The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Oil

In this article, we will be looking at cannabis oil, how to make and use it, and what its benefits are. We will look at two kinds of cannabis oil: oil for edibles and medical marijuana oil (often called CBD oil). Cannabis can be used both medicinally and recreationally, so whatever your reasons for wanting to learn more about cannabis oil, we will most likely cover them here. We won’t be looking at butane hash oil (BHO) though, as it is very dangerous to make at home.

 

What’s the difference between cannabis oil and medical marijuana oil?

 

The THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) that enters your bloodstream when you smoke, vape or digest edibles is what gives you that feeling of being “high”. However, medical marijuana oil (cannabidiol, also known as CBD) doesn’t give you that same rush of feeling “high”. Instead, it has a more calming effect, relaxing you but not weighing you down and making you feel stoned in the traditional way. This makes it great for helping treat certain medical conditions without turning you into a couch potato.

 

Having some THC in medical marijuana oil can be beneficial too, as some research has found that THC can react with cancer cells to produce ceramide, which disrupts the mitochondria of the cancer cell, thereby closing off its main source of energy.

 

When making your own cannabis oil, make sure that you use high quality (preferably organic) weed in order to get the best results. Pick a weed strain that suits your personal needs (e.g. an Indica if you have trouble sleeping) and make sure it is high in THC.

 

How to Make Cannabis Cooking Oil

 

First, we will look at how to make cooking oil. This is the oil that you can use in cooking or baking to make edibles for recreational use. You can use both fresh cannabis bud as well as pre-vaped bud to make the cooking oil, so we will cover both methods below.

 

1) Tools and ingredients to make cannabis oil using pre-vaped weed:

 

  • Medium sized saucepan
  • Cheesecloth or coffee filter for straining
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Storage container
  • ½ cup of oil (coconut or canola for sweet food, olive for savoury) or ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ ounce of pre-vaped weed

 

Place the weed inside the cheesecloth and tie it off, and then put this “weed tea bag” and the oil or butter into the saucepan. Heat on low until the mixture begins to simmer, stirring it on and off for about 20 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool for a bit, and then take out the cheesecloth bag and squeeze the remaining oil out of it. Pour the oil into your container and you’re ready to go.

 

2) Tools and ingredients to make cannabis oil using fresh weed:

 

  • You can use either a saucepan (3 hours), a double-boiler (6-8 hours), or a crockpot (6 hours to 3 days)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheesecloth or coffee filter to strain
  • Storage container
  • Ground up weed of the strain of your choice (preferably organic)
  • Cooking oil (canola, coconut or olive)

 

First, measure out a ratio of one part ground weed to two parts cooking oil, then place them both in the cooking device of your choice. Heat the mixture gently for the amount of time required depending on which cooking method you are using, stirring often, and then strain the mixture through the cheesecloth. Pour the strained oil into a storage container and place in the fridge for maximum freshness.

 

How to Make Medical Marijuana Oil

 

This process is slightly different from making cooking marijuana oil as you will need to use alcohol, so before you start make sure you keep your oil making area well ventilated, or even make the oil outside, as the fumes are very powerful.

 

Tools and ingredients for making medical marijuana oil:

 

  • Large food safe container
  • Wooden spoon
  • 73-micron straining bags
  • A double boiler (much easier that using a saucepan)
  • Thermometer
  • Syringes or storage containers
  • 1 gallon of 99% pure ethyl/ethanol alcohol (Everclear)
  • 1 ounce of marijuana

 

Place the alcohol and weed in the large food safe container and freeze overnight. The cold helps release more resin. The next morning, take the container out of the freezer and gently stir. Then strain the mixture through a 73-micron bag and repeat with fresh alcohol.

 

After this, pour the remaining mixture into the double boiler and heat to burn off the alcohol, keeping the temperature between 212 degrees F (100°C) and 290 degrees F (140°C) so as not to destroy the THC. The fumes will be very strong, so be careful.

 

Once all the alcohol has evaporated off, take the double boiler off the heat and tilt it to one side, allowing the oil to collect. Finally, use your syringes to suck up the oil and store it either in the syringes or in containers.

 

The History of Medical Marijuana

 

Marijuana has been around for a very long time, with its earliest documented use dating back to 1,000 BC. Around 1840, cannabis was found to have medical benefits that stemmed from its pain-killing, sedative and anti-spasmodic properties.

 

However, due to President Nixon’s famously unsuccessful war on drugs, cannabis was taken off the approved list of pharmaceuticals and by the 1950s it was declared a narcotic by US law. In the 1970s marijuana was classed as a Schedule 1 drug, and was therefore illegal to use as a medical treatment.

 

Eventually marijuana was legalised for medical use in the state of California in 1996. Nowadays, many US states have legalised marijuana for recreational use as well, while many more US states and countries around the globe have legalised cannabis for medicinal use.

 

Uses for Medical Cannabis Oil

 

Medical cannabis oil can be used to help treat a number of both physical and mental illnesses. Cannabis oil made from an Indica strain is known to promote sleep and relaxation, and so is used to help patients with insomnia, stress and anxiety. Sativa strains are known to help energize and promote creativity, which can be helpful to those suffering from depression.

 

Cannabis’s anti-spasmodic properties also make it useful for those who have Parkinson’s disease or epilepsy. Cannabis oil has even been known to help children who suffer from seizures; in Colorado almost two hundred children take marijuana oil capsules for their seizures.

 

Studies have been recently looking into how cannabis oil can aid cancer patients. Some evidence has been found that shows how cannabis oil can actually slow down and even halt the growth of tumours, both active and benign. Cannabis oil is most often used to help cancer patients with the side effects of their treatments, such as nausea, chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

 

How to Use Cannabis Oil

 

Medical cannabis oil can be vaped, ingested orally and anally, and it can even be rubbed onto the skin to provide relief from menstrual cramps and sunburn. If you have been prescribed cannabis oil by your doctor, then follow their recommendations. If not, start with very small doses and gradually increase the amount as your body becomes accustomed to it. It is recommended not drive for the first couple of weeks until your body is used to the cannabis oil.

 

There are some side effects to using cannabis oil, especially if you have never consumed marijuana in any form. The most common side effects include drowsiness, diarrhoea, cramps, anxiety, paranoia and hallucinations. It is important to start with small doses and work up in order to prevent or reduce these side effects.

 

If you have been using medical cannabis oil for a while and wish to stop, you may experience some withdrawal. Common withdrawal symptoms include cravings, difficulty sleeping, nervousness and a short temper. Just as you ease into higher doses of cannabis oil when you first begin taking it, it is equally important to wean yourself off the oil gently, so as to reduce or remove the withdrawal symptoms.

 

Where to Get Cannabis Oil

 

The easiest way to obtain cannabis oil, provided it is available in your area, is to buy it. If you live in an area where medical marijuana is legal, you can apply for a medical marijuana card and present this to the cashier at your local weed store. If this is not the case for you and you are considering shopping online, be careful. There are lots of scam artists out there who dilute their oil to make more money.

 

The other option is to make your own oil, using the recipes above. You could even grow your own weed first, to make sure it has been cared for to the highest standard, before making your own cannabis oil at home. This way you can ensure that your bud has been grown with the best chemical-free nutrients and purified water free from chlorine and fluoride.

 

Note: Please check the laws in your area before growing your own cannabis and making your own oil. If you are already taking medication, please consult your doctor before taking cannabis oil.

 

We hope you found this guide helpful and informative. Enjoy your cannabis oil safely!

Categories CBD

MarsHydro 600W Review

This LED grow light from MarsHydro is a very affordable grow light, perfect for a small grow space. If you are wanting to grow your own marijuana indoors on a budget, this grow light should be on your radar. Read on to find out why.

Specifications

The Mars600 measures 17 inches long by 11 inches wide by 3 inches deep and has a chip density of 1.53, which means that you know the light coverage is going to be even. The unit weighs 9.85 pounds, has a 1-year warranty, and also comes with a steel cable hanging kit so you can set it up straight away.

During the vegetative stage, the Mars600 has a coverage of 2.5 feet by 2 feet when hung at the recommended height of between 24 and 18 inches above the canopy. This changes to a coverage of 2 feet by 1.5 feet for flowering, when the light should be hung at between 12 and 24 inches above the canopy.

As for electrical setups, the Mars600 is very flexible, as it will work on a range of voltages from 85V to 265V and a range of frequencies from 50Hz to 60Hz. There is also no need to worry if you are ordering from a different country, as MarsHydro make their grow lights with whichever plug you require – simply let them know upon ordering.

Light Spectrum and Intensity

MarsHydro say this is a full spectrum grow light, however we notice that there are no ultraviolet or infrared bulbs in the unit. On the other hand, the unit does have 120 5W Epistar LED bulbs. Epistar is a well-known LED bulb manufacturer, and the name does carry the weight of good quality, so the light spectrum emitted by the Mars600 will at least be of a high standard.

In terms of wattage, the Mars600 was designed to replace a 300W HPS lamp, which it does, and efficiently too. Because of the LED bulbs, hardly any of the electricity used to power the unit goes to waste, so the Mars600 will actually only draw about 265W to produce the same amount of light.

It has a great PAR value too: 980(µmol m-2s-1) when hung at 18 inches (straight down from the centre), which dips to 510(µmol m-2s-1) at the peripheries of the coverage area of 2.5 feet by 2 feet (for flowering). This means you get deep penetration of the canopy in order to support the growth of your plants.

The only issue with this grow light is that it gives off a purple hue to the naked eye. This is fine for your plants, but when you want to check them over for discolouration you will need to either use a regular light or buy special tinted glasses.

Safety

The unit comes with two built-in cooling fans to prevent the light from overheating and/or burning the tops of your plants. It also has many safety certifications, including ETL, CE and RoHS.

Finally, this light also comes with a failsafe diode, which means that if one of your chips should fail, the rest will remain functional and the light will still work. If a chip does fail though, you should get it replaced as soon as possible to continue providing your plants with the light source they need.

