Lighting strategy for cannabis growing Gavita versus LED

Not only do we look at the mix of color spectrum the sun produces, we also need to understand the exact amount of light intensity the sun rains down on plants in each wavelength of color.
Lighting strategy for cannabis growing Gavita versus LED

Providing the appropriate color spectrum is just one dimension of successful marijuana growing. In fact color spectrum has less to do with yield than most lighting manufacturers care to admit.

There is a second consideration that is even more important than the spectral mix of colors a lamp produces. Maximizing cannabis harvest yields requires the correct level of light intensity be supplied as well. But total intensity measurements such as PAR can be misleading. We'll discuss why and also a solution. Measuring the individual wavelengths of light which when added all together equals total PAR.

With photo spectrometers becoming less expensive and more portable it's now possible to measure any grow lamp right at the grow. One such tool is Asensetek's Lighting Passport and their free mobile App Spectrum Genius Agricultural Lighting or SGAL. We like the Passport because it not only gives us total PAR, but it also breaks down the individual spectrum into 1 nanometer wavelengths and we can see the amount of PPF being created at any distance from the lamp for that single wavelength. Imagine being able to compare lamp to lamp, HPS to LED. Florescent to LED. Or better yet, the Sun to any lamp made today. We can now reverse engineer spectrum and light intensity to any lamp or directly to the sun. 

Asensetek Lighting Passport - shown with optional IPOD or IPAD and free SGAL App

If we can agree that our sun is the benchmark for the right mix of spectrum for photosynthesis, then we need to also look at exactly how much light measured in total intensity the sun provides as it passes through the sky.

The best starting point is to look at the sun’s light intensity at noon on a summer day in an area like California where cannabis flourishes outdoors. Not only do we look at the mix of color spectrum the sun produces, we also need to understand the exact amount of light intensity the sun rains down on plants in each wavelength of color. PPF (photosynthetic photon flux) is the measurement of the amount of micromoles that land on a target area - for example the top canopy of cannabis plants. And PPFD simply adds a distance measurement to PPF. 

At noon on a sunny day in California in June we measured the PPFD from the sun at 1978 micromoles (Figure A). Closer to the equator that number is higher and further north it drops lower. And of course at night it is zero. 

PPFD Spectrum

Figure A; Sun light spectrum and intensity per wavelength in micromoles in California in June at noon

The chart above shows PPFD (photosynthetic photon flux density in micromoles - the amount of photosynthetic light that actually hits your target area) scaled on the left. Wavelengths are scaled at the bottom. We can see for example that in the 600NM orange/red wavelength that the sun is peaking at about 7 micromoles. Regardless of the type of lighting, HPS versus CMH versus Fluorescent versus LED, it’s important to use the sun as the ultimate baseline of comparison.

The black line represents the McCree Action Curve, photosynthetic light level where all plant life benefits optimally. Light within the curve is ideal. Beyond the curve is unused by plants. The McCree Curve is an important target when choosing an artificial lamp for growing marijuana.

Cannabis plants can’t tolerate 2000 micromoles of energy for a 12 hour growing day. So we look at the average amount of sunlight which plants receive during the entire day. 

Average outdoor PPFD for a 12 hour day ranges widely however a June average in California is about 1000 micromoles.

We know from hundreds of cannabis grow tests with a wide variety of artificial lighting types that yields will improve when the canopy is continually provided with between 800-1200 micromoles. Our testing has shown that 1000 micromoles is an ideal target for average top canopy lighting. Some flowers will stretch into higher light levels while others will be below the average canopy and receive less. Providing 1000 micromoles also ensures flowers deeper in the plant canopy benefit from the intensity as well which results in increased dry weights and premium “A type” flower yields.

Looking back at Figure A we can use a rule of thumb that the average daily intensity we target on canopy for any specific color wavelength will be about half of what the chart shows for actual California maximum light intensity. So for example in that same 600NM orange/red peak we discussed above of 7 micromoles, we know that we need to find an artificial light source that provides at least 3.5 micromoles for the entire flower cycle for that wavelength. Any light source which does not achieve the target average will result in sacrificing plant yields. 

We also know that traditional HID (high intensity discharge) lamps are considered the gold standard in indoor gardening. Gavita double ended high pressure sodium lamps have been one of the most popular lamps for years for flowering. And Gavita ceramic metal halide lamps, which include more blue, are popular for the vegetative phase of growing. Likewise T5HO fluorescent lamps are popular for the clone phase and early veg phases.

As much as we want to try to replicate the balanced spectrum and average intensity of sunlight, FGI decided that we better also focus on understand why traditional lighting works and be sure to include this spectrum and intensity in our lamps as well.

We’ve visited hundreds of indoor grows using Gavita style lamps. Most growers tend to have the lamps hung between three and five feet above the top of the maturing canopy. Less than three feet begins to risk burning the plants from the heat the lamps produce. And further away than five feet the plants begin to look spindly and less healthy. Measurements of Gavita HPS spectrum and intensity look like Figure B below.

PPFD Spectrum

Figure B; Gavita 1000 w pro HPS spectrum and intensity at 36” from canopy

As compared to the sun peaking at 7 micromoles of orange/red energy – and our rule of thumb goal of providing 3.5 micromoles of average over 12 hours-- we can see that the Gavita does pretty well and is peaking above the target average at 5 micromoles. Gavita lamps work well in cannabis growing so it reasons to follow that any other lamp being considered to grow cannabis needs to be in this range. Anything below this range won’t grow the highest yielding plants.

