A Community and Forum For Aquaponic Gardeners

Looking for Artificial Light is a lot like looking for Artificial Intelligence

I'm confused. My AP system has been doing really great. The only problem I have is a lack of light. I really thought I had enough light in my window but apparently I don't. Everything is leggy and the only thing blooming is the peas. Even the peas were disappointing. I got one per plant!

So, off I go to start looking into buying some artificial lighting. Ugh! There are so many different types to choose from, so many different numbers to compare, and trying to figure out what all the numbers mean.

Right now, I'm looking at probably purchasing a T5 HO set up. The operation cost is inexpensive (meaning my electric bill won't sky rocket), and they are generally as close to my price range as I'm gonna get. The one I was looking at can be found here:

http://www.accesshydroponic.com/t5-grow-light-4-ft-4-x-t5-grow-ligh...

It has bulbs for both veg growth and flowering growth, the lumens seem reasonable and it comes all inclusive (bulbs, ballast, timer and hood.

I wanted to get some feedback from those in the know to see if I'm making a wise decision with this purchase. Or if there are other recommendations within the same price range (150 - 200 bucks) or cheaper even! LOL

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by LogicalHydro on June 15, 2011 at 5:41pm

Yeah I bet lol. Most T5's come with an internal ballast built into the fixture. (like the one you showed) they just don't mention it because they all are manufactured that way. I bought those commercial 4' 4 bulb fixtures from sylvia not too long ago and they look like a similar housing to the one you showed so I imagine they use the same ballast. Never really thought about it before though. It could be because of the 2 bulb types that they added a beefier one to help use power more efficiently. But i'm not sure. One way you could also save money is to just prolong the hours of daylight, say start your light 2 hours before the sun comes up and 2 hours after and keep it off while your getting natural sunlight. I'm not sure how the sunlight is up there now though.

Permalink Reply by Aaron on June 15, 2011 at 5:50pm

Well, lately it's been overcast in my area. But the daylight is long. Sunrise is at 4:21am and sunset is at 11:40pm. The problem with my house position is that I only get a few hours in each of my windows that do get sunlight.

Anyway, thanks for all the great information and the website. I've only looked a little so far but it looks like they definitely have better prices! Thanks again!!! I really appreciate the 411 :)

Permalink Reply by LogicalHydro on June 15, 2011 at 5:51pm

Of course, just ask if you have any more questions. Hopefully this discussion gets some other opinions and you can get a variety of answers. Good luck to you!