Final Thoughts

The MarsHydro Mars600 LED grow light is a small, basic model that would work well for a beginner grower with a small grow space. It emits high quality, high PAR light that your plants will love. However, it does present some drawbacks, such as its lack of ultraviolet and infrared light and veg/flower switch for flexibility. If you have a small grow space and don’t want to fork out lots of cash on a newer grow light, the MarsHydro Mars600 will do the job.

Best 1000W LED Grow Lights

If you’re planning to take care of more indoor plants that cover a bigger area, you need a bigger lighting system. In this case, the best 1000W LED grow lights can be your solution to ensure your plants’ good health. Depending on your chosen brand and model, you can also speed-up your plants’ growth and increase their yield. You can also help your plants achieve their full growth potential even without the natural light. All you have to do is set up a lighting system, adjust its controls, and make sure its fans work. With less than $300, you can already find the best 1000W LED grow lights by using this guide. So, read on to learn more about our top 1000W LED grow lights that are available on the market today.

#1. RECORDCENT LED Grow Light 1000W Full Spectrum Indoor Grow Lights for Medicinal Plants Veg & Flower

Designed with advanced spectrum max lights, this Editor’s Choice is certainly one of the best 1000W LED grow lights. Manufactured by RECORDCENT, it has double chips 5W LEDs that are brighter than the regular 1W and 3W LEDs. It is also an energy-saving solution since it consumes less electricity despite its powerful bulbs. Moreover, its high brightness and UV feature sterilize plants by killing any bacteria that can hinder their growth. Thus, rest assured that your plants will be able to produce healthy flowers and more yields. It even has 2 cooling fans which prevent it from overheating to last longer.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 5 pounds with 12.2 x 8.2 x 2.4 inches product dimension
  • Replaces 1000W HPS/EM equivalent LEDs
  • Covers about 2.5 x 2.8 ft. lighting area with an adjustable height based on your plants and its environment
  • Consumes 120 to 130W power that runs on an 85 to 265V worldwide voltage with 50 to 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 100 x 5W dual chips LED bulbs that function as hydroponic lights
  • 2 cooling fans keep the entire unit cool to prevent overheating
  • Dual series LED grow light with full spectrum allow it to provide sufficient lighting for plants under the vegetative and flowering stage
  • Developed specialized lenses allow you to direct its light to your plants and increase its penetration

When it comes to leading green, economical, and efficient LED grow lights, we recommend this model from RECORDCENT. It is very versatile and easy to use which makes it perfect for first-time and professional gardeners/growers. It also works in all stages of plants’ growth without overheating and overexposing plants under its light coverage area.

Pros:

  • Energy-efficient and versatile lighting solution
  • Provides light for every growing stage
  • Ideal for plants with high or low light requirements
  • Produces greener, healthier, and better-looking buds
  • Promotes more yield under the same amount of light

Cons:

  • The coverage area is not as a wide as expected
  • Some units contain bulbs that are not as they should be
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

#2. BESTVA 1000W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Dual-Chip Growing Lamp for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Veg and Flower

Since each bulb plays an important role in your plants’ growth, BESTVA always makes sure their products are on par. Thus, they designed this 1000W LED grow light with a dual-chip that allows it to provide superior lighting power. It is commonly used in plants’ all growth stages while it produces high lumens, yields, and less heat. In fact, it’s a 100% high-quality product that passed 72 hours of aging test and 300 current impact tests. It comes with a complete hanging kit, 6 ft. power cord, BESTVA grow light, user manual, adjustable rope, and grow room glasses. Moreover, you can use this with or without a grow tent with built-in fans.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 6.65 pounds with 12.2 x 8.26 x 2.36 inches product dimension
  • Replaces 600W HPS/EM equivalent LEDs with 120° angle
  • 380 to 780nm full spectrum provides sufficient light for indoor veg and lower plants with balanced UV and IR lights for all growth stages
  • Covers about 3.4 x 3.8 ft. lighting area with an adjustable height based on your plants and its environment
  • Consumes 185W power that runs on an AC85 to 265V input voltage with 50 to 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 100 x 10W dual chips Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs that function under -68 to 104°F working temperature
  • Built to last for years with up to 100,000 hours of lifespan

Designed to replace natural sunlight with its high visible light, this 1000W LED grow light is perfect for professional use. However, we don’t recommend it for those who want a separate switch for veg and flower stages. It can’t be connected with another unit as well which can be its downside for some users.

Pros:

  • Engineered to keep its high lumen and coverage area balanced
  • Can be operated by a timer
  • Produce high yield while consuming less energy
  • Doesn’t need an extra ballast
  • Ideal for the entire veg and flower stages

Cons:

  • Can’t be daisy-chained and hanged together with other grow lights
  • Doesn’t include a separate switch for veg and flower stages

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

#3. HIGROW Optical Lens-Series 12-Band 1000W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower

If you are into nurturing hydroponic plants, this unit from HIGROW is a great starting kit. It promotes plants’ maximum growth by producing a concentrated light and reducing up to 30% light loss. It uses its 90° optical lenses to intensify its directed light to your plants. With regards to overheating, it has 3 high-speed fans that work quietly in its upgraded aluminum heat sinks. Thus, your unit can remain cool and in good condition even after using it for long hours daily. Furthermore, its 12-band full spectrum light ensures you that your plants will always get all the light colors they need.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 13.6 pounds with 20.1 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches product dimension
  • Replaces 1000W HPS/EM equivalent LEDs with 90° angle
  • Produces a 12-band full spectrum Red(650-660nm, 620-630nm), Orange(610-615nm), Yellow(580-590nm), Green(520-530nm), Blue(430-440nm, 450-460nm, 460-470nm), UV(380-400nm), IR(740-760nm), White(2700-3000K, 4200-4500K)
  • Covers about 4 x 3 ft. core area at 24 inches height and 5 x 4 ft. max area at 24 inches height
  • Consumes 400±3% watt that runs on an AC100-240V input voltage with 50 to 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 200 x 5W Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs that function
  • Built to last for years with up to 50,000 hours lifespan

Another quality product from HIGROW, this LED grow light is sure a strong contender when it comes to efficiency. It offers a selectable veg/bloom switch that makes it more hassle-free to operate. We also like the fact that it has an improved PAR/Lumen output to increase the harvest.

Pros:

  • Includes balanced UV and IR light
  • Ideal for all kinds of indoor veg and flower plants
  • Provides efficient lighting for all growth stages of plants
  • Designed to be powerful yet energy-efficient

Cons:

  • Can be a little expensive compared with most grow lights
  • The power cord can be a little short for some users
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

#4. Dimgogo 1000W LED Grow Light, Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower, White

Constructed with 10W double chips, this unit is specifically designed with a balanced PAR/Lumen output and light coverage area. Despite its performance, it consumes about 185W power only which can help you cut some costs on your electric bill. It is also designed as a plug and play unit so you won’t have a hard time operating it.

Most importantly, its full spectrum light comes with red, blue, white, yellow, UV, and IR light. Thus, it works as one of the best alternatives to natural sunlight for any indoor plants.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 5.5 pounds with 12.3 x 8.3 x 2.9 inches product dimension
  • Replaces 1000W HPS/EM equivalent LEDs
  • Covers about 2.5 x 2.8 ft. lighting area with an adjustable height based on your plants and its environment
  • Consumes 185W±5% power that runs on an 85 to 265V input voltage with 50 to 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 100 x 10W Epileds LED chips that function under -20 to 40°F, 45%~95%RH working temperature
  • Built to last for years with 2 cooling fans, 1 huge warmth sink, and up to 50,000 hours lifespan

Pros:

  • Brighter but energy-efficient than the traditional 3W and 5W LEDs
  • Provides full spectrum light and high PAR output
  • Shortens plants’ growth cycle and increases plants’ amount of harvest
  • Perfect as an alternative to natural sunlight

Cons:

  • The cooling fans have the tendency to collect more dirt and debris
  • Can harm plants when placed too close to them
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

How to Choose the Best 1000W LED Grow Lights?

Before you put a grow light in your cart, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that not all products are the same. In this case, it’s worth to take note of some things on how you can choose the best 1000W LED grow lights. So, read on and see how each item matters.

  • Coverage Area

Unless you are fine with purchasing another unit again, you better consider the amount of area it needs to cover. Clearly, each unit has a limited range of area to cover which is why its measurement matters a lot. Depending on the size of your unit, your plants may be covered by a narrow or wide light coverage area. Of course, you need to consider the amount of area that your plants cover in your grow room.

This will help you consider the best unit that can match your plants’ needed light coverage. Regardless, be sure to double check its features and specifications as well as its customer reviews. Some may not provide a wide coverage area as advertised.

  • Spectrum

An LED grow light that can provide a full spectrum can be a great help to your plants. Whatever type of plant you have there; a full spectrum with balanced red and blue spectrums can be a deal maker. In some cases, your plants may also need balanced infrared and ultraviolet light to grow healthier. If your unit can emit a full range of spectrum, it can boost your plants’ growth better and last longer. It may also include some IR and/or UV lights depending on your plants’ requirements.

  • Power Usage

Aside from being durable, the best 1000W LED grow lights should be energy-efficient too no matter how powerful they are. The best 1000W LED grow lights should be able to operate for at least 10 to 12 hours daily. Furthermore, its total output should be at least 300W, 400W, and 1000W. The higher you choose the higher power it can have without making your electricity bills hike up. Thus, you can cut costs compared with using traditional grow lights.

  • Light Control

Depending on your plants’ current growth stage, your plants should receive an exact amount of lighting every day. Thus, your unit should have user-friendly controls for adjusting its lighting whether your plants are on a seedling, vegetative, or flowering stage.

FAQs

  • Does LED grow lights get too hot?

Unlike traditional lighting fixtures, LED lights don’t run too hot. Therefore, those units that use LED bulbs don’t produce too much heat that can damage its motor and your plants. If you’re careless, you might even burn yourself for accidentally touching it when it is too hot. In this case, make sure that your fixture is high enough to avoid damaging your plants and burning you.

