Why LED Lights

Why use LED lights?

We have been growing plants under artificial lighting for several decades now, starting with incandescent, then fluorescent, and even metal halides. Some thoughts are below. 

LED (current generation):

• Pros: These are becoming super efficient. They are easy to work under and can grow excellent plants! 

• Cons: Efficiency varies greatly between emitters and drivers. Cost is usually an indicator of quality. That lack of infrared output will result in the growing area being cooler and maybe needing supplimental heating. 

• Comments: If growing for flowers or fruits, look for fixtures with far red and uv emitters. 

LED ("Blurple"):

• Pros: Blue and red lights are the most efficient at driving photosynthesis. These type of lights tend to produce stronger coloration in the plants. 

• Cons: Lack of green and yellow light makes these hard to work under. The blue:red light ratio can significantly impact plant morphology and flowering.

• Comments: The modern full spectrum lights have replaced these for the most part. At a maximum blurple lights should be considered supplemental. 

Fluorescent:

• Pros: Available in different color "warmths", could be used to increase flowering. .

• Cons: Relatively short lifespan. Contained mercury, making disoposal a challenge. 

• Comments: T5 and CFL (compact fluorescent) started to become very efficient before the explosion of LEDs. There is not much of a reason to use fluorescent anymore. 

Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium:

• Pros: High efficiency, especially HPS bulbs. Metal halide were full spectrum with a nice, white color. 

• Cons: Heat. Bulbs also contained mercury. 

• Comments: This used to be the best way to grow plants and keep aquarium. Modern LEDs have surpased. 

Incandescent:

• Pros: Full spectrum

• Cons: Everything... Inefficient as most energy ends up as heat. Can be a fire hazard.

• Comments: No reason to use these anymore. 

My current favorite LED lights:

• Sansi 700W Grow Light - we use for plants and over an aquarium. 

• Mars Hydro Grow Light - we use only for plants.