As a comparison, the Gavita ceramic metal halide lamps which work well during the veg cycle clearly don’t provide the orange/red energy that their HPS lamps produce. Figure C below shows the Gavita CMH spectrum and intensity also at 48 inches above canopy. Total orange/red 600nm peak light production is 2 micromoles which explains why high yields cannot be obtained because the lamp produces 30% less light than the target of 3.5 micromoles of natural sunlight.  

PPFD Spectrum

Figure C; 660 watt Gavita ceramic metal halide lamp at 48” above canopy

We do know that the Gavita CMH lamps have proven to work well during the veg phase of cannabis growing and most growers keep their CMH lamps high above the canopy. Using the data we gathered in Figure C we know that veg plants desire blue light in the 440nm wavelength range. The CMH chart shows peak blue energy at about 1 micromole on average for a 20 hour veg operation. Looking back to the sun in Figure A we can see that a little over 5 micromoles of peak energy is produced and using the rule of half, our target is 2.5 micromoles. It could be said that the Gavita, at 48”, is not hitting the blue light target. And this is where hanging height on lamps becomes a tradeoff of benefits versus harm. In this example the CMH lamp should be closer to the plants.

If we lower the Gavita CMH lamp to increase the level of 440NM blue, then we’ll also increase the level of 600nm orange/red which we know from experience produces early stretching of the plants. Depending on style, many growers prefer more compact and lush veg plants prior to moving them in to flower and pruning to encourage formation of flower nodes and branching which maximizes production as the plants mature. Too much red will trigger the wrong type of growth.

Fluorescent lamps which are popular during cloning and earlier veg phases of growing is worth taking a look at too. Figure D below is a typical T5HO 8 tube lamp at 20” over young veg plants.

PPFD Spectrum

Figure D; T5HO 8L fluorescent lamp at 20” over canopy

Figure D helps to explain why Gavita CMH lamps and fluorescent lamps both work well for veg phase growing. They both produce peak energy in blue and orange/red. Peak 440nm blue is almost 1 micromole and peak 600nm orange/red is about 1.5 micromole. For very young plants our rule of thumb for light intensity should be 25% of the suns peak energy. Fluorescent lamps achieve that average however due to the spikey looking spectrum the plants are not receiving the broad range of spectrum the sun produces. This is another good reason not to look at total PAR because a fluorescent lamp might seem to be producing good total amounts of photosynthetic light but we can see that it’s not a consistent amount of light across the spectrum.

So now we have a pretty good target to aim for. We understand targeted light intensity from studying the sun. And we know that Gavita lamps work well in flower and veg. And that fluorescent lamps work well in clone and veg.

Any lamp you consider moving forward should provide targeted average intensity from the sun and all the benefits of the Gavita and T5s. Any lamp which lacks our target spectrum or intensity is likely not to work very well in the various stages of cannabis growing.

Evolution of LED grow lighting

LED grow lighting is an evolving area of study. Many growers are suspicious about the benefits of LED, having tried products that didn’t work in the past or heard from the community they don’t work. And for good reason. We’ve taken hundreds of measurements from dozens of LED lamps across the entire industry. We’ve had growers show us plants that don’t stack up well as compared to plants under Gavita or T5s.

Figure E below is good example of why not all LED lamps work as well as the sun or Gavita. The Illumitex Powerharvest LED spectrum and intensity is different than what we’ve decided our target is. And we can also see why the grow results are very different than Gavita.

PPFD Spectrum

Figure E, Illumitex Powerharvest LED as 36” above canopy

As compared to flowering under Gavita HPS the Powerharvest will only supply peak 600NM orange/red energy of less than 1 micromole versus our sun target of 3.5 or Gavita actual production of 5 micromoles. There is a major difference in 660NM red energy. Looking back at Figure A and what the sun produces with a peak of 8 micromoles of 660NM red, the Powerharvest is producing over 4 micromoles. That is within our “rule of thumb” target of 50% of the sun’s noontime output. But it’s 400% higher than what the Gavita produces of the same red energy. Experience has shown that very high levels of red energy cause the plants to stretch faster which can cause the plants inter-nodal flower spacing to be too far apart and become spindly. Light bleaching of the top flowers can also become a problem.

But some growers do just fine with the Powerharvest, too, which tells us that cannabis can be grown under a variety of light conditions as long as the appropriate intensity is provided too.  However at FGI we prefer to target the spectrum and intensity of the sun and Gavita because so many growers swear by the results.

We now have a good understanding of how to target any lamp you are considering not just in terms of light spectrum but more importantly in terms of the amount of energy we are supplying to the canopy in micromoles at any wavelength we feel is most important.

Targeting light intensity on canopy

The grow lamp industry, both traditional and LED does a poor job of supplying complete information about lamp intensity.

Most manufacturers supply only total PAR, which is the sum total of all the energy between 400-700NM. Total PAR does not include the individual spectral components of the light, thus is not a useful number and should be avoided in decision making.

The total PAR output of the sun peaks at 2000 micromoles at noon. The total PAR output of the Gavita Pro HPS hung at 36” is 470 micromoles. Total PAR output for the Illumitex Powerharvest, above, was 620 micromoles. However the makeup of those total amounts of PAR was very different and the plants development and harvest yields achieved under these light sources were also different.

At FGI we have a vast library of spectrum and light intensity data. As we designed our own line of lamps made here in Washington we used this data to target both the color spectrum we knew worked by grouping the highest yielding grow lamps together and separating out the average or below average lamps.

