ASKWONDER
QUESTION
What are the 5 best selling grow lights since 2015 in the USA to grow cannabis plants
OVERVIEW
Hello, Thanks for your question about the top five grow lights in the United States since 2015. The short answer is that there are a number of top notch grow lights being sold in the United States, and several of them can be purchased from Amazon. The long answer is below in my deep dive. METHODOLOGY In this research, I will go in depth about what factors make a great grow light, as well as the pros and cons of each of the row lights. I have also factored in the cost and energy efficiency where applicable. I avoided the particular companies' websites due to the bias that you mentioned in your request. Naturally, any company selling a product will primarily tell potential customers about the product's positive qualities, rather than a well-rounded report. I have also included links as to where to purchase these lights. Additionally, because of the vast variety of grow light purposes and sizes, I have made two lists of the top five lights. The first considers smaller, single bulbs, and the second considers larger commercial-grade lights. The pros and cons of different light bulbs were gathered from Zamnesia (23), an online retailer and informational resource for cannabis growers and users. WHAT MAKES A TOP NOTCH GROW LIGHT? Assuming that you are looking for a grow light for indoor cannabis plants, the most important thing to remember is that more light means greater yield, to a certain degree. If a cannabis plant is overexposed, it leads to what is called "light burn." (1) Light burn "causes yellow leaves at the top of the plant (1) directly under the grow lights," according to Grow Weed Easy, a cannabis growing resource. The leaves may not always turn yellow, however. They may also develop brown spots, burnt tips or edges, and the leaves themselves may turn red or purple. Problems such as nutrient deficiency (2) may exacerbate the light burn. Light burn occurs when a plant is exposed to light for too long,
1/9 askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
or when the grow light is too close (21). So, the size of a grow light is something to consider when browsing for a light. Another is the amount of heat generated, as excessive, constant heat will inhibit growth (22), according to The Weed Blog, another informational resource for cannabis growers. LED In the past, LED lights were seen as the future of indoor cannabis (3) growing, but always seemed to fall short. However, "lighting companies like Philips and Cree have released innovative, high-intensity LED diodes (3) whose color patterns can be tailored to the specific needs of the cannabis plant." Because of these advancements, LED-based grow lights have gained critical acclaim because of their long lifespans, and create less heat. Quick Pros of LED Bulbs: (4) -Higher quality of cannabis yield; potency and flavor are enhanced because of the spectrums released from LED lights -Minimal heat, reducing cost of running the lights -Easy setup, plugging directly into main power outlets Quick Cons of LED Bulbs: (4) -Initial expense -Still in its relative experimental phases -Not as powerful as other lights, such as -Discharge (HID) lights HIGH-INTENSITY DISCHARGE HIDs are considered the "golden standard" (4) of cannabis bulbs because of their powerful. Of all major types of bulbs, HIDs are the most powerful and efficient. Quick Pros of HID Bulbs: (4) -Their power allows for HIDs to efficiently cultivate larger cannabis plants -HIDs have been popular for several years and have decades of user experience to back up their claims -Like LEDs, HIDs also produce large yields from cannabis plants Quick Cons of HID Bulbs: (4) -Unfortunately, HIDs are expensive to purchase and expensive to run. This is in large part because of their size and power, as well as their well-known success 2/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
