Fluorescent light systems are often used to start seedlings or root cuttings. The low heat output of the bulbs allows very close placement near the tops of the young plants. Fluorescent lights may also be used to supplement sunlight for some plants such as orchids or African violets, or as a sole light source for low-light plants such as lettuce. In general, however, most fluorescent lights are not powerful enough to grow full-size plants. Traditional fluorescent bulbs emit usable light to a depth of about 8-10 inches, so once the plant reaches this height, the bottom sections will not receive enough light.

There have been some exciting developments in fluorescent technology that deliver much more light than regular fluorescent bulbs. Hydrofarm's Compact Fluorescent Light System, and Sunlight Supply's New Wave and Tek-Light T-5 products, are so powerful that they can take plants through at least part of their vegetative growth. The advantage of these fluorescents is that they produce so much less heat than metal halide or high pressure sodium lights. With heat eliminated or greatly reduced, lights can be placed much closer to plants for maximum efficiency.

For larger plants and the best fruit or flower development, a high intensity discharge (HID) light system, such as metal halide or high pressure sodium, is most effective. HID lights are the most energy efficient, so they produce a stronger light for the amount of power they consume. (Example: one standard 40 watt fluorescent tube emits about 2,400-3,700 lumens, while one 150 watt high pressure sodium bulb emits 16,000 lumens).

Standard Fluorescent Tube Systems

48 Inch

• 48" Fluorescent Fixture (holds two bulbs), 21.99
• 48" Agrosun Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Bulb, 40 watts, $16.99
• 48” Agrobrite Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Bulb, 40 watts, $9.99

24 Inch

• 24" Fluorescent Fixture (holds two bulbs), $17.99
• 24" Agrosun Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Bulb, 20 watts, $16.99
• 24" Agrobrite Full-Spectrum Fluorescent Bulb, 20 watts, $9.99

Compact Fluorescent

Hydrofarm's Compact Fluorescent light system offer very intense light to about a 2 ft. x 2 ft. area. Excellent for use over clone machines or other propogation areas. The reflector includes a grounded power cord, on/off switch, and mogul base socket. (Note: Compact fluorescent bulbs have mogul bases and cannot be used in household light sockets). The full-spectrum bulbs are excellent for seed starting or all-around use, while the warm-spectrum bulbs provide more red light for small flowering plants.

• Hydrofarm Compact Fluorescent Reflector, $79.99
• Hydrofarm 125 Watt Full-Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Bulb, $59.99
• Hydrofarm 125 Watt Warm-Spectrum Compact Fluorescent Bulb, $59.99
• Hydrofarm Glass Insert for Compact Fluorescent Reflector, $15.99

Tek-Lite T-5 & New Wave T-5

Sunlight Supply's new T-5 systems take fluorescent lighting to the next level. They are our highest output and most efficient fluorescent lights. They are wonderful for larger propagation areas and even early vegetative growth. The new 2 ft. T5-22 system is compact, lightweight and perfect for standard size propagation trays and small clone machines. Tek-Lites feature a sleek design with super-reflective interior, while the New Wave systems offer great performance in a more basic (and affordable) package. Both types of systems feature identical electrical components and will run the same bulbs. T-5 bulbs are available in either full-spectrum (6500º K) or warm-spectrum (3000º K), your choice or mix and match. 4 ft. bulbs produce 5000 lumens and use 52 watts of power. 2 ft. bulbs produce 2000 lumens and use 24 watts of power. System prices DO NOT include bulbs, but bulb prices are right below.

4 ft Systems

• Tek-Lite T-5 4 ft. 4 lamp Fixture, $258.99
• New Wave T-5 4 ft. 4 lamp Fixture, $199.99
• New Wave T-5 4 ft. 8 lamp Fixture, $309.99
• 4 ft. T-5 Full Spectrum Lamp, $16.99
• 4 ft. T-5 Warm Spectrum Lamp, $16.99

2 ft Systems

• New Wave T5 2 ft. 2 lamp Fixture, $76.99
• New Wave T5 2 ft. 4 lamp Fixture, $98.99
• 2 ft. T-5 Full Spectrum Lamp, $15.99
• 2 ft. T-5 Warm Spectrum Lamp, $15.99

Special Order Systems

These Tek-Lite T-5 Systems are available by special order:

• Tek-Lite T-5 4 ft. 2 lamp System, $209.99
• Tek-Lite T-5 4 ft. 6 lamp System, $336.99
• Tek-Lite T-5 4 ft. 8 lamp System, $409.99