At a minimum, we wanted to incorporate the light spectrum and intensity of Gavita HPS for flower and CMH for veg. But we also chose to incorporate additional broad light spectrum which we knew from measuring the sun and outdoor grows is the proper target.

And most important, we designed our lamps to achieve very specific light intensity (PPFD) levels in each wavelength that makes up the total PAR output of our lamps.

Designing a lamp to hit targeted intensity while also reducing energy use is a tricky balance.

If the light is fixed at a certain height and light levels are too high or too low we have just two options. Either the voltage must be increased or decreased to hit the target intensity through dimming.

The second option is to physically move the light source closer or further from the plant canopy. When designing spectrum and intensity for cannabis with an eye to energy conservation, LEDs have a clear advantage. And to take full advantage of all that valuable photosynthetic light the lamp is producing it makes most sense to hang the lamp closer to the canopy to avoid the loss of light which occurs as the distance from the plants increases. This is where additional strategies like automated light lifting becomes important because we can slowly raise the lamps as the plants stretch.

The new generation of diodes are much more energy-efficient than older higher-wattage LEDs. The chips operate at much lower heat output. In doing so light output from a single diode is also less in terms of PAR output. But arranging the diodes closer together allows us to create the intensity we prefer.

Hanging the lamps closer to the canopy allows us to manufacture lamps which consume fewer watts and save more energy. This translates to lower cost of production in cannabis growing and higher efficiency of grams per watt produced. Secondary benefits of lower hanging heights include the ability to grow vertically in racks because LEDs run cooler. High Intensity Discharge, lamps like HPS and CMH, cannot be hung as close to the canopy without burning the plants or creating too much heat under the plant levels above, so vertical growing is nearly impossible with older style lamps.

The FGI line of LED lamps

FGI designed a full line of lamps for each stage of growth. Our 100 watt Lightbar is a low intensity lamp designed for cloning or earlier veg stage growth. Likewise our 185 watt Lightbar is designed for medium intensity to replace T5HO fluorescents and CMH used in veg. And our two 500 watt and 700 watt Lightpanels are designed to replace HPS lamps in flower.

How FGI stacks up against the competition

Flower/bloom

The FGI Lightpanel 700 and 500 use the same spectrum but have different light intensity output for different types of installations. The 500 watt Lightpanel produces the highest amount of light intensity over a smaller amount of area. The 700 watt Lightpanel covers a greater area of canopy.

Figure F shows the spectrum and intensity at 18” hanging height, the most efficient height for maximum intensity.

PPFD Spectrum

 

Figure F; FGI Lightpanel 500 V/B at 18”

Using the rule of thumb developed from looking at the sun in Figure A and the Gavita HPS in figure B, we targeted orange/red energy peaks at a high of 5 micromoles (Gavita) and a low of 3.5 (average sun). The Lightpanel achieves the goal: coming in just under 5 micromoles. Looking at the blue energy produced by the sun we targeted 2.2 micromoles and the Lightpanel exceeds that measurement at 3.7.

The Lightpanel has all the benefits of the spectrum and intensity preferred by Gavita HPS users but it also includes much more of the full spectrum of light the sun produces, setting it apart from a typical HPS lamp and moving the spectrum closer to that of outdoor California sun. Total PAR output for the Lightpanel (above) at 18” is 1136 micromoles, just under the 1200 micromole maximum light intensity recommended for cannabis.

Veg/clone

The FGI Lightbar 100 and 185 use the same spectrum as one another but in different intensities based on the desired light levels for young plants versus maturing veg plants.

PPFD Spectrum

Figure G; FGI Lightbar 185 at 18”

As compared to preferred CMH lamps (figure C) made by Gavita, the Lightbars produce peak blue energy of 1.3 micromoles, (equal to the CMH output) and peak orange/red energy of 1.7 micromoles (also equal to the CMH output.) Once again our spectrum and intensity includes all the preferred light of Gavita CMH but also adds in much more of the full spectrum the sun produces which is lacking in CMH lamps.

The same is true in comparison to T5HO lamps (figure D). The Lightbars exceed the amount of preferred blue and orange/red light produced by fluorescents and also include most of the green energy which is not found in CMH lamps.

Summary

It becomes clear that light spectrum is only a part of the equation when comparing various lamps. And looking only at total PAR output misses the mark too. But when spectrum and PAR output are combined into direct comparison between what has worked well for growers over time. Then adding in a comparison of the sun, nature’s best grow light, the science behind lamp design can be demystified. We can now design a very specific light spectrum and very specific light intensity allowing us to push the yield and potency to the maximum potential output.

Large scale commercial cannabis growing requires maximizing harvest yields time and  time again, while focusing on the reduced cost of electrical operation for lamps and heat removal. Paired with generous incentives offered by many utilities to convert from high energy HPS, CMH, and fluorescent lamps, the return on investment for installing the new generation of cannabis-tuned LED now makes sense more than ever before.

