skip to main content

Growing under Lights

Which light is better?

8 years ago

Hi, I have a grow light that uses 1 T5 Sunblaster bulb. The bulb doesn't list the lumens. It just says Sunblaster High Output (6400K). It came with a stand as a set. I also purchased a shop light to use since last year my growlamp couldn't hold all I grew and I didn't want to spend another $150.00 on a kit. My shop light holds 2 bulbs and I purchased Sylvania Premium Daylight Bulbs - 6500K & 2850Lumens. I am growing a variety of flowers. tomato, pepper, broccoli, herbs and in a few weeks cucumbers, melons and squash. My question is, is one light better then the other for lets say peppers and tomatoes? I just want to make sure I am using the "best" one for the right plants. Or if the outcome would be about the same. It will be used only for starting seeds to be planted outside later.

Thanks for your time.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

ewwmayo
8 years ago
Both bulb labels should indicate the wattage - 24W, 54W, or something else. That would help to know. The 4' Sunblaster 54W T5HO bulbs are rated for 4860 initial lumens.

Don't forget to consider the quality of fixture reflectors as well, they have a major impact on light distribution and the amount getting to your plants.

The newer Sunblaster reflections are quite good, highly reflective and well polished. They also wrap around the entire top of the bulbs. Most shop fixtures have plain white reflectors and ventilation slots on the top, which reduces the amount of reflected light.

Spectrum is difficult to check unless you have a spectrometer or PAR light meter, so I'm not even sure that's worth discussing.
Yuan Gong Hamilton ON CANADA 6b
8 years ago
Um. LED...
Related Discussions
Phalaenopsis lighting experiment
Q
Comments (7)
First: I think you did a great job of bringing those 2 back. Second: No, I don't think there is a general rule of thumb as far as # of leaves before flowering. I have some phals with only 3-5 leaves that flower reliably year after year.. Have others with 5+ that have yet to mature to the point of flowering. I have phals with 12+ leaves and some with only 2 or 3 and pretty much everywhere in between. Some bloom reliably year after year, some just aren't quite ready or are struggling for whatever reason and can't produce a decent spike. I think flowering has more to do with maturity of phal and providing good conditions. Most hybrids definitely need an @ 2 week period with 15 degree night-time temp drops in fall to induce spikes. Good luck, Bob
...See More
Which light fixture is better scaled to my room?
Q
Comments (7)
I have another candidate, suggested by a poster on the lighting forum (linked below). I like this one a lot, but it hangs down 11" - too much? The diameter is only 9", so it's smaller. I will definitely post photos when it's done. At the moment, the cabinetry is not in and it's not painted, and the floor tile is very dusty. I had a lot of help planning this from people on this forum. Here is a link that might be useful: Rejuvenation fixture
...See More
Which size light is better?
Q
Comments (5)
Since it's in the corner I'd go with a bit narrower mirror and smaller light..but then I'm traumatized from the measurement mistakes in our remodel..these drywalls sometimes end up being an inch or two closer than they should...)) Or are yours built already? It's also better to have a flexibility for side lights if you decide on them later at some point..not only because of the make up, it's just more flattering..usually..
...See More
Which recessed lighting option looks better?
Q
Comments (14)
Our room is about 8x10, but it’s a mystery - we currently have two WAC light bars (2000 lumens each) and 4 Lithonia retrofits at 800 or 900 lumens each all 3000K and 90+ CRI and on dimmers, so it should be more than enough, but the light in there is just bad, so bad that I don’t even like being in there. My hope is that raising the ceiling (fingers crossed that works), doing a different layout of recessed lighting and moving the light bars from above the mirrors to vertical on the sides will help. The ceilings are about 7.5 ft and there’s something about the light hitting the top of your head from such a short distance that is all sorts of wrong.
...See More
ewwmayo
8 years ago
Which LEDs do you recommend for <$150?

Assumingly kit because most people don't have the skills or desire to assemble/solder up their own LED light setup.
Yuan Gong Hamilton ON CANADA 6b
8 years ago
I have about 14 Mars Hydro 300 W lights.
ewwmayo
8 years ago
Yuan - What's wrong with the MarsII 700?
Yuan Gong Hamilton ON CANADA 6b
8 years ago
lumen/watt is much lower and it's also more expensive than the new smaller Mars 300W.

Related Stories

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Garden Overhaul: Which Plants Should Stay, Which Should Go?

By Falon Mihalic

Learning how to inventory your plants is the first step in dealing with an overgrown landscape

FUN HOUZZ Houzz Quiz: Which Midcentury Modern Chair Are You?

Have a seat for a little fun. Better yet, have a seat that has you written all over it

KITCHEN ISLANDS Which Is for You — Kitchen Table or Island?

By Tiffany Carboni

Learn about size, storage, lighting and other details to choose the right table for your kitchen and your lifestyle

UNIVERSAL DESIGN How to Light a Kitchen for Older Eyes and Better Beauty

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

Include the right kinds of light in your kitchen's universal design plan to make it more workable and visually pleasing for all

HOME TECH Here's a Bright Idea: Smart Bulbs for Better Lighting

Lightbulbs that can change brightness and color with a cell phone command show flashes of design brilliance

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Edwardian Flat Opens Up for More Light and Better Flow

By Jennifer Quail

Removing 7 walls and adding clerestory windows brighten this 1905 San Francisco home and propel it into modern times

KITCHEN DESIGN 12 Great Kitchen Styles — Which One’s for You?

By Sheila Schmitz

Sometimes you can be surprised by the kitchen style that really calls to you. The proof is in the pictures

KITCHEN DESIGN Houzz Quiz: Which Kitchen Backsplash Material Is Right for You?

By Jennifer Ott Design

With so many options available, see if we can help you narrow down the selection

BATHROOM DESIGN Which Bathroom Vanity Will Work for You?

By Lara Sargent

Vanities can be smart centerpieces and offer tons of storage. See which design would best suit your bathroom

FURNITURE Which Dining Table Shape Should You Choose?

By Joanna Tovia

Rectangular, oval, round or square: Here are ways to choose your dining table shape (or make the most of the one you already have)

Sponsored

DelCo Handyman & Remodeling LLC

Franklin County's Remodeling & Handyman Services

More Discussions

Agrobrite bulb FLC27D 27W 5400K 120V 60Hz: suitable 4 seed starting?

0

Anyone use heat mats for cuttings?

9

What is the secret to full, lush zinnias from seed?

7