The usage of LED grow light might not be familiar to engineers, electricians or anyone who is in a related field. I had taken some electronics classes during college but also have no idea that LED can be ideal for growing hydroponics plants indoors. So out of curiosity, I did some researching and started writing about hydroponics and LED grow light.
What I found out about LED grow light was simply incredible.
- Aside from being energy-efficient, this particular grow lighting system is recognized as one of the brilliant power saving options.
- The light released is just of right amount that plants need to grow well.
- Very little heat is emitted so your plants are safe from getting burned up.
- This is a noise-free lighting system so the plants aren’t disturbed or stressed.
However, there are various other grow lights in the market which must be put into consideration since the ideal one will vary on the hydroponic kit utilized and the plant varieties grown. The whole system might require a different set of grow lights and it’ll only be a waste of money when poor decisions are made. For your reference, there are various lighting products that can be used other than LED grow light.
- These can include Full Spectrum Flourescent Lighting, Light Movers, Sunbursts and Conversion Bulbs.
- Some of these do not use LED but can work just fine. They may use HP sodium, metal halide, fluorescent and many others. Some also come with replacement bulbs, upgrades and other accessories, and there are ones that are known as light movers.
HPS and metal halide lighting emit almost similar spectrums with LED grow light but can just be useful in some plant varieties. HPS or high pressure sodium lighting is best for growing tomatoes, peppers and flowers. It will promote larger and much more abundant blooms with longer stems. Metal halide lighting, on the other hand, is most useful for growing greens like lettuce, basil and parsley to promote compact stem and leaf production.
- One more factor to consider is the wattage. It doesn’t matter which grow lights are being used, the system should be able to provide as much needed energy to the plants and the value depends on the size of the garden. 400W is most suitable for a 3′ x 4′ garden, 600W if it is a 4′ x 4′ garden and 750W if it is a 4′ x 5′ garden.
The fact remains that LED grow light can be an option that can optimize plant growth but there’s a lot more to learn particularly when it concerns the happiness of our plants. Lighting is only one factor, the growing medium, essential elements and nutrient solution should also be explored. Researching further can show a lot more ideas and expand our knowledge about LED grow lights and the other various lighting products and anyone can be a hydroponics gardener instantly with determination and extra effort.
If you are still confused about DIY hydroponics, please do not wait any longer and find out more about available sources and LED grow lighting systems.