Premium Quality For Growing

More Products

FGI Far Red LED Grow Light. 700-760nm Spectrum Enhancer.
FGI
FGI Far Red LED Grow Light. 44" premium quality. 700-760nm Spectrum. $ 107.00 $ 116.00
Overview  This rugged, well constructed far red LED is the most popular single color grow light on the market today. As compared to the cheaply made 660nm red light strips being sold online, this unit stand apart in the crowd.  Use our far red lightbar to either manage aspects of plant growth, or to increase overall PAR when paired with full spectrum LEDs. About Growing with Far Red Energy Far-red light is good for plant growth. It can increase photosynthesis, enhance growth, and increase plant size. Far-red light is significant to plants because it increases the ability of plants to capture light. Plants use light not only as a source of energy, but also for information about the surrounding environment. Far-red light can also regulate leaf angle and increase plant height and leaf area, via expression of associated genes, to capture more light energy. The lightbar features a crystal lens that covers the diodes, making it waterproof and resistant to overspray. Additionally, the lightbar is designed to be easily moved and bumped around, making it one of the most versatile and user-friendly grow lights on the market. The science of using far red light on plants Recent studies at the University of Texas El Paso / University of Texas Arlington, concluded that plants exposed to full spectrum plus dosing with far red spectrum, increased overall plant mass/yield and also improved terpene profiles. Read the study here. The light coverage of this product is unmatched. It will fully cover a 4' wide grow tray in bloom and generally covers a 2' wide swath. We recommend a pair for each 4x4 grow space and this unit comes with hardware which allows you to position it inside the frame of most 5 and 8 bar full spectrum LEDs. This light system is one of the best on the market and will give your plants the light they need to thrive. Order now and be sure to get your grow space set up correctly so you can achieve maximum light coverage. Targeting the Emerson Effect. The Emerson Effect is the name given to the increase in the rate of photosynthesis that occurs when chloroplasts are exposed to far red energy just before the nighttime lights off cycle. This effect was first discovered by scientist Alexander Emerson in 1883, and it has since been extensively studied by plant biologists. While the Emerson Effect is typically associated with increases in photosynthesis, it can also lead to other changes in plant physiology, such as increased cell division and growth. One way to take advantage of the Emerson Effect is to use our supplimental far red LED grow light for 10-15 minutes after full spectrum lights are turned off. If you are looking to create the ideal environment for your plants, an LED grow light can help you to achieve the Emerson Effect.   Far Red Spectrum General use: Studies indicate that dosing with far red light is most effective with 4 hours on, 4 off, and 4 on. We recommend a digital wall timer, or if using TrolMaster the DSP-1 (for 110V connections) or a DSP-2 (for 240V).  Emerson Effect:  10-15 minutes after full spectrum lights are turned off. Plant Morphology Theory Plants use phytochrome to detect and respond to red and far-red wavelengths. Phytochromes are signaling proteins that promote photomorphogenesis in response to red light and far-red light. Phytochrome is the only known photoreceptor that absorbs light in the red/far red spectrum of light (600-750 nm). (source: Wikipedia) Far Red light is believed to create a competitive response in plants, pushing desirable terpene production and assisting in the formation of trichomes.   Read more about Far Red and extended spectrum in this recent release from Design Lights Consortium: Read It Here   ~Technical Specs~ Product 30W(±5%) PPF 72.1 umols/s  100-277VAC,50/60 Hz 102.3BTU IP65 44.88”x 2.24”x 1.53” 4.4 lbs Photometric Test Report Download  Product Warranty (see our warranty here) 3 year warranty
Square 2 LED Grow Light. 220W. High Output. 2'x2'. With Far Red Too.
FGI
FGI Square 2 LED Grow Light. 220W full spectrum plus far red diodes. $ 174.00 $ 229.00
Affordable, compact, extended far red spectrum LED grow light for plants of all types.    Growing tomatoe starts with the FGI Square 2   The FGI Square 2 is an excellent entry level LED grow light for those looking to give their plants the sun's energy. Unlike other lights on today’s market that only provide certain colors needed by plant life (or lack thereof), this one provides all the necessary components: red, orange, yellow green and blue spectrum which together make up the building blocks for successful photosynthesis (and closely matches our sun).  If you are looking for an easy to use LED to learn how to grow any plant types indoors, look no further than the FGI Square 2. Well loved by gardeners everywhere. Designed in the USA by Forever Green Indoors in Seattle WA. Plant lighting LED light experts since 2013. Use the Square 2 to grow all types of plants. Placing the light closer to the plants provides enough energy to match the summer sun. Pulling the light further away, or using the built in dimming, provides the right energy for starts and seedlings.  Learn more about the FGI Square 2 on our YouTube Channel here:  The Square 2 is one of the more efficient grow lights on today's market, using only 220 watts! This means it can produce far less heat than higher wattage lamps. We designed it to deliver the perfect balance of light. It's full spectrum white LEDs help plants grow healthy while adding 5% total deep as well as far-red diodes for an extended range that will optimize your plant growth! Key Features:  Compact size: 20" x 20" x 3" Lightweight: 10 lbs  Built in dimming knob: Adjusts levels for young to mature plants.  