  • What is its recommended distance from your plants?

LED grow lights are designed with different rates of power which make their performance vary a lot. Low-powered LED grow lights like those with 250W should have a distance of 12 to 24 inches from plants. Meanwhile, those high-powered LEDs with 600 to 1000W should have a distance of 14 to 26 inches from plants. For those with over 1000W, they should be placed 16 to 36 inches away from your plants. This distance can ensure your plants’ growth without harming them for overexposure.

  • Can LED grow lights burn and wilt plants?

Apparently, even the most popular type of grow light can harm your precious plants. It is true that LED grow lights are considered as the coolest and most energy-efficient artificial lighting solution for indoor plants. However, it can still burn and wilt your plants if you don’t know how much light they need. Your plants will not reach their full growth potential if they are either under or overexposed to sufficient light.

  • Do I need a cooling system?

Technically, many LED grow lights tend to overheat especially if you use them for more than 10 hours a day. This is the main reason why your unit should have a built-in cooling system to keep it cool. This will prevent your bulbs from overheating to extend its lifespan and avoid harming your plants. The more powerful your cooling system is, the longer your unit can last even after an extended time of use.

Conclusion

Clearly, it is not a piece of cake to find the best 1000W LED grow lights without doing your homework. You have to take it piece by piece and consider which one can suit your plant’s needs. In this case, you have to be extra careful when selecting the best 1000W LED grow lights based on your plants. Be sure to take note what’s good and what’s not when using grow lights especially if you are a first-time user.

Regardless, never sacrifice the product’s quality just because it is offered for a cheap price. Take note of its construction and cooling system to make sure that it will last.

Best Cloning Gels for Weed 2018: Guide and Reviews

Using cannabis clones instead of seeds to grow your weed is a lot more efficient because for one, you already know the sex of the plant (you would use female clones if you just want to grow bud). Secondly, clones grow a lot faster than seeds, especially if you use cloning gel.

 

How to take a cutting and plant it

First, it is important to prep the mother plant to make sure its stems have lots of carbohydrates and growth hormones. Do this by heavily watering the mother plant a few days before taking the cuttings so as to reduce nitrogen levels and thereby increase carbohydrates.

You will then need sharp, sterilized razor blades to make a clean cut and to avoid infecting the clones with the disease. Aim to cut close to the main stem, as there will be a higher concentration of root growth hormones there. If you plan on cutting several clones, then make sure you have a clean container of water to hold your cuttings to make sure they don’t dry out.

Cover the ends of the cuttings in cloning gel. This will help protect them from illness, as well as provide them with growth hormones and nutrients to help them sprout roots faster. Then place the clones in your rooting containers filled with substrate (such as Rockwool) and keep them moist for the first couple of days.

 

As the cuttings won’t have roots yet they will be drinking through their leaves, so it is important to spray the leaves regularly and keep humidity levels between 80 and 90 percent. You will also want to keep your soil slightly acidic (pH 5 – 5.5) as this helps promote root growth.

 

Don’t worry too much about light at this stage, as the clones can’t handle too much light. You could use fluorescent lamps for 18 to 24 hours each day if you want. Clones also do well when their soil is warm, so you could place a heating mat underneath them too.

 

One week after you have planted your clones, check to see if any have wilted and remove these. Once the roots of your clones are about 1.5 inches long (roughly two to three weeks after planting) it is time to transplant them to your regular growing setup. Then you can gradually increase light exposure as your plants mature.

 

Onto the reviews!

 

Clonex Rooting Compound Gel Packets 15ml

 

Clonex is one of, if not the most well-known cloning gel brand. They have been developing their formulas for a long time, and it shows. Clonex gel is chock full of vitamins, mineral nutrients and root growth hormones, and is designed to stick to the stem, protecting it from infection whilst feeding it at the same time. The active ingredient in this Clonex formula is Indole-3-Butyric Acid at 0.31%.

 

Clonex Rooting Compound Gel is sold in small packets of 15ml which doesn’t seem very much, but it will suffice if you are only planning on taking a few cuttings at a time. Even when used generously, this gel packet will be enough for growing a small number of clones.

 

HydroDynamics Clonex Rooting Gel 100ml

 

From the same company as above, this cloning gel is highly effective and this time comes in larger quantities. Clonex also sell their rooting gel in bottles of 500ml or 1litre, which ends up cheaper in the long run, especially if you have lots of clones to plant.

 

Technaflora Rootech Gel for Plants 7 Grams

 

Like Clonex gels, Rootech Gel is water based and can be diluted with more water if you need it to go further. The active ingredient in this gel is similar to Indole-3-Butyric acid, but has a higher concentration of 0.55%, which makes it a powerful feeding gel even when diluted. This container of 7 grams is the smallest size you can buy; they also sell their gel in containers of 56, 112 and 224 grams if you need a larger supply.

 

Grodan 1.5 inch Rockwool / Stonewool Cubes plus Rootech Cloning Gel

 

This kit contains rooting cubes as well as cloning gel, which will save you a little money as you start out cloning your marijuana plants. It contains 45 1.5-inch rooting cubes and a 0.25-ounce container of cloning gel.

 

A word of caution: Rockwool and Stonewool are great for cultivating seedlings and clones, but be careful when handling them. It is recommended to wear gloves and a dust mask to prevent the fibres from entering your body, as they are potentially harmful.

 

General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter Replacement Plugs 50 count

 

These Rapid Rooter Plugs are highly affordable and full of nutrients for your clones. They are slightly different from cloning gel but are very effective if you plan on growing your weed hydroponically.

 

Quick Clone Gel 75ml

Quick Clone Gel does not use the active ingredient found in Rootech and Clonex, but instead is made from entirely organic ingredients containing vitamins, amino acids and of course rooting hormones. It comes in two sizes: 75ml for small operations, and 250ml for more serious growers. It is a little on the expensive side, but all the ingredients are natural, so if you prefer to grow your weed organically and you have the extra cash, this one’s for you.

 

Conclusion

When raising clones, it is important to use a good cloning gel to help give them the best start possible. Any of these products would make a good addition to your clone growing kit. As long as you buy the correct amount, any of these will work well. Happy growing!

Viparspectra 300W V300 LED Grow Light Review

Are you looking for a brand new LED grow light that can keep your indoor plants alive and healthy? In that case, then we have just what you need that you can purchase at an affordable price. After all, our VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED grow light reviews will help you save more and get higher yields. The brand also prides itself for its high-quality and durable construction that can withstand years of regular use. Thus, this review guide will help you complete your checklist of the best LED grow lights. Adaptable to 110 or 220V outlets, read on to learn more about this VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED grow light’s features.

VIPARSPECTRA UL Certified Reflector Series V300 300W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower

For a budget-friendly LED grow light, this dimmable reflector series from VIPARSPECTRA is UL Certified and built with fire-resistant reflectors. Coming from a reliable brand, this model is specifically designed to provide full spectrum lighting for all growth stages of plants. From veg to flower, this alternative lighting system promotes bigger buds and higher yields without consuming too much energy.

Its bulbs are enclosed in a fireproof and durable iron housing that has an outstanding design. It also has built-in cooling heat sinks and fans that can prevent it from overheating. In addition, it can be daisy-chained together with other lighting systems and fewer outlets.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 6.4 pounds with 12.8 x 8 x 2.8 inches product dimension
  • Replaces 250W HPS/MH equivalent LEDs with 90° angle
  • Covers a 2 x 2 ft. a vegetative area at 24 inches height and a 1.5 x 1.5 ft. a flowering area at 18 inches height with V300 LED lighting
  • Consumes an average power of 132W±3% that runs on an AC100 to 240V input voltage with 50 to 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 60 x 5W high-intensity Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs that can work for all stages of your plants’ growth
  • Aluminum heat sinks and high-speed fans allow it to run 70% cooler than HID grow lights
  • Built to last for years with up to 100,000 hours of lifespan in a temperature lower than 40°C

Pros:

  • Provides balanced high PAR/Lumen and sufficient light coverage
  • Promotes bigger flowers and faster growth to any indoor plants
  • Dense and coated in resin to ensure its quality
  • Operates quietly with a revolutionary cooling system
  • Can be operated by a timer

Cons:

  • Not suitable for large scale growers that require bigger and better lighting systems
  • Could have been better with more red lights

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

 

What You Need to Know About VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED Grow Light?

When it comes to indoor planting, plants can be a little picky when it comes to lighting. Despite the fact that most plants survive on almost all kinds of light, not all lighting solutions are the same. Some can be inefficient while some can be a little too much for plants. As we all know, getting less or too much can have a negative effect on plants. Thus, we decided to search for a lighting system that can be considered in between the two.

This way, your plants will have just enough light that they need even without the natural sunlight. VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 is a small-but-terrible LED grow light that is enough to keep your indoor plants alive and healthy. This means that this VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED grow light can also help your indoor plants reach their optimum growth. Your days of harvesting fewer yields and sighting small buds are over. This device can help your plants produce bigger buds and higher yields so read on to learn more about it.

VIPARSPECTRA

If you didn’t know yet, VIPARSPECTRA is a widely known company in the global market. In fact, it is the number 1 brand that sells LED grow lights on the Amazon. The brand designs and manufactures its own products that produce a high level of PAR/Lumens that is best for indoor plants. From simple flowering plants to tomatoes and herbal plants, VIPARSPECTRA LED grow lights got your back thanks to thorough research. To top it all, the brand customizes its light spectrum in order to optimize plants’ growth and boost their yields.

300W V300 LED Grow Light

Aside from being a high PAR LED grow light, this model is definitely one of the most affordable options out there. It is lightweight and of average size to cover up to 2 x 2 ft. at up to 24 inches height. Thus, its small coverage area is ideal for beginner growers with small scale grow area. However, it is too small for users that require a lighting system for their medium to large scale grow area. Thus, its daisy chain feature comes in handy to help you connect it with multiple units and light more plants. Its entire panel contains 60 pieces of LED bulbs with a lifespan that ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 hours.

