grower will use HPS for the vegetation and flowering. 


HPS Lights Being Used During Vegetation



Light Emitting Diodes (LED): These lights provide light intensity and they are gentle on your electric bill. You can use these lights during vegetative growth and during the flowering phase. Just be sure it has a switch for the two or be sure the light is full spectrum. These lights are very efficient and last several years. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications to choose an LED light that is rated for your grow space. 


Cannabis Plants Growing Under An LED Light



Now you have a better understanding of the importance of lighting in your grow room and are more aware of the available options to choose from. As stated previously, I highly recommend Spider Farmer for any grow light purchases. Click this link to use my coupon code at checkout and save some money!


Location: Boston, MA, USA

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