Spectrum: Full spectrum plus 5% 660nm deep red plust 730nm far red LED diodes.  Includes: 110V power cord. Two clip and steel cable wire hangars. Product manual.    Technical  PAR Chart at 24" From Diodes The right kind of light can make all the difference for your plants. Flowers, fruits and other high energy use types require levels as high as 1000 PPFD - a measurement that approximates natural sunlight. Spectrum From Our Sun   We design grow lights to closely mimic natural sunlight (shown above). Although it's not possible to exactly duplicate a giant burning ball of hydrogen, we get as close as possible with the Square 2.   Spectrum from the Square 2     Don't wait! We have limited stock on this LED. Buy yours today.     ~Technical Specs~ProductDiodes (White) Brand name: Shenzhen LidedaNumber of pieces 360Total Diode Wattage Capacity (not actual draw) 300WMaximum Advertised Wattage 300Equivalent Wattage 1000CCT 4000KCRI 80CRIOther color Diodes (Red)Brand Name: Shenzhen LidedaNumber of pieces 96CCT NAWavelength 655-665nmOther color Diodes (FR) Brand Name: Shenzhen LidedaNumber of pieces 24CCT NAWavelength 730-745nmRatio mix white/red (%) 3:1 Projected Diode Lifetime (L-90) - in hours 50,000 hours Photosynthetic Light Measurements PPF Output* 436.1 umol/sPPF Efficacy* PPF 2.1umol/J PPFD Output 900 umols/ms at 24" below diodes Photopic Light MeasurementsLuminous Flux* 30342lmLuminous Flux Efficacy 151.7lm/w Other Input Power Watts 218Input Voltage 110VCord length 8' (2.44m, 18AWG )Plug type (note if bare whip) Molded 110V Product Dimensions Dimensions W x L x H (inches) 20x20x3.5Weight (pounds) 10Operating Temp range (F) -20℃ — +40℃IP rating (UL-ETL or estimated final UL-ETL)IP(UL- UL-ETL) IP20 Physical Dimensions Package Dimension W x L x H (inches) 24x23x5Inner carton (Yes/No) NOInner Carton Weight NOMaster Outer carton (Yes/No) YESNumber of pieces in Master Carton (1, 2, 3) 1Master carton weight (lbs) 2 Dimming / Tuning Dimming (Yes/No) Yes Product Warranty (against manufacturing defects) 3 years Warranty does not include coverage for damage caused by water or exposure to VOC's or electrical damage caused by voltage spikes. We recommend using a basic power surge suppressor such as those found on power strips to protect your light from utility power outages. 
FGI UV LED Grow Light. 340-400 nm Extended Spectrum for plant growing.
FGI
FGI UVA LED Grow Light. 340-400nm. Premium quality. $ 107.00 $ 116.00
DESCRIPTION Rugged, waterproof, glass lens, 100-277 VAC. This unit is built to last.  Designed to match natural sunlight levels, the FGI UVA LED Grow Light offers extended spectrum Supplemental Blue 340-400 nm with an added PAR Booster to ensure optimal absorption of the light energy. Perfect for indoor growers and plant enthusiasts! The reason for this is that plant morphology is affected by the spectral composition of light, which means that different wavelengths of light can promote different plant growth. In particular, blue light is known to encourage compact growth and strong stems, making it an essential part of plant development. By providing plants with the same level of blue light as they would receive from the sun, the FGI 385nm UV Lightbar ensures that they can grow and develop in the best possible way. As a result, it is an invaluable tool for any gardener or plant lover who wants their plants to thrive. Science behind using UV-A supplemental energy on plants Recent studies at Utah State University have shown that plants absorb and benefit from light between 380-740NM. This research has led to the study of E-PAR or extended PAR and is redefining measurement of photosynthetic light.  Below are the spectrum charts which compare natural sunlight to full spectrum LEDs and then to full spectrum plus supplemental UV.  The result is a closer match to sunlight providing more of the beneficial blue light that plants benefit from.  Sunlight Levels of 380NM UV Natural sunlight provides plants 1.22 umols of 380nm blue energy.  Natural Sunlight Spectrum Blue Energy 1.2234 umols Typical Full Spectrum LED Lack 380NM UV Full spectrum LEDs have limited blue spectrum which peak at 460nm.   Full Spectrum LED 460nm Blue Energy Levels .0514 umols Full Spectrum LED with Supplemental 380NM UV  Adding supplemental 385NM UV creates a secondary peak of blue energy at 1.5047 umols at 12" from the canopy, roughly equaling natural sunlight.  Supplemental UV Spectrum plus Full Spectrum Blue Energy 1.5047 umols (3x greater)  Build Quality These are high quality units with a crystal glass lens cover to protect the diodes and allow for cleaning. The all aluminum frame dissipates what little heat the bar creates. At 30 watts the Lightbar sips energy too.  Spectrum Theory  Blue energy is scientifically known to help form more compact plants. More lush leaf growth, stronger and larger stems and tighter internodal spacing. We gave a prominent researcher at a major State University one our 385NM UVA Lightbars:  "Your UVA lights arrived and we have confirmed their 385 nm peak. This looks like a high quality fixture." He went on to say: "Elevated exposure to UV photons is known to enhance the synthesis of UV blocking compounds in the leaves of many species and it is reasonable to think that UV photons can increase the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants." And further, "I expect we will find value in dosing of CSat plants with UV photons, but not surprisingly, the effects will likely interact with UV wavelength, intensity, timing of delivery, and growth stage." The UVA Lightbar fits neatly inside the frame of our Uniformity Pro LEDs as well as many other multi-bar style full spectrum LEDs. Use We recommend two of our UV-A LEDs over each 4'x4' area. The slim design allows them to be hung inside the frame of most 6 and 8 bar LEDs. Mounting height should be at the same level to avoid creating shadowing.  Control A basic digital 110V wall timer can be used, or if using the TrolMaster Hydro X we recommend the DSP-1 module for 110V or DSP-2 for 120V power connection and multiple on/off timer programming.   ~Technical Specs~ Product 30W(±5%) 20 UVA Diodes Per Bar 100-277VAC,50/60 Hz 102.3BTU IP65 44.88”x 2.24”x 1.53” 4.4 lbs Photometric File Download Product Warranty (see our warranty here) 3 year warranty