In addition, it comes with a 6 ft. power cord and a complete hanging kit with a 3-year warranty. It runs between 100 to 240V AC, 50 to 60Hz to produce a 12-band full spectrum. Its back panel has a daisy chain input socket, a power adapter socket, and On/Off switch. When it comes to power, VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 is designed to replace 250V HPS/MH grow lights. Since it is LED, it only consumes about 136W to provide the same amount of light output. This energy-efficient LED grow light is also known for its 5W Epiled/Bridgelux bulbs that are set at 90° angle.

This emits 300(µmol m-2s-1) PAR in the center and reduces to 62(µmol m-2s-1) within the perimeter of an area of 2 sq. ft. This direct light to plants reduces light loss to cut you some costs on your monthly electricity bills. Hitting two birds in one shot, you also help the environment by saving energy. You don’t have to worry about overheating since it has an excellent cooling system that makes it cooler. Thus, you can use it for a long time while your plants remain safe under it.

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Conclusion

Overall, we can say that VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED grow light is a bang for the buck product. It may not be the best grow light for large scale growers but it can be a versatile solution for beginners. With less than $100, you can already take advantage of its advanced features that other brands offer at higher prices. Using the latest and highest-quality LED bulbs, it consumes less energy and produces less heat. It can be daisy-chained with up to 7 units which makes it more practical and efficient than traditional grow lights. Moreover, it is built with a simple setup and plug-ins for your convenience. To get more VIPARSPECTRA 300W V300 LED grow light reviews stay tuned.

Grow Tent Setup for growing Cannabis Indoors

Beginner’s Guide to Growing Cannabis

If you’ve ever been interested in growing your own weed at home and have some cash to spare, but aren’t really sure how to go about it, then keep reading! This guide will teach you how to set up your own grow tent, show you the equipment you’ll need, and how to use it. For the sake of simplicity, we will just be covering the traditional soil growing method and we will leave hydroponics for another article.

A quick list of what you will need:

  • Grow tent, or designated grow area
  • Soil
  • Fertilizer
  • Water
  • Seeds
  • Peat pellets (for germination)
  • Pots
  • Grow light
  • Timer
  • Air circulation
  • Odour control
  • Optional: measuring instruments, pH kits, microscope

 

Legal disclaimer: Please check the laws on growing cannabis at home in your country or state first. Some places may allow you to grow at home but there may be a limit on how many plants you can grow, so please make sure you know what this is before starting.

 

Grow Tent

Grow tents come in several sizes, so you can choose one that fits the dimensions of your grow space. Most grow tents have internal surfaces that are reflective, helping you make the most of your light source. The fabric also doesn’t let light in, so when you turn your grow light off your plants will get the rest they need.

 

Soil and Fertilizer

Organic soil is perfect for marijuana plants especially, as it will make sure that your buds have a great flavour. One of our favourites is the OMRI certified organic potting soil from Black Gold. They sell their soil in 16-quart (4-gallon) bags, and it contains pumice and perlite to increase drainage and air space, and organic fertilizers such as earthworm castings. With all this added goodness, you won’t have to add extra nutrients to the soil for a good 3-4 weeks.

 

After about a month, you will need to start adding fertilizer to the soil to keep your plants well nourished. It’s best not to use chemicals for this, as it will affect the taste of the buds. Lots of high-quality fertilizers are available, and it’s important to use the best if you want the best yield.

 

Water

It is generally better to water your plants with purified or filtered water, as water from the tap contains small amounts of chemicals that could potentially hinder the growth of your plants. You could use an ordinary water filter, or even place a filter on your faucet, such as the PUR filters. These filters fit most faucets, last for about 100 gallons, and warn you when it’s time to change filters.

How often should you water your plants? Generally, younger plants need watering once a week, and adult plants once a day. If the leaves on your plants are drooping or the soil feels warm, they need watering. If the soil feels cool, then wait to water them. Alternatively, you could use a hygrometer to check how much water is in the soil before watering.

A useful tool to have for watering is, of course, the watering can. Grab one with a long spout, and make sure it fits under your tap so you can fill it easily. Some watering cans even come with built-in liquid fertilizer dispensers!

 

Seeds

Depending on where you live, cannabis seeds can be bought in weed shops or online. Once you have your seeds, make sure that they have a tiger stripe pattern on them. This ensures that they are what it says on the tin. Avoid planting any black seeds, as these seeds are dead and will not grow. Once you have your healthy cannabis seeds, it’s time to germinate them.

 

Peat Pellets

Peat pellets are used to help your seeds germinate. The pellets first need to be soaked in water so that they expand, and then you can place the seeds roughly half an inch into the pellet. They will need to be kept moist throughout germination (three to seven days), but you will have to water them from the side to avoid dislodging the seeds.

 

Pots for Planting

Once your seedlings have successfully germinated (you will see the roots coming out of the pellet) it is time to pot them. Keeping the seedling inside the pellet, bury it in the soil up to about halfway up the stem.

We currently love fabric pots to grow our marijuana plants, as they are breathable and thus reduce the risk of root rot. A good brand that sells fabric plant pots is Smart Pot. They sell many different sizes of pots for all your gardening needs, but our favourite for growing weed is the 5-gallon fabric pot.

 

Grow Light

During germination, your seedlings won’t need any light, but as soon as they start sprouting they will need 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness each day. Once they are about three weeks old, this changes to 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness per day, which will kick start the flowering stage.

We recommend LED grow lights, as they are super energy efficient and won’t overheat. They provide your plants will full spectrum light while keeping your utility bills down, and there is little risk of them singeing your plants or drying up your soil.

 

Timer

 

Timers are incredibly useful for keeping track of when to switch your grow light on/off. We think high-quality programmable timers are the way to go; these are the ones that can handle a large amount of current being drawn by your grow light.

One recommendation is the Enover timer, which is programmable for up to seven days and can cope with up to 15A of current. It isn’t UL or CSA listed yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s not safe to use, just that it is not yet certified.

A timer that is UL listed is the iPower 7-day Dual-Outlet Digital Timer, which is capable of recording eight separate schedules every day for a week! It has an LCD display and two outlets with surge protection, which could come in handy if you need to use more than one grow light.

 

Air Circulation

Cannabis plants require a certain amount of heat for optimal growth, but past that point, they begin to dry up. In order to prevent this, good air circulation is vital. Stand-alone fans are a good buy, like the Holmes Dual-Blade Twin Window Fan, which has two-speed settings and a water-resistant motor. It runs quiet and has reversible airflow too.

 

Another ventilation option is to get a grow tent with built-in fans, such as the Gorilla Grow Tent package, which includes a 750W LED grow light, a fan and charcoal-filtered ducts, and even a hydro-thermometer to monitor the conditions inside your tent.

 

Odour Control

Cannabis plants can give off a distinctive smell that may be undesirable for many weed growers. Charcoal air filters help to rid your grow area (and living space) of the weed odour. We recommend the iPower Inline Air Carbon Filter for its low maintenance – it will last a year if you reverse the flanges after about six months.

 

Measuring Temperature and Humidity

You need to monitor the temperature of your plants and the humidity (soil moisture) to make sure that your plants are happy and well-watered. One tool for this is the Extech 445715 Hydro-Thermometer, which measures both temperature and humidity accurately with its probe. If you are on a budget, then Etekcity’s sensor for measuring soil moisture will do the trick.

 

Harvesting and Curing

When your plants begin to mature, you need to know which are female and which are male. If you want your plants to produce seeds, then you’re good. If you want the females to produce bud, then you will need to get rid of the male plants.

 

At about 12 weeks, the white hairs on the female plants will start to turn brown. When they are all brown, gently start trimming the buds from the plants. If you want to be extra sure, you could examine the sticky parts of the buds (the trichomes) with a digital microscope to see if they have also turned brown.

Once you have harvested your bud, it is time to cure. Place your buds in large glass jars such as mason jars and put the lid on. Leave them for anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months. After 6 months, curing will not have any effect on your buds. A good month’s curing will drastically improve the taste and intensity of your weed.

The final step is to enjoy your weed any way you like!

6 Best Full Spectrum LED grow Lights Reviews 2019

Whenever you need the best full spectrum LED grow lights, just head back to this guide anytime you want. In this guide, you will learn about the full spectrum LED grow lights. Of course, this includes how to choose the best ones and some Frequently Asked Questions we’ve included. Depending on your plants’ location, its required room temperature may vary especially when inside a grow tent.

Each model’s features and specifications also affect its price especially if it consists more high-powered LEDs. So, read on to see which full spectrum LED grow light may fit your plants’ needs.

Best Spectrum Led Grow Lights Reviews 2019

#1. BESTVA 2000W Double Chips LED Grow Light Full Spectrum Grow Lamp for Greenhouse Hydroponic Indoor Plants Veg and Flower

This Editor’s Choice is the latest version from BESTVA’s full spectrum grow lights with a dual-chip feature. It is one of the best options when it comes to indoor gardening flowers or vegetables. It is designed to produce a higher amount of lumens, and yields with low heat. After years of experimentation, this scientifically engineered LED grow light can keep its lumen and core coverage balanced for long-term use. With a total of 200 LEDs, this 2000W grow light can ensure your plants’ growth indoors. From the germination stage, growing stage, flowering stage, up to the harvest stage, your plants can grow healthier. At the same time, you can get higher yields.best full spectrum led grow lights

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 10.36 pounds with 20.66 x 8.46 x 2.36 inches product dimension
  • Replaces full spectrum LED grow lights with 1400W HPS/MH to support all stages of your plants’ growth
  • Covers a full core area of 7.8ft x 7.5ft at 24 inches height and 120° LED angle
  • Produces 380 – 780nm visible light which makes it a great alternative for natural light
  • Draws an average power of 390W with AC85 – 265V input voltage and 50 – 60Hz frequency
  • Works with -68 to 104°F temperature and up to 100,000 hours lifespan
  • Contains 200 pieces of dual chip 10W Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs to provide enough wavelengths to your plants

For an LED grow light that produces a full spectrum, this version is sure a bang for the buck. It’s very affordable and easy to use with a simple On and Off switch. On the other hand, it’s not waterproof so you have to be careful with it. It doesn’t have a built-in veg/flower switch but it can be controlled by a timer. It doesn’t require ballast either which is good enough.

