Light bulbs

Kenneth Preteroti k.preteroti@verizon.net
Sun, 05 Mar 2017 04:49:30 PST
Norton. When you say light bulbs I am sure you do not mean incandescent as they basically do not exist the US anymore nor are they a good choice for plants.  Therefore I believe you have two options. 

Fluorescent bulbs are an option . They come in many spectrums. I am not convinced you would need the speciality spectrum bulbs (which are many times more costly then what is available at the big box stores) as it appears the light you need is for supplemental use. They produce little heat, fairly inexpensive, and last a year before needing replacement. Fixtures and non specialty bulbs are readily available. Fluorescent bulbs have some drawbacks. If you are growing bulbs/plants that require high light you need more bulbs and closer to the plants. For example you may need 4-4 foot long lights to cover a 2' by 4' shelf with the light bulbs within 6" of the plants. Fluorescent lights do not provide good depth of lighting so they work best with shorting growing plants of uniform height. 

LED lighting is another option. They are more expensive. They have many similarities and benefits over fluorescent. They come in full spectrum. They do not produce heat. They are efficient and lower energy use than fluorescent. Two-four foot long fixtures will easily cover a 2' by 4' shelf. The depth of lighting is much greater. 24" between fixture and plants.  They are often dimmable. They should last up to ten years. They are not usually available at a big box store and need to be ordered on-line. 

One last comment. You indicated you have family coming to the US. Remember the US uses 110 volt ac. What voltage do you use and our plugs are different. LED are available in 110 and 220 when ordering on-line. 

Ken P
Old Bridge, NJ
Zone 6 b


Ken P
Old Bridge, NJ
Zone 6 b



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