FGI Flexi-clone LED grow light for seedlings and plant starts
FGI
FGI 4’ 20W LED grow light set for clones and seedlings. Linkable. $ 89.95 $ 110.00
The FGI Flexi-Clone LED grow light is designed to give plant starts the best chance of succeeding. Featuring quality made LED lighting for a reliable outcome, this light is perfect for seedlings, clones, and plant starts. Our 4' long grow bars are able to interconnect, or can be used independently.  Link additional bars side-by-side to increase photosynthetic light intensity. Two bars are perfect for new starts. Four bars work well for younger plants or more light sensitive varieties.  Combine up to 30 Flexi-Clone bars on a single 120/240V plug to run your entire plant propagation area without needing dozens of sockets.  High quality all aluminum construction. Solid state, fanless and driverless design.  LED diodes protected from moisture with a conformal coating. Accidental spray won't affect them at all.  3 year warranty against defects.  Water resistant light to light connectors. Clip on hanging bracket included.  Compare the Flexi-Clone to other plastic seedling lights and you'll see why people choose the flexi-clone system instead. Here is our grow light spectrum compared to the sun and other lighting styles. You can see why plants thrive under our grow spectrum. We more closely match natural sunlight.  The FlexiClone system is fantastic. Your plants will love this light.  Sold as as set of two bars, use two of the Flexi-clone bars to cover 4' x 2' of area.  We stand behind our lights with a 365 day money back guarantee.   Unboxing and Installation Video  ~Technical Specs~ Product FGI Flexi Clone LED Grow Light (set of two) Light Source LED Spectrum 4506 CCT Warm White / Neutral White mixPhotosynthetic Light MeasurementsPPF Output* 69 umols/ms PPF Efficacy* 2.30 Umol/sec/wPPFD @ 12" 115 Umol/m²/sFixture coverage ( max intensity / max uniformity )* 4' x 1' per LED / 4' x 2' per set of two LEDsPhotopic Light MeasurementsLuminous Flux* 8,229 LumensLuminous Flux Efficacy* 136.2 Lm/wIlluminance @ 12" 32,069 LuxOtherInput Power 25 watts per barInput Voltage 100-277VAC autosensingDimensions 47.2”x 1.89”x 1.3”Weight 1.1 lbsOperating Temp range 32 F - 104 FThermal Management PassiveRecommended Mounting height 12" for one set. Add additional bars to increase light levels and mounting heights. Dimming / Tuning No Product Warranty (see our warranty here) 3 years
FGI Far Red LED Grow Lights 44” long. Waterproof. 700-760nm. Plants, aquariums, mushrooms.
FGI
FGI Far Red LED Grow Light Set 44” Commercial-grade 700-760nm. Plants, aquariums, mushrooms. $ 215.00 $ 224.00
The FGI Far Red LED Grow Light is the best dedicated far red LED grow light on the market today. Compare it to the cheaply made 660nm red LEDs being sold online and the difference is clear. About Growing with Far Red EnergyFar-red light is good for plant growth. It can increase photosynthesis, enhance growth, and increase plant size. Far-red light is significant to plants because it increases the ability of plants to capture light. Plants use light not only as a source of energy, but also for information about the surrounding environment.Far-red light is typically not absorbed much by plant leaves, and it doesn't drive any photosynthesis because it is mostly reflected off leaves. However, if a plant "senses" a greater ratio of far-red to normal light then it "knows" that obstructions or other plants are close to it.Far-red light can also regulate leaf angle and increase plant height and leaf area, via expression of associated genes, to capture more light energy. If you're serious about getting the most out of your plants, you need to make sure they're getting the right kind of light. Our far red LED grow lightbar is specially designed to boost photosynthetic light levels in both veg and flower. Adding two of these bars to your 4x4 grow space will lift PAR by 10%. This means healthier plants and bigger yields come harvest time. So if you're ready to take your growing operation to the next level, pick up our far red LED grow lightbar today. You won't be disappointed. Use far red energy in veg to keep plants compact and strong. Recent studies at Utah State University by Dr Bruce Bugbee, have proven that additional energy, even in the red spectrum, keeps plants more compact.  The science of using far red light on plants Recent studies at the University of Texas El Paso / University of Texas Arlington, concluded that plants exposed to full spectrum plus dosing with far red spectrum, increased overall plant mass/yield and also improved terpene profiles. Read the study here. The light coverage of this product is unmatched. It will fully cover a 4' wide grow tray in bloom and generally covers a 2' wide swath. We recommend a pair for each 4x4 grow space and this unit comes with hardware which allows you to position it inside the frame of most 5 and 8 bar full spectrum LEDs. This light system is one of the best on the market and will give your plants the light they need to thrive. Order now and be sure to get your grow space set up correctly so you can achieve maximum light coverage. Targeting the Emerson Effect. The Emerson Effect is the name given to the increase in the rate of photosynthesis that occurs when chloroplasts are exposed to far red energy just before the nighttime lights off cycle. This effect was first discovered by scientist Alexander Emerson in 1883, and it has since been extensively studied by plant biologists. While the Emerson Effect is typically associated with increases in photosynthesis, it can also lead to other changes in plant physiology, such as increased cell division and growth. One way to take advantage of the Emerson Effect is to use our supplemental far red LED grow light for 10-15 minutes after full spectrum lights are turned off. If you are looking to create the ideal environment for your plants, an LED grow light can help you to achieve the Emerson Effect.   