Pros:

  • Operates with a cool and quiet motor
  • Passed the 72 hours of uninterrupted long time aging test and 300 current impact test
  • Provides higher core coverage area and PAR to meet your plants’ normal growth
  • Uses 10 kinds of high-quality LEDs to create a full spectrum product

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include a vegetable and flower settings
  • Produces too intense UV radiation which is harmful unless you wear a pair of glasses 
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#2. VIPARSPECTRA UL Certified V1200 1200W LED Grow Light Full Spectrum for Indoor Plants Veg and Flower

Another high-quality LED grow light from VIPARSPECTRA, this model also comes with a full spectrum. Even though it is not as powerful as the previous product, each of its240 LEDs are packed with 5W power. Thus, it has enough power to cover your plants’ growth from the seedling stage up to its harvest stage. It is constructed to keep its PAR output and coverage balanced for veg and flower stages. Compared with regular grow lights, it comes with a high-speed fat that runs quietly with an aluminum cooling technology. Thus, it is easier to dissipate its heat which can prevent damaging your plants.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 20 pounds with 19.4 x 19.4 x 3 inches product dimension
  • Replaces full spectrum LED grow lights with 1000W to support plants’ different growth stages
  • Covers 4.5 x 4.5ft of a vegetative area at 32 inches height and 3.5 x 3.5ft at 24 inches of a flowering area at 24 inches height with 120° LED angle
  • Draws an average power of 520W with AC100 – 240V HPS/MH input voltage and 50 – 60Hz frequency
  • Runs with 1200W LED power and 4.33A @120V, 2.3A @220V Amps
  • Works with -20 to 40°F temperature and up to 100,000 hours lifespan
  • Contains 240 pieces of high-intensity 5W Epiled/Bridgelux LEDs to provide enough wavelengths to your plants

For those growers/gardeners who need a built-in switch for both veg and boom, this is one of the best options. Though it is normally priced higher, it offers more convenience so, we recommend it for both new and expert users.

Pros:

  • Promotes faster growth to plants
  • Guarantees an efficient supply of light for all indoor plants
  • Built with an advanced cooling system
  • Can be used with both veg and flower switches On
  • Doesn’t need an extra ballast to be efficient

Cons:

  • Not really enough to replace a 1000W LED
  • Not made to be waterproof
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#3. HiGROW Optical Lens-Series 1000W Full Spectrum LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants

Another high-quality product that is specially designed to provide a full spectrum of light, this model is worth a try. This 1000W LED grow light is part of HIGROW’s optical lens series that can provide sufficient light for indoor plants. Whether you are planning to grow flowers or vegetables, this 12-band unit can help you out. It has an On/Off switch, an input plug, and an On/Off veg/bloom switch that can ensure your plants’ maximum growth. It is also constructed with a high-speed fan that operates quietly 3x faster than regular fans. Thus, your LED lights can stay cool even if you use it for more than 15 hours a day. With this technology, you can also make sure that your plants are safe and secure while growing under its LEDs.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 13.6 pounds with 20.1 x 11.2 x 2.6 inches product dimension
  • Replaces full spectrum LED grow lights with 1000W HPS/MH to support your plants’ growth
  • Covers a full core area of 4 x 3ft at 24 inches height and 5 x 4ft at 24 inches height with 90° LED angle
  • Produces 380 – 760nm visible light which makes it a great alternative for natural light
  • Draws an average power of 400±3% wattage with AC100 – 240V input voltage and 50 – 60Hz frequency
  • Contains 200 pieces of 5W Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs with up to 50,000 hours lifespan
  • Built-in veg/bloom switches allow you to select one or both to improve your plants’ growth

A little cheaper option compared with the previous model, we recommend this to budget-seeking growers/gardeners. It has balanced light coverage and LED power that can last for a long time. It also has a built-in switch for veg/bloom settings which we really find as handy.

Pros:

  • Hassle-free to operate with more settings and a quiet fan
  • Provides 2 stages of full spectrum growth with built-in veg/bloom switches
  • Provides both UV and UR rays that are needed by plants

Cons:

  • Not water-resistant and suitable for indoor use only
  • Too bright can’t be looked at without wearing protective glasses
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#4. Advanced Platinum Series P900 900w 12-band LED Grow Light – Dual Veg/Flower Full Spectrum

Considered as one of the most powerful LED grow lights today, this model features a 12-band full spectrum. It is combined with PlatinumLED’s secondary focusing lenses that can penetrate deep in the canopy. But its high output 3W LED and low power consumption are what gives it an edge over its competitors. In addition, it comes with a built-in veg setting that uses less than 300W to provide a wide coverage area. Thus, it is an energy-efficient lighting solution that produces less heat.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 35 pounds with 36 x 3 x 12 inches product dimension
  • Replaces full spectrum LED grow lights with 1000W HPS/MH with 90° secondary LED focusing lens
  • Covers 6ft x 4ft core area at 18 inches height and 5ft x 3ft max coverage at 18 inches height
  • Uses 4.7A @110V/2.3A @220V Amps for veg + bloom, and 2.5A @110V/1.3A @220V Amps for the veg switch only
  • Draws an average power of 279W on veg and 515W on bloom with AC85 – 260V input voltage
  • Contains 300 pieces of 3W LEDs with up to 100,000 hours lifespan

Pros:

  • Easy to operate with various growth settings
  • Replaces conventional grow lights and consumes less energy
  • Provides 100% usable and fine-tuned light to get a maximum photosynthesis response
  • Ensures your plants’ maximum yield

Cons:

  • Too expensive and heavy compared with its competitors
  • Doesn’t cover much area than expected   
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#5. King Plus 1000W LED Grow Light Double Chips Full Spectrum with UV&IR for Greenhouse Indoor Plant Veg and Flower

Among the previous models, this one from King Plus is definitely the most budget-friendly LED grow lights on the market. With less than $120, you can already take advantage of its benefits when it comes to growing plants indoors. Packed with just 100 pieces of LEDs, each LED is built with 10W which gives it a sufficient amount of light. Thus, it provides a full spectrum for both vegetative and flowering stage or even for the fruiting stage. It’s also easy to use since it’s just a plug and play device.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 6.39 pounds with 12.2 x 8.26 x 2.36 inches product dimension
  • Replaces full spectrum LED grow lights with 1000W HPS/MH
  • Covers a full core area of 3.4ft x 3.8ft
  • Produces 410 – 730nm visible light for the vegetative and flowering stage
  • Draws an average power of 185W (0.185kW•h) with AC85 – 265V input voltage and 50 – 60Hz frequency
  • Works in -20 to 40°C, 45%RH~90%RH environment with up to 50,000 hours lifespan
  • Contains 100 pieces of dual chip 10W Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs

Pros:

  • Available at an affordable price
  • Works with good ventilation and exhaust system
  • The lighting area and height customizable according to your plants’ needs and its environment
  • Consumes less energy and produces less heat

Cons:

  • Doesn’t include a built-in switch for veg/bloom features
  • Not water-resistant and can’t be daisy chained
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#6. BWL A19 LED Light Bulbs, 6 Watt (40 Watt Equivalent), 5000K Daylight White,450 Lumens, E26 Socket, UL Listed and Energy Star

Perfect as an energy-saving and eco-friendly lighting solution, this MWL LED grow light can provide one of the best full spectrums. It is specially designed to help indoor plants achieve their maximum growth potential at a faster rate. This way, you can increase its harvest cycle as well as your plants’ yield over time. With LED chips that produce low heat and no IR or UV; it is one of the safest must-have products. It even has a built-in cooling system. Thus, it is widely used in plant factories, greenhouses, indoor gardens, flower farming, water-soluble breeding, and so much more.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 5.7 pounds with 12.2 x 2.4 x 8.3 inches product dimension
  • Replaces LED grow lights with 1000W HPS/MH with 250° beam angle
  • Covers a minimum area of 1.95 x 1.95 x 4.9ft with 1.6 – 3.28ft suitable light distance according to the plants’ growth stages
  • Runs with 12 air vets form convection and 2 high-speed cooling fans
  • Draws an average power of 390W with AC85 – 265V input voltage and 50 – 60Hz frequency
  • Works in less than 60°C temperature and 26 – 30°C inside a grow tent with up to 100,000 hours lifespan
  • Contains 100 pieces of 10W with 3200-lumen high brightness Bridgelux/Epileds LEDs

Pros:

  • Ideal for growing all kinds of plants indoors
  • Increases the yield by 20 to 50% more
  • Runs 70% cooler with HID lights than conventional grow lights

Cons:

  • The hanger kit is not adjustable
  • A little inconsistent in the production and some are not exactly 1000W as stated
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How to Choose the Best Full Spectrum Led Grow Lights?

Choosing the best full spectrum LED grow lights can be a little overwhelming sometimes. There are lots of products to choose from especially if you are shopping in online shops. In fact, typing the “full spectrum LED grow lights” on Google’s search engine will give you more than 12 million results already. Majority of these results consists of different online shops from different parts of the globe. Regardless of their products’ brands and features, there’s no denying the fact that it’s a massive pile to sort. Thus, taking note of these things can help you spot the best full spectrum LED grow lights:

  • Spectrum

Plants may grow anywhere with any type of lighting solution but full spectrum LED grow lights prove to be more sufficient. This can be noticed easily in the way these lights help plants during the process of photosynthesis. Thus, look for LEDs with a full spectrum that provides various wavelengths which is almost as effective as the natural sunlight. Even if your plants are indoors, they will still get enough nutrients from your artificial grow lights.

