Figure out the number of grow lights you need.
One of the first steps in setting up your grow room is figuring out how many grow lights you need, and it's crucial to get it right the first time to avoid wasting time, energy, and money.
The size of your plant canopy is what you should be measuring in order to figure out how many grow lights you need. 20–30 watts of light per square foot is the ideal amount for most flowering plants to grow. Don't fall into the trap of believing that more is better. Your plants may become burned or bleached if there are too many lights.
For example, you wouldn't need a grow light capable of lighting a 5' x 5' space if your plant canopy only takes up 4' x 4', because that would be excessive. Consider that your growth area is 5' x 5'. You will require 320–480 watts of grow lighting if your canopy is 4' by 4' and your plants require 20–30 watts per square foot.
All the grow light bulb packages will always list the wattage. Simply divide the number of watts supplied by the bulbs you intend to use by the number of watts you wish to supply (between 20 and 30), then multiply the square footage of your growing area by those watts.
Think about how to install your grow lights
You'll need a method for supporting the bulbs so they are placed correctly above the plants. You'll also need a mechanism to raise the light rack as the plants develop, unless you're growing something that will stay at around the same height throughout its lifecycle. This is typically done using a pulley system or by suspending the light fixtures from a metal chain; this allows you to quickly change the height by altering the link to the light fixture attached.
In addition, it's a good idea to install a timer on your lights to make sure they get the right amount of light at the same time every day. for indoor cultivation, although a standard also functions. Install a ventilation system to reduce heat stress if your lights cause the temperature in your growing space to rise above 80 degrees or so.
How long should grow lights be left on for my plants?
Compared to plants cultivated outside, indoor plants require more light hours per day. The majority of edible species should receive 14 to 18 hours of light each day when grown under artificial lighting. But resist the urge to leave the lights on constantly; plants need at least six hours of darkness each day to thrive.
To maintain the ideal distance, which changes based on the type of bulb used and its wattage, increase the light fixture as the plants develop. Keep in mind that the higher the wattage, the farther away the bulb can be.
Here are the fundamental specifications for the three types of grow lights:
Fluorescent Grow Light: 3 to 12 inches
LED Grow Light:12 to 24 inches
HID Grow Light: 24 to 60 inches
Know your budget for different grow light types
There are many options for grow lights at all price points. For example, CFL bulbs may be purchased on Amazon for under $20 CAD. T5, T8, and T12 fluorescent lights offer outstanding value for less than $100.
If you're going to spend money on LEDs, as we just mentioned, the upfront cost of LED solutions will be on the pricier side compared to CFL and HID. Your best option is to buy a light from a reputable Canadian LED grow light expert because LEDs are costly.
Understand the safety of grow lights
Regarding the safety of grow lights, you should take into account the following criteria while choosing an indoor grow light:
Mercury:
Except for LED grow lights, many types of grow lights contain a sizable quantity of mercury. The biggest issue is that if these lights malfunction, everyone in the growing room could potentially breathe in mercury, which can harm the brain. LEDs have the best safety profile across several of these categories, despite being the most expensive.
Fire:
Actually, it’s a common misconception that fires can be caused by grow lights because of the result of heat production. In fact, electrical fires caused by improper electrical sources not intended for grow lights account for a large portion of the fires caused by grow lights. Typically, large grow light fixtures need 220 V "dryer" outlets. Indoor growers run the risk of overloading their electrical outlets and having their equipment operating continuously for long periods of time.
Mold:
The amount of moisture in the growing areas varies as the grow lights cycle on and off. The risk of mould or mildew, both of which can be dangerous to people, can rise as a result of the constant changes in moisture; as lights on are equal to low moisture, and lights off mean condensation of moisture.
In general, for household grows, LEDs are far less likely to shatter when knocked over or jostled where pets or kids may be disturbing the lights. This is due to their modest size and the way they are installed in the fixture. Other lighting systems, such as fluorescent bulbs and HPS lighting, will break or even explode as they are more fragile.
Plant growth has been revolutionized by the use of grow lights. In regions with lengthy, dark winters like most parts of Canada, relying just on sunshine to produce plants is not always sufficient. Make sure you consider the factors above when choosing grow lights for your grows. Happy planting!
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