-HIDs biggest positive factor is, simultaneously, their greatest weakness. That is, because of their strength, they also are very hot, meaning that you will probably need some kind of ventilation system to keep whatever room the HID is in, cool. This also means that they require additional equipment, not counting the hood and ballast, which are specific to each HID light. COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS These are a regular household item. They are not necessarily powerful, but they have a large spectrum of light, (4) making them viable for growing smaller plants. Quick Pros of CFLs: (4) -Because they are a household item, they are available for purchase at any kind of hardware store, such as Home Depot, Menards, Super Walmart, or any local equivalent. They are cheap, and should they burn out or break, they are easy to replace. -Their small size means that they do not give off much heat, making them perfect for small operations or tents. -Their small size makes them successful in working in tandem with other lights, such as HIDs or LEDs, supplementing the light output of larger lights. Quick Cons of CFLs: (4) -Their small size and low cost make them very weak, compared to any other kind of bulb. They will not work well in cultivating larger plants, and are more suited to micro grows. -As a household item, they will not put a strain on an electric bill, but they will not use the energy as efficiently as a more professional light. TOP SMALL GROW LIGHTS: <100 WATTS Due to the advancement of LED technology, most top-of-the-line grow lights are LED based. These grow lights were selected based on their reviews, popularity, and overall success based on answered questions by the Amazon community. 1. TaoTronics LED Grow Light Bulb Wattage: 12W Bands: 3 Number of LED lights: 12 (3 blue, 9 red) Price: $19.99, Prime Shipping (5)
3/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
Pros: (5) Fits in a standard light bulb socket, very little heat, surface area of coverage varies from 1.5 sq. ft. to 3x2 sq. ft. (according to different buyers). Cons: (5) Small area of effect, some customers claim to have found cheaper and similar bulbs imported from China, low wattage 2. Vintage Grow 12W LED Lamp Wattage: 12W, 24W Number of LED lights: 12 (3 blue, 6 red, 3 pink) Price: $24.97, Prime Shipping (6) (12W) Price: $29.97, Prime Shipping (7) (24W) Pros: (6) Fits in a standard light socket, inexpensive, gives off little heat, is specifically designed for cannabis, excellent for starters, works best when two of the same LED lamp are used in tandem and increasing coverage Cons: (6) Small range of effect, requires more than one for efficient growth, inefficient use of energy 3. Vintage Grow 45W LED Lamp Panel Wattage: 45W Number of LED Lights: 225 (165 red, 60 blue) Price: $39.97, Prime Shipping (8) Pros: (8) Larger than its lower-wattage competitors, larger range of effect, can help taller plants yield Cons: (8) Similar cons to its lower-wattage competitors, more expensive for a slightly larger span and yield 4. OxyLED 7W Clip Lamp Wattage: 7W Number of LEDs: 7 (2 blue, 5 red) Price: $17.99 (9) Pros: (9) 360-degree angle, comes with clip, low-heat, rocker switch, 35,000-hour lifespan, 1-year warranty, 30-day money back guarantee, lifetime support
4/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
Cons: (9) low energy, low wattage, small field of effect, can only help smaller plants yield 5. OxyLED Bulb Wattage: 12W/24W Number of LEDs: 12 LEDs (3 blue, 9 red) Price: $11.99, Free Shipping (10) (12W) Price: $19.99, Prime Shipping (11) (24W) Pros: (10) Energy efficient, fits in standard socket, low heat, aluminum keeps, environmentally friendly Cons: (10) Small range of effect, does not use energy as efficiently as larger lights, not very strong, only works with single small lights
TOP LARGE GROW LIGHTS >100 WATTS 1. Apollo Horticulture Digital HPS/MH System Wattage: 400/600/1000 Cooling Fans: 1 Price: $124.99, Prime Shipping (400W) (15) Price: $139.99, Free Shipping (600W) (16) Price: Currently Unavailable (15) Pros: (17) Comes with two bulbs, ballast with hangers, 24-hour timer, dimming option, includes one cooling fan, less heat generation, lightweight, quiet, large yield, uses energy efficiently Cons: (17) Some shipped kits were missing pieces (14), light might be inconsistent, yearly bulb replacement 2. Galaxyhydro LED Light Wattage: 300W Number of LEDs: 100 Bands: 9 Cooling Fans: 2
5/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