  • Cooling Technology

LED grow lights are typically used for long hours every day so getting one with a cooling technology is vital. Unless your grow lights have a high tolerance to heat, you shouldn’t leave it on for too long without this. Remember, too much heat can cause damage to both your plants and lighting system. Thus, investing in a cheap product without a cooling technology is like putting your money to waste.

  • Chip

When it comes to LED chips, your grow lights should have at least 3W. Any light with lesser wattage will not be enough to support your plants’ growth. Thus, be sure to double check each product’s description or features and specification. Each chip should be at least 3W to provide the highest quality of reds, blues, and whites for your plants.

  • Output

Since it’s pretty obvious that you’ll use electricity to power up your grow lights, it’s worth to check its output. Full spectrum grow lights may come with different outputs which can be 300W, 1000W, 400W, or 600W. This also depends on the entire lighting system’s size but it should not be lower than 300W.

FAQs

  • Is it worth it to invest on full spectrum LED grow lights?

Compared with other lighting solutions, a full spectrum LED grow light is typically priced higher. On the other hand, the total amount of money you can save on your monthly electricity bills is bigger. This is due to the fact the LED lightings consume less energy and produce less heat in the long run. At the end of the day, investing in an LED grow light is wiser since it is energy-efficient and cost-efficient. Your plants can even benefit since these LED grow lights improve plants’ health and growth from seedling to harvest time.

  • Can you use this lighting solution in tight grow rooms?

A full spectrum LED grow light can be used on grow rooms with a huge or tight space. Actually, this kind of light requires less space only unlike other grow lights. At the same time, it produces less amount of heat which makes it more comfortable efficient for your plants. If you put it in a small grow room, you don’t have to worry about damaging your exposed plants.

  • Can you fine-tune your LED grow lights?

Since we all want to enjoy the convenience that the best full spectrum LED grow lights can provide, versatility matters. Even though LED grow lights are known for being efficient for indoor gardening, it could have been better with settings. Thus, some manufacturers designed their LED grow lights to be fine-tuned according to the lighting needs of your plants. This works best if you use your lights for 24 hours so you can adjust its wavelengths especially the red. Fine-tuning your lights can help your plants reach their maximum growth potential. In addition, it can help you increase your harvest size and harvest cycles.

  • Can plants grow healthier under full spectrum LED grow lights?

Though natural sunlight is still unbeatable, full spectrum LED grow lights is still the best for growing plants indoors. It produces less IR rays and more UV rays needed by plants. As a result, plants that are grown under this kind of lighting are healthier to live longer.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear how a full spectrum LED grow light can be an efficient lighting solution to indoor plants. With the right guide about your plants and the amount of light they need, you can take care of them better. At the same time, familiarizing yourself with these lighting solutions can help you maximize their features. Depending on your chosen brand and the quality of its product, you might even use this device for years.

Thus, you can save more money for consuming less energy and avoid purchasing a new one sooner. Now, good luck in finding the best full spectrum LED grow lights on your next shopping trip.

Roleadro GalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light Review

Finding the best LED grow light can be really frustrating for first-timers. There are lots of brands and products to choose from no matter how cheap or expensive you want it. But when it comes to RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light reviews, we’ve got you covered. This LED grow light is packed with a full spectrum and IR to boost your plants’ process of photosynthesis. It also contains more red and blue light chips than white light chips so you can guarantee its power and brightness.

Even with 300W HID, it consumes less energy in spite of its included advanced features. Most importantly, it can meet your plants’ required amount of light every single day. But before that, check out this Roleadro Reflector Series that can be a good alternative for the GalaxyHyrdo.

Roleadro Reflector-Series 600W Dual-Chip Full Spectrum LED Grow Light

When it comes to affordable LED grow lights, this dual-chip unit with simple On/Off switch makes it hassle-free to operate. It has an improved reflector cup design that maximizes the light source diffusion within its scientific range. Its rich wavelength type helps it in the process of photogeomorphology and photosynthesis. Moreover, it is designed to cater for germination, flowering, and vegetative stages. But since plants require 12 – 16 hours of light daily, it should be hanged at around 32 – 45 inches height; depending on your plants’ growth cycle.

Regardless, it’s a versatile LED grow light that is worth investing on. Thus, it’s commonly used in plant factories, greenhouse farms, indoor gardens, water-soluble breeding, pipeline cultivation, grow tents, potted plants, tissue culture, and other growing environments.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 2.43 pounds with 12.17 x 8.44 x 2.87 inches product description
  • Contains 96 x 2 pieces of LEDs with an average operating power of 165W±5%
  • Runs with an input voltage of AC100-140V and 120mA/group working current
  • Last for up to 50,000 hours of lifespan under -20℃ ~ 40℃ working temperature
  • Provides Blue (7:1) ratio and layout value spectrum to help plants grow faster
  • Upgraded 60° reflector cup design gathers light better to prevent light loss and provide a bigger light coverage
  • Daisy chain connection allows you to connect it to two or more lights with a standard power cord
  • Stainless steel hanger hook makes it easier to set up on any grow room
  • Cooling holes help it maintain a cooler temperature even after using it for 24 hours

Pros:

  • Ideal for greenhouses, plant factories, flower farming, indoor gardens, etc.
  • Produces less heat
  • Provides a reasonable spectral ratio which can be adjusted according to your plants’ needs
  • Designed and approved with CE/RoHS Certifications

Cons:

  • The spectrum is not that efficient for veg and flower
  • The output is a little weak for the flowering stage
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What You Need to Know About RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light?

Can’t find the right LED grow light that can take care of your plants’ lighting needs? If you’re struggling to find the right product, this guide will certainly help you in shopping. RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W is currently one of the best-selling LED Grow Light that is offered in the market. Whether you are new or not in indoor gardening, RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light can provide your plants’ needed light. So, keep reading to know more about this and how it can help you take care of your plants.

Apparently, there are tons of grow lights that are available now from different brands and sellers. However, their price varies a lot depending on their built-in features and specifications. Some may also come with a higher price depending on how much marketing is made by their brand. In this case, RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light is one of the best-selling models due to its affordable price. In fact, its price has seriously reduced in the market but its quality obviously remains the same.

But before we get into the nitty-gritty parts, these are some of the notable things about this Led grow light:

  • Great qualities packed in a compact unit
  • Low price range compared with regular LED grow lights
  • Advanced features that guarantee maximum result
  • Low heat combustion
  • Maintained cool temperature

If you think that the said things above are enough to catch your interest, here’s some more to keep.

This RoleadroGalaxyHydro LED Grow Light is described to draw 300 Watts. However, its actual power consumption just ranges from 130 to 150 Watts. This makes the unit work a little harder to make up for its drawn power that is less than described. Regardless, there’s no doubt that this is indeed an energy-saver device that can help you cut cost on electric bills. On top of this, it is designed with a high proportion of red lights and IR functionality. These things serve as an important spectrum for plants when it comes to undergoing the process of photosynthesis.

This full spectrum feature mostly consists of red lights to provide a sufficient amount of lights for indoor plants. Whether your plants need 12 to 18 hours of lighting, it can work with a standard temperature of 26 to 28°F over the year. In addition to its evident red lights, it also contains more blue lights than of white lights. Thus, this LED grow light can make a great alternative to natural light compared with those that use more white lights. This also makes it worth the money especially due to its high powered by energy-efficient 3W Epiled chips.

In addition, it has an impressive lens design that is available in either 90° or 120°. With 12 inches height away from your plants, it has a PAR value of 716 umol m-2 s-1. It is also constructed to be more durable without weighing more than 7.6 pounds. It also has a 15.8 x 8.3 x 2.4 inches product dimension which allows it to fit in enough bulbs. Most importantly, it requires zero maintenance cost to guarantee its long lifespan and efficient performance. But depending on your plants’ growth stage, you should set its exact required lighting hours and hanging height.

Conclusion

Overall, RoleadroGalaxyHydro LED grow light is an advanced technology that is designed to be excellent. It has enough Epiled chips that can provide sufficient light to your plants regardless of their type and growth stage. It doesn’t weight much too so you can carry it around with ease whenever you need to hang it yourself. It doesn’t require maintenance costs too so you don’t have to worry about spending money on keeping it together later.

Not to mention because it has its own cooling fans that can prevent overheating and damaging your plants. Thus, you shouldn’t miss this model if you also want to daisy chain it with additional units. For more RoleadroGalaxyHydro 300W LED Grow Light reviews, stay updated by following us.

10 Best Stealth Grow Boxes and Cabinets: Expert Guide and Reviews

What is stealth growing?

Stealth growing is growing cannabis in an inconspicuous way that doesn’t draw attention to yourself. These are the most obvious weed growing giveaways:

 

  • Visibility – minimising the space your plants need to grow in and carefully placing the bright grow lights away from windows can minimise visibility too.
  • Odour – fans and ventilation systems can help filter out the smell, especially during flowering. There are also low-odour cannabis strains that you can grow which will help with this problem too.
  • Noise – all these fans and filters are not very quiet, so it might be worth investing in grow lights that have their own built-in fans, which tend to be quieter.
  • Heat – some grow lights and extractor fans can run quite hot, which others may notice. Purchasing cool-running grow lights is a good way to control heat.
  • Behaviour – common sense and planning are essential to keeping your grow operation under hat. The less people you tell about your plants, the easier it is to keep under wraps.
  • Utility bills – it is worth investing in high quality grow gear, as it is more efficient and eats up less electricity.

 

Stealth grow boxes are great as they help to minimise these potential give-aways, and everything comes discretely all in one box. They are designed to minimise sound, light, heat and odour, as well as having a subtle exterior that can be easily hidden in plain sight.

 

So whatever your reason for keeping your weed growing on the down low, you can relax and let a grow cabinet do the work for you. They are self-contained, safe and efficient, and won’t arouse suspicion.

 

Below, we will review 10 of the best stealth grow boxes currently available. With options for differing grow size, styles and budgets, there will be something for everyone.

