Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for some grow lights, not just for seedlings but for growing mature plants too. I was initially considering ~6000K T12 tubes, but I've heard they're mostly good for seedlings. I prefer full spectrum lights that include UVA and UVB, as I want to encourage flowering and boost the quality of my final products. My budget is a bit tight, so I really need some affordable options. I'm specifically growing Trichocereus pachanoi, Peruvianus, Bridgesii, Ipomoea tricolor, and pepper plants, so I'm looking for something that works well for a variety of these. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
2 Answers
For what you're growing, I'd recommend using high output T5 lights. They give you the full spectrum you're looking for without breaking the bank. If heat isn’t a concern for you and you want even more intensity, HID lights are also an option, but they require a bit more setup with ballasts and can get quite hot. However, if you’re using these lights in your living space, keep in mind that some LED lights can cast strange colors
You might want to consider a mix of high output T5s and some LED options that provide full spectrum light. These should be versatile enough to cater to different light needs of your plants. For your peppers, having that UVB and UVA light can definitely help enhance their flavor and potency! Just keep an eye on the temperatures if you go with HID, as they can warm things up pretty quickly!
Totally agree! T5s are a solid choice for a mix of plants; they don’t heat up too much either, which is perfect for indoor settings!