Far Red Spectrum Use We recommend 2 units per 4x4 grow space for daytime enhanced PPFD delivery. Height over canopy should be the same as your full spectrum LED but it will not hurt the plants to hang beneath a 4x4 LED.  Time General use: Studies indicate that dosing with far red light is most effective with 4 hours on, 4 off, and 4 on. We recommend a digital wall timer, or if using TrolMaster the DSP-1 (for 110V connections) or a DSP-2 (for 240V).  Emerson Effect:  10-15 minutes after full spectrum lights are turned off. Plant Morphology Theory Plants use phytochrome to detect and respond to red and far-red wavelengths. Phytochromes are signaling proteins that promote photomorphogenesis in response to red light and far-red light. Phytochrome is the only known photoreceptor that absorbs light in the red/far red spectrum of light (600-750 nm). (source: Wikipedia) Far Red light is believed to create a competitive response in plants, pushing desirable terpene production and assisting in the formation of trichomes.   Read more about Far Red and extended spectrum in this recent release from Design Lights Consortium: Read It Here ~Technical Specs~ Product 30W(±5%) PPF 72.1 umols/s  100-277VAC,50/60 Hz 102.3BTU IP65 44.88”x 2.24”x 1.53” 4.4 lbs Photometric Test Report Download  Product Warranty (see our warranty here) 3 year warranty
FGI Square 320W Smart LED Grow light full spectrum plus dark red booster built-in
FGI
FGI Square 320W Smart LED Grow light built-in WiFi connectivity. $ 242.00 $ 349.00
For both entry level and experienced growers. The innovative square design of the FGI Square 3 provides excellent light coverage and intensity over 3'x3' in flower, so you can be sure your plants are getting everything they need to thrive. The easy to use wifi module allows control using your phone with our free Cloud Intelligence App. The extended far-red spectrum delivers all the wavelengths your plants need for healthy growth, and the built-in dimming function allows you to customize the light output to suit your plants' needs. Our 365-day money back guarantee ensures that you are fully protected with Forever Green Indoors. Here is a comparison to natural sunlight and fluorescent lighting.  Forever Green's time tested grow light spectrum comparison  Our WeatherEFX Cloud Intelligence WiFi controller allows you to mimic natural weather, like sunrise and sunset to optimize plant growth.  Learn more about WeatherEFX, and the Cloud Intelligence App on YouTube here:    Square 3 Product Manual  Wifi Controller Manual and Troubleshooting Guide  FEATURES Lightweight - just 13 lbs Slim - 3" deep Cool - won't add too much heat 4 push button dimming settings COVERAGE The Square 3 is designed for flowering in 3'x3' spaces at up to 1000 umols/ms. (CO2 recommended for this light level). Or grow at 800 umols/ms without CO2. It can be used for Veg when dimmed. And when fully dimmed can be used over clones and starts too.Below are PAR readings with the lights at three different distances. At 24" expect PPFD to be above 1000 umols/ms, but not as uniform. At 30" PAR will be above 750 umols/ms. This is an ideal light level if not using supplemental CO2. These levels are equal to a typical HPS grow space.At 36" light levels become more uniform from corner to corner but at 680 umols are below what we'd recommend for flower.At 48", light levels are the most uniform and are perfect for mature veg plants. Use the built in dimmer to reduce intensity for young veg plants. Product Manuals:  Square 3 Product Manual  Wifi Controller Manual and Troubleshooting Guide  SPECIFICATIONS FGI Square 3 WiFi LED Grow LightDiodes (White)Diodes Brand name: Shenzhen Lideda Number of pieces 960 CCT 4000K CRI 80CRI Other color Diodes (Red) Brand Name: Shenzhen Lideda Number of pieces 256 CCT NA Wavelength 655-665nm Other color Diodes (FR) Brand Name: Shenzhen Lideda Number of pieces 64 CCT NA Wavelength 730-745nm Ratio mix white/red (%) 3:1Product Warranty/Longevity Warranty (years) 5 years Lifetime (L-90) - in hours 50,000 hours Photosynthetic Light Measurements PPF Output* 1120 umol/s PPF Efficacy* PPF 2.38umols/j Photopic Light Measurements Luminous Flux* 67,000 lm Luminous Flux Efficacy 168 lm/w Other Input Power Watts 320W Input Voltage 110V Cord length 8' (2.44m, 18AWG ) Plug type (note if bare whip) Molded 110V Product Dimensions Dimensions W x L x H (inches) 22 x 22 x 3.5 Weight (pounds) 13 Operating Temp range (F) -20℃ — +40℃ IP rating IP20 Rating CSAPhysical Dimensions Package Dimension W x L x H (inches) 27 x 26 x 6.5 Dimming / Tuning: Push button / Wifi App Product Warranty: 3 years against defects. See our warranty policy page for details. 
FGI UVA LED Grow Light Set. 44”. Waterproof. 340-400nm. Plants, aquariums, mushrooms.
FGI
FGI UVA LED Grow Light Bundle. 44”, rugged. Premium quality. $ 215.00 $ 224.00