 

#1. SuperCloset Deluxe 3.0 LED Soil Grow Cabinet

This grow cabinet has everything you need to begin growing your cannabis, including growing medium, nutrients, air filters and timers. It is 66 inches tall and 15 inches wide, and has the appearance of a standard sports or gym locker. There are automated controls on the back of the cabinet, so no one will suspect a thing.

You can grow up to six plants at a time in this cabinet, although four plants can also take up the space. Its reinforced door and adjustable full spectrum LED grow light provide the best grow environment for your plants. Many growers claim that they get about a 30% higher yield when using the SuperCloset Deluxe, which sounds good to us!

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#2. SuperCloset SuperTrinity LED Grow Cabinet

This award-winning cabinet has a three chamber, dual cabinet system, and is ideal for a perpetual cycle of growth. In the first chamber you can germinate and clone seedlings, in the second chamber the plants spend their vegetative stage, and in the third chamber the plants spend their flowering stage, until the buds are ready to harvest.

The cabinet is 78 inches high by 92 inches wide by 24 inches deep, and each chamber can hold up to 12 plants. It comes with two 3W K3-L600 grow lamps and is fully automated, so you can get on with your day without worrying about your plants. Beginner growers will also appreciate the included video tutorials on how to use the SuperCloset.

All in all, this stealth grow cabinet would make a great purchase for those looking for subtlety. It is safe, quiet, airtight and light-tight, as well as fully automated. With the SuperCloset, you can grow a large about of bud without worrying about prying eyes.

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#3. SuperCloset SuperStar HPS Soil Grow Cabinet

This cabinet measures 60 inches high by 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep, making it a good size for small to mid-sized plants. It has two chambers inside; one for cloning and one for flowering, and it can hold up to 16 plants. The SuperStar comes with two adjustable 24W T-5 fluorescent grow lights, an internal circulation fan, and a SuperPonic watering system with a 16-gallon reservoir full of nutrient-rich solution.

The cabinet is fully automated, and its controls are placed discretely on the back of the unit for privacy. Plants grown in the SuperStar have up to a 30% higher bud yield, without compromising your privacy.

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#4. Hellogrower 30” Stealth Grow Box

The Hellogrower is a small cabinet designed for two or three plants. It comes with a 125W full spectrum LED grow light, which runs cool and doesn’t require huge amounts of electricity. The Hellogrower has a powerful fan to provide ventilation, but it can be a little noisy.

The inside of this cabinet is entirely lined with Mylar, which both acts as a gas and odour barrier and also reflects heat and light. This benefits the plants, as none of the light or heat goes to waste, and also keeps this cabinet as stealthy as possible. The doors are also lockable for extra security.

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#5. Colorado Stealth Hydroponic Grow Box 600W 6-Site MMJ System

This cabinet can hold up to six plants, and uses a hydroponic system that feeds the nutrient solution to the roots over the air stones, keeping your plants pest free and healthy. It comes with a 600W LED lamp and large ventilation fans, and is lined inside with Mylar. This makes sure that your plants get all the light they need, while also reducing odour and noise.

 

This system lends itself to being high yielding, as the Mylar reflects the light all around the plants, causing them to branch out horizontally, ultimately giving you more weed.

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#6. Yield Machine Max – 4 Foot LED Grow Box

This grow box measures four feet tall by 17.5 inches wide by 13.5 inches deep, and can house six plants. It comes with an adjustable 150W LED grow light, 4.75 inch fans, carbon filters, and a hydroponic grow system. This grow box contains everything you need to begin growing your weed discretely.

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#7. Cabinet Garden LED Hydroponic/Dirt Grow Cabinet – Medium

The Cabinet Garden measures 71 inches tall by 25 inches wide by 20 inches deep, and is made of industrial steel. It comes with a 200W full spectrum LED light and supplementary side LED lamps. It is automated and lockable, and has a control panel on the back, all to increase your privacy. If you are looking for a high quality, durable cabinet but are not looking for anything huge, then this is the cabinet for you.

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#8. Dealzer Cash Crop Hydroponic Grow System Hydrofarm

This is a relatively short grow cabinet at only three feet tall, so it is perfect for someone who is only looking to grow one or two plants at a time. It comes with six pots, a hydroponic grow system and an LED grow light, as well as a lock and key for privacy. This cabinet is affordable and includes a lifetime warranty. Everything except the seeds is included in this cabinet, making it great for first time buyers.

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#9. Dealzer Grandma’s Secret Garden 4.0

This is another small cabinet, standing at 36 inches by 20 inches by 15.6 inches, but it is a cheaper alternative that can still fit up to nine small plants. It contains a hydroponic grow system, a full spectrum LED grow lamp, and carbon filters to help minimise the odour. This grow box is good for beginners because it is small and affordable, and comes with everything you need to get started.

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#10. SuperCloset Superbox 200W Fully Automated Turnkey Growbox

This grow box is quite pricey for its small size, but it is very well made with 16-gauge steel doors to protect your stash. It can hold up to ten plants, and uses a top feed drip hydroponics system, helping you get the highest yield from your plants. It is fully automated and lockable, helping you keep your weed growing away from suspicious neighbours and unwanted attention.

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Building your own stealth grow box

It is possible to build your own stealth grow box or cabinet, but it may end up being more expensive, as you will have to source each individual part yourself. Another bonus of buying a ready-made cabinet is that all the components have been tested together, so you know everything works in harmony and most importantly, safely. However, if you have the cash and like a bit of DIY, then there is no reason not to build your own stealth grow cabinet.

 

Note: Please check the cannabis growing laws in your country before attempting to grow your own marijuana.

Best T-5 Grow Lights for Growing Cannabis

When it comes to choosing an alternative source of light for plants, T5 grow lights can definitely do the work. Whether it is for full-time or part-time use only, the best T5 grow lights can help in your plants’ growth. Regardless of the amount of light they need on each growth stage, you can find one with adjustable features. So technically, the more features and adjustment you can get the better. These lamps are commonly available in different sizes from 2 ft. – 4ft. and weigh 10 – 30 pounds or over. It can be used on various indoor plants as well to reduce your electricity bill and cut some costs. So, read on to learn more about the best T5 grow lights from this guide.

#1. VIVOSUN 4 ft. 46IN 54W 3000K T5 HO Fluorescent Tubes Warm White Grow Light Bulbs Pack of 5

All set for novice and expert growers, this T5 grow light from VIVOSUN is no doubt a best seller. It is designed with High Output fluorescent tubes that produce just enough warm white glow for different kinds of plants. In addition, this Editor’s Choice light emits a balanced red and orange spectrum with 3,000K bulb temperature.Once attached on a single fixture, its 54W bulbs produce up to 5,000 lumens that work on huge and tight spaces. These bloom features encourage plants to undergo the flowering stage and vegetative stage without producing any UV ray.best t5 led grow lights

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 2.75 pounds with 47.5 x 3.9 x 2.9 inches product dimension
  • Designed with a color temperature of 3,000K and a cool spectrum that guarantees growth for vegetative plants
  • Produces 5,000 lumens that come from its 5 packs of 54W T5 grow lights
  • Works efficiently with up to 20,000 hours lifespan in a 4 ft. /46 inches length
  • Gentle on foliage light helps nourish your plants’ tender buds to prevent foliage even when placed closer to plants or any small grow rooms
  • VIVOSUN’ low heat emission allows it to have excellent ventilation and air conditioning without adding extra

This is the kind of grow lights that we can definitely recommend for those who want a cheaper alternative. It is much cheaper compared with LEDs and has about 50x longer lifespan compared with incandescent bulbs. At the same time, its lifespan is 5x longer than regular grow lights.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Perfect for industrial and commercial application
  • Consumes less energy and produces less heat
  • Ideal for germination, aquariums, greenhouses, propagation, and general office lighting
  • Produces more lumens than HE or standard tubes
  • Consumes less amount of energy compared with conventional grow lights

Cons:

  • Not as efficient for growing seedlings and clones
  • Some bulbs do not last as described
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 #2.Hydrofarm FLT44 System Fluorescent Grow Light, 4-Feet

This may seem a little over the price compared with the previous model and brand but it still is impressive. It has a daisy chainable style that allows you to run it up to 3 fixtures using a single outlet. Thus, it can still contribute to your garden’s design while daisy-chained together and hanged with a low profile. Furthermore, it comes with a sleek steel fixture that is powder coated. You can also hang it in different ways which makes it one of the most versatile T5 grow lights. It’s ideal whether you like your plants to be arranged on the floor, hanged, or lined up on your wall.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 19.27 pounds with 46.2 x 12.8 x 2.8 inches product dimension
  • Designed with a color temperature of 6,400K and a low profile
  • Versatile style allows you to hang it in 3 ways: overhead, horizontal, or vertical
  • Produces 18,800 lumens and up to 20,000 initial lumens that come from its 4 tubes of 216W T5 grow lights
  • Daisy chainable allows you to run it up to 3 fixtures from a single outlet
  • Works efficiently with 120V input voltage, 60 Hz frequency, and 1.8 Amps
  • Includes 10 ft. of grounded power cord and a powder coated steel housing
  • High performance faceted specular aluminum parts allow better distribution of light within its coverage area

Indoor gardens can be a little complicated to work on sometimes without the right lighting devices. Thus, this is what we can recommend for those who want a versatile device that can work on all types of plants. Regardless of the plants’ location and position, its hanging configurations can be customized.

