Can any LED light be used as a grow light?
We learn about photosynthesis in high school.
This process begins with plants, algae and some bacteria converting light energy – usually from the sun – into chemical energy stored in glucose.
Add water and carbon dioxide to the mix and plants grow.
These days, LED lights are being used to simulate the sun and grow plants, algae and bacteria faster and in controlled indoor environments.
But will any standard household LED light do the trick?
Not exactly.
The LED lights you need to grow
To some degree, regular LED lights can help plants grow.
However, most standard lights do not have the brightness output or spectrum range to have any significant impact on photosynthesis and overall plant health.
On the other hand, LED grow lights are specifically designed to emit the optimal wavelengths of light for plant growth.
This includes red light and blue light, which are more effectively absorbed by plants than other colours and help fulfill their energy needs.
Regular LED lights v LED grow lights
Most standard LED lights have a low lumen output and a limited light spectrum, which does not lend itself to growing plants, algae or bacteria quickly and efficiently.
These are the specifications from a fairly standard household LED downlight available from major hardware stores across Australia:
- Wattage: 4.6
- Lumens Output: 430lm
- Spectrum: 3000k
- Average Life Hours: 15,000
Compare those numbers to a quality LED grow light bulb, which has the following specifications:
- Wattage: 15W
- Lumens Output: 1600lm
- Spectrum: Full-Spectrum GB4800K
- Average Life Hours: 50,000+
The grow light outputs light as almost four times the intensity of the regular light, which can help better stimulate photosynthesis and healthy plant development.
The spectrum of the grow light is also far greater and includes more red light and blue light, which are more beneficial for plants than other colours on the wavelength.
Additionally, the average life hours of grow lights are superior to most regular LED lights, lasting more than three times longer.
Benefits of LED grow lights
Compared to traditional grow lights, LED options provide enormous energy savings without compromising on growing power.
These lights offer improved intensity, resulting in faster growth and healthier plants. They also produce very little heat, helping to create a cooler growing environment.
An added benefit is that specific grow lights last longer than other options, with many having a lifetime rating of 50,000-plus hours – or over 5.7 years if they are used 24 hours a day.
These benefits can help you grow healthier plants, faster, all while enjoying long-term savings on energy bills and bulb replacements.
All your hydroponic growing needs in one place
If you are looking for LED grow lights, you have come to the right place.
At A-Grade Hydroponics, we have been a leading provider of quality indoor growing equipment in Melbourne since 2013.
We not only stock lighting but also offer grow rooms, complete systems and environmental equipment.
Check out our online store or come and visit us in Cheltenham to see how we can help elevate your growing game.