DESCRIPTION Rugged, waterproof, glass lens, 100-277 VAC. This unit is built to last.  The FGI 385nm UV Lightbar is designed to provide targeted supplemental blue energy to equal natural sunlight levels. At Forever Green, we strive to match natural sunlight with our lighting products. The reason for this is that plant, corals and mushroom morphology is affected by the spectral composition of light, which means that different wavelengths of light can promote different growth characteristics. In particular, blue light is known to encourage compact growth and strong stems, making it an essential part of plant development. By providing plants with the same level of blue light as they would receive from the sun, the FGI 385nm UV Lightbar ensures that they can grow and develop in the best possible way. As a result, it is an invaluable tool for any gardener or plant lover who wants their plants to thrive. Science behind using UV-A supplemental energy on plants Recent studies at Utah State University have shown that plants absorb and benefit from light between 380-740NM. This research has led to the study of E-PAR or extended PAR and is redefining measurement of photosynthetic light.  Below are the spectrum charts which compare natural sunlight to full spectrum LEDs and then to full spectrum plus supplemental UV.  The result is a closer match to sunlight providing more of the beneficial blue light that plants benefit from.  Sunlight Levels of 380NM UV Natural sunlight provides plants 1.22 umols of 380nm blue energy.  Natural Sunlight Spectrum Blue Energy 1.2234 umols Typical Full Spectrum LED Lack 380NM UV Full spectrum LEDs have limited blue spectrum which peak at 460nm.   Full Spectrum LED 460nm Blue Energy Levels .0514 umols Full Spectrum LED with Supplemental 380NM UV  Adding supplemental 385NM UV creates a secondary peak of blue energy at 1.5047 umols at 12" from the canopy, roughly equaling natural sunlight.  Supplemental UV Spectrum plus Full Spectrum Blue Energy 1.5047 umols (3x greater)  Build Quality These are high quality units with a crystal glass lens cover to protect the diodes and allow for cleaning. The all aluminum frame dissipates what little heat the bar creates. At 30 watts the Lightbar sips energy too.  Spectrum Theory  Blue energy is scientifically known to help form more compact plants. More lush leaf growth, stronger and larger stems and tighter internodal spacing. We gave a prominent researcher one of our UV-A LEDs and he said:  "Your UVA lights arrived and we have confirmed their 385 nm peak. This looks like a high quality fixture." He went on to say: "Elevated exposure to UV photons is known to enhance the synthesis of UV blocking compounds in the leaves of many species and it is reasonable to think that UV photons can increase the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants." And further, "I expect we will find value in dosing of CSativa plants with UV photons, but not surprisingly, the effects will likely interact with UV wavelength, intensity, timing of delivery, and growth stage." The UVA Lightbar fits neatly inside the frame of our Uniformity Pro LEDs as well as many other multi-bar style full spectrum LEDs. Use We recommend two of our UV-A LEDs over each 4'x4' area. The slim design allows them to be hung inside the frame of most 6 and 8 bar LEDs. Mounting height should be at the same level to avoid creating shadowing.  Control A basic digital 110V wall timer can be used, or if using the TrolMaster Hydro X we recommend the DSP-1 module for 110V or DSP-2 for 120V power connection and multiple on/off timer programming.   ~Technical Specs~ Product 30W(±5%) 20 UVA Diodes Per Bar 100-277VAC,50/60 Hz 102.3BTU IP65 44.88”x 2.24”x 1.53” 4.4 lbs Photometric File Download Product Warranty (see our warranty here) 3 year warranty
FGI Factory Direct:  Hortibest H3 2x4 Full Spectrum 170W LED Grow Light System for Veg. Linkable.
HortiBest
FGI Factory Direct: Hortibest H3 2x4 Full Spectrum 170W LED Grow Light System for Veg.... $ 499.00 $ 499.00
Unlock a new level of savings with our premium quality factory-direct FGI Hortibest LED grow lights. Get great performance at prices that cut out the middle man. Shop and experience the Hortibest difference. Hortibest H3 Slimline 170W Veg LED Grow Light. Perfect for a 4' x 2' space, this veg light is AC daisy chainable for easy installation. With a highly uniform PPFD value, it's ideal for vegetative growth, and the slim design means it won't take up too much space in your grow room. Don't let your plants suffer from poor lighting - invest in a Hortibest LED grow light today! Highlights: Fanless Design IP65 Water and dust resistent Dimmable: 0-10V Daisy Chain Dimming Daisy Chain AC Power Connection OSRAM LED Diodes Input Voltage:120-277VAC Slim Internal Power Supply Design Uniform PPFD distribution over a 2'x4' area DLC listed  The Hortibest Octopus H3 will help your plants reach their full potential. With a sturdy, sleek internal driver design, and a range of adjustable settings, this grow light is sure to give your plants the boost they need to grow strong and healthy. If you're ooking for a gentle, uniform light spectrum perfect for veg phase growth, look no further than Hortibest's Octopus H3. The H3 is designed to completely cover a 4' wide tray with consistent light distribution, making it perfect for your indoor horticulture needs. With PPFD of 500 umols/ms, your plants will be getting the ideal amount of light for optimal growth. Don't let sub-par lighting stop you from getting the most out of your plants - trust the Octopus H3 for all your veg growing needs.  Link to PDF spec sheet Tech Specs: DLC Listed: H3 170W: OC-H-170A FSG 26 D1 170W 2.5 umols/j PPF 425 umos/ms Osram LED Diodes  Proprietary built in driver (enclosed in light rails) AC power pass through for AC Daisy Chain Dimensions: 47 x 18 x 2 inches Weight: 7.9Ibs  Built in pre-set dimming knob + on/off Dimming: 0-10V Daisy Chain. RJ-14 light to light cable included L90: > 50,000hrs Saftey Certiification: ETL  

60 DAYS EASY RETURNS

FREE US SHIPPING

FAST CHECKOUT

SAME DAY FULFILLMENT

(Orders before 11am pst)