Pros:

  • Hassle-free to set up and operate
  • Ideal as an energy-efficient and high output alternative to LEDs
  • Allows multiple hanging configurations to match your indoor garden’s design
  • Can be daisy-chained together with additional fixtures

Cons:

  • A little expensive compared to regular grow lights
  • May increase the ambient temperature by 4 – 10° which is very hot to touch
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#3. iPower 54W 4 Feet T5 Fluorescent Grow Light Stand Rack for Seed Starting Plant Growing, 6400K

This is another great option for those who want a lightweight T5 grow light for indoor gardening. Whether you aim to use it as a full-time or part-time lighting solution, it can work with beginners and professionals. Even though it’s a little smaller than other grow lights in the USA, iPower designed it to be heavy-duty. It can emit up to 5,000 lumens and reach up to 6,500K color temperature without consuming too much energy. It also has an advanced device with a hassle-free height adjustment mechanism so you can lower/raise its fixture smoothly. This way, you can ensure your plants’ maximum growth as you adjust it according to their lighting needs.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 7 pounds with 50 x 12 x 25 inches product dimension
  • Designed with a color temperature of 6,400K in a single bulb for maximum coverage
  • Produces 5,000 lumens that come from its 1 pack of 54W bulbs T5 grow lights
  • Includes 6 ft. grounded power cord with an On/Off switch
  • Simple toggle clamp with a feather touch height adjustment mechanism that lowers or raises its fixture smoothly
  • Full metal frame makes it extra sturdy which measures approximately 50 x 18 ½ x 30 inches
  • Premium quality fluorescent fixture that has an internal wide reflector that directs more light to your plants

Considered as one of the most affordable T5 grow light in this list, this one is very ideal for budget-seekers. Even with just a single bulb, it has a solid metal stand that can hold up its fixture. We also like its internal wide reflectors that boost its light coverage.

Pros:

  • High output and energy-efficient
  • Uses a high-quality electronic ballast to regulate its voltage
  • Hassle-free to adjust its fixture’s height with an advanced mechanism
  • Super easy to assemble and to operate
  • UL/CSA listed guarantees its quality

Cons:

  • Some units can be a little uneven and wobbly
  • There’s nothing to hold its crossbar in place to prevent it from falling
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#4. T5 Grow Light (4 ft. 4lamps) DL844s Ho Fluorescent Hydroponic Fixture Bloom Veg Daisy Chain with Bulbs

This brand new T5 grow light in 4 ft. is a plugin and goes type that you can easily use. It is perfect for greenhouses and other indoor gardens especially since it can be connected with other fixtures and daisy-chained. Constructed with multiple switches, you can turn On and Off 2 bulbs at a time depending on your plants’ needs. Thus, you can save energy whenever you only need a few bulbs to support your plants’ growth. Moreover, you can use it with a timer which makes it easier to control.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 9.3 pounds with 46 x 4 x 12 inches product dimension
  • 4 ft. blue-white lamps with complete hanging hooks, complete chains, and a color temperature of 6,400K
  • Produces 20,000 lumens that come from its 4 pieces of 230W bulbs with 120V input voltage
  • Includes 8 ft. grounded power cable that can be daisy-chained together and a 15 ft. power cord outlet on a fixture
  • Flexible light output with 2 built-in switches allow step dimming for the 2 inner bulb and 2 outer bulbs
  • Certified “Made in Italy” ACC Stacchi lamp holder keeps the tubes fire-resistant

Pros:

  • Rated for safe operation in wet/damp grow rooms
  • Allows a hassle-free assembly and installation
  • Comes with UL/CUL listed fixtures
  • 30% lighter than other T5 grow lights on the market

Cons:

  • The bulbs can be too bright which can also make it too hot
  • Some burn out sooner which requires a replacement
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#5. Sunblaster 904297 NanoTech T5 High Output Fixture Reflector Combo, 3-Feet

Designed and crafted using the Nano Technology, this 18 inches fixture comes with an advanced NanoTech reflector. This increases its light’s efficiency by 300% so you can make sure that all your plants are covered by its light. This HO fluorescent fixture is also built with electronic ballast and a 6,400K lamp. Just like the previous models, it comes with a complete package that includes a long power cord, and a jumper plug. The latter includes both flat surface and hanging mounting clips.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 1.45 pounds with 37.5 x 3.5 x 2 inches product dimension
  • Designed with a color temperature of 6,400K and an electronic ballast that help in plants’ growth
  • Built with 18 inches fixture that can fit the NanoDome and accommodate 39W SunBlaster grow light bulbs
  • Works efficiently with a NanoTech reflector that was designed using the Nano Technology for producing an ultimate reflective surface
  • Includes a maximum of 8 single power cables that allow it to be linked together with other fixtures
  • The revolutionary reflector helps increase its amount of lumens by 300%

Pros:

  • Perfect for budget seekers
  • Can be plugged into a timer to control it with ease
  • Made as one of the most reliable UL listed T5 grow lights
  • The fixture can accommodate full spectrum LED tubes

Cons:

  • The quality of its craftsmanship is not that impressive
  • The reflector is a little compact which decreases its coverage
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#6. Apollo Horticulture Purple Reign 4′ Foot 2 Bulb 54W 6400K Jump Start T5 Grow Light System for Plant Growing

This grow light from Apollo Horticulture that stands in 4 ft. comes with a jump start T5 fixture. It consists of high-quality bulbs with 54W, 6,400K each to ensure your plants’ maximum growth potential. Compared with regular grow lights, this allows you to adjust its amount of lumens to provide your plants’ unique needs. Thus, you can customize it for every growth stage which makes it as good as the natural light. With simple operation and durable construction at an affordable price, it’s certainly a bang for a buck.

Features and Specifications:

  • Weighs 13 pounds with 46.5 x 5 x 2.5 inches hood dimension and 50.8 x 7.8 x 3 inches dimension for the entire fixture
  • Designed with a 4 ft. jump start T5 fixture that has a color temperature of 6,400K
  • Produces the maximum amount of lumens that comes from it’s a pack of T5 grow lights with 54W each
  • Works efficiently with the 118V input voltage, 67 Amps, and 75W fixture
  • Adjustable settings allow you to provide sufficient lumen to your plants based on their growth stage

Pros:

  • Great for seeds, flowers, seedlings, herbs, and herbs
  • Energy-efficient and adjustable to obtain its maximum lumens
  • Perfect for novice and professional gardeners on any season
  • Easy to assemble and operate

Cons:

  • The ballasts can burn out easier than expected
  • Not tall enough to work for the entire veg cycle
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How to Choose the Best T5 Grow Lights?

Now that indoor gardening is getting more common, manufacturers are starting to introduce more product choices for consumers. Since one of the most important things that plants need is sunlight, T5 grow lights were introduced to the market. T5 grow lights are the latest technological innovation that is designed as an alternative solution to natural sunlight. Thus, indoor plants can still get the right amount of light they need for photosynthesis.

But unlike LEDs and HPS bulbs, T5 (tubular lamps with 5 inches for 5/8-inch diameter) grow lights are less expensive. It’s also cooler than HPS bulbs which normally contain more space. So, here are some things to remember when choosing the best T5 grow lights:

  • Cost

The cost is vital whatever kind of product you need to buy. This way, you can find the best T5 grow lights without overspending. If you can purchase products directly from its manufacturer since they offer their products at a more affordable price. In case you can’t reach them directly, head to other retail stores that offer the same products and compare their prices.

  • Size and Weight

T5 grow lights come in different sizes which also determine its weight. Before you buy T5 grow lights, get the exact size of your grow room/space first. This will help you determine the right size to buy to cover your entire grow room. Depending on your needed light coverage area, you may need to buy a couple of units at once. Some are available in 1 to 2 bulb set up while others are available in 8 to 12 set up.

  • Bulbs

T5 grow lights come with interchangeable bulbs that have various energy and color temperatures. Some lamps work best on vegetative stages while others work best only on flowering stages. You might also encounter NO (Normal Output), HO (High Output), and VHO (Very High Output) bulbs. In this case, it’s better to go for HO since it offers the best of both worlds. This output can already provide high brightness to your indoor plants.

Regardless of how long or how many bulbs you need to ensure your plants’ growth, it should always be energy-efficient. The more you can save on your electricity bills, the better even if you opt for the larger sizes.

FAQs

  • Is it practical to invest in T5 grow lights?

Though T5 grow lights are technically fluorescent lamps, they fall under the special category of energy-efficient products. Each tubular lamp produces efficient light to plants especially from those growing seedlings until the harvest time comes. Compared with HPS and LED grow lights, T5 lights are much cheaper. Since it also produces less heat than HPS bulbs, it can provide more usable light for your plants.

  • What is the best size of T5 grow light fixture to buy?

T5 grow lights may vary in lengths but its standard thickness will always be 5/8 inches. Most T5 grow light users purchase it in 2 and 4 ft. depending on their growing area. Thus, you would need a bigger fixture the more and longer tube you use. But to be safe, we recommend opting for the biggest size that your grow room can accommodate. This way, you can customize the light output in your fixture for each type of plants you have under it.

After all, most modern fixtures nowadays provide a separate switch for each bulb for additional convenience. The bigger fixture you can fit the better to accommodate more plants regardless of the amount of light they need.

  • What are the bulb temperatures of T5 grow lights?

T5 bulbs have various temperatures but the 2 main temperatures that matter most in plants’ growth stages are 6,500K and 3,000K. 3000K bulbs can help your plants produce flowers and fruits. Meanwhile, the 6,500K bulbs are the most popular type that can help your plants in the harvest period. This is also the most practical choice for those with micro greens and seedlings to boost their growth potential.

  • What re reflectors in T5 grow lights?

Reflectors boost T5 bulbs’ efficiency by increasing its focus to plants. It is available in a rectangular reflector and gullwing style. Rectangular reflectors are designed to be placed closer to plants for better coverage. In contrast, the gullwing style reflectors are designed to be placed on a higher position to redirect its light back.

Conclusion

Almost all kinds of lighting bulbs can be used to ensure the growth of indoor plants. However, only a few of them can be considered as at par in performance. The number of choices can be a little overwhelming too since there are lots of brands to choose from. Thus, going over guides like this can help you narrow down your search. These T5 grow lights are the most affordable lighting solutions for growing seedlings until they produce your yields.

However, you’d have to stick with its specific wavelength which is usually set as whitish. Nevertheless, it’s worth to invest in the best T5 grow lights when propagating and growing green vegetables.