Price: $92.99, Prime Shipping (12) Pros: (12) Includes cooling fans, 2-year warranty, low heat, works as a single light, "low hum" fan (13), can be used for multiple plants, does not require its own circuit, large field of effect Cons: (12) Not as powerful as other lamps, works well for tents rather than larger spaces, not dimmable 3. Apollo Horticulture Fluorescent Light Bulb Wattage: 125W Lumens: 6,300-6,450 Price: $23.99, Prime Shipping (18) Pros: (18) Inexpensive, low heat, energy efficient, full spectrum, does not require ballast, large range Cons: (18) Incomplete kit, incomplete spectrum, low power, requires mogul adapter, requires light assembly purchase 4. Roleadro Hydroponic 270W Wattage: 270W Bands: 9 Number of LEDs: 90 Lumens: 3,600 Cooling Fans: 1 Price: $79.99, Prime Shipping (19) Pros: (19) Can grow medium/large plants, works on 120v outlet, works for both flowering and veg stages, Cons: (19) Will require two lights for 3'x6' area, not waterproof, must be kept at least 2 feet above the plants 5. Advanced Platinum Series P600 LED Wattage: 600W
6/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
Bands: 12 Number of LEDs: Lifespan: 100,000 hours Price: $659.00, Prime Shipping (20) Pros: (20) 5-year warranty, 90-day money back guarantee, includes standard cord, uses Cree LEDs, includes fans, works on standard 110V outlet Cons: (20) Need at least 2 to efficiently cover tent larger than 5'x2', not dimmable, does not include hooks for hanging IN CONCLUSION To summarize, there are a number of grow lights with a number of uses. If you are looking for a solution for a larger operation or space, then it seems as though something like the Advanced Platinum Series P600 (number 5 of the >100W list) would be a good choice. If you are looking for a smaller solution, then something like the OxyLED 12W or 24W versions would be suitable. Thanks for using Wonder! Please let us know if there is anything else we can help with!
7/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
SOURCES
1) Light Burn
http://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-light-burn
2) Nutrient Deficiency
http://www.growweedeasy.com/cannabis-symptoms-pictures
3) Improvement of LED Lights http://91life.stickyguide.com/blog/led-grow-lights-grow-up
4) Pros & Cons of Different Grow Light Bulbs https://www.zamnesia.com/blog-a-look-a-the-best-grow-lights-for-cannabis-n834
5) TaoTronics Led Grow light Bulb , Grow Plant Light for Hydropoics Greenhouse Organic ( E26 12w 3 Bands) https://www.amazon.com/TaoTronics-light-Hydropoics-Greenhouse-Organic/dp/B00GNWK2XO/ref=sr_1_2? ie=UTF8&qid=1478219319&sr=8-2&keywords=best+grow+light&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011
6) Vintage Grow https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Grow-YIELD-Spectrum-Hydroponics/dp/B01A5E1GE4/ref=sr_1_3? ie=UTF8&qid=1478219319&sr=8-3&keywords=best+grow+light&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011
7) Vintage Grow LED 24W https://www.amazon.com/Vintage-Grow-YIELD-Spectrum-Hydroponics/dp/B01DU6BLBM/ref=sr_1_3? ie=UTF8&qid=1478219319&sr=8-3&keywords=best%2Bgrow %2Blight&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011&th=1
8) Vintage Grow 45W LED Lamp https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DU7C822/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza?th=1
9) OxyLED Grow Light 7W https://www.amazon.com/OxyLED-Degree-Adjustable-Indoor-Lights/dp/B01GNW47IY/ref=sr_1_6? ie=UTF8&qid=1478220610&sr=8-6&keywords=grow+lamp
10) OxyLED 12W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013OMDSIQ/ref=psdc_14107631_t2_B01GNW47IY
11) OxyLED 24W Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJZ8F4U/ref=psdc_14107631_t2_B01GNW47IY?th=1
8/9
askwonder.com
ASKWONDER
12) Galaxyhydro LED Grow Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PH1MQV8?ref_=ams_ad_dp_ovrl
13) Galaxyhydro LED Loudness
https://www.amazon.com/forum/-/TxVNXL4GNJUEHI/ref=ask_dp_dpmw_al_hza?asin=B00PH1MQV8
14) Top 10 Best Hydroponic Grow Lights http://heavy.com/garden/2015/09/best-full-spectrum-grow-lights-hydroponics-for-sale-reviews-bulbscannabis-marijuana/
15) Apollo Horticulture 1000W
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L3HA2I/ref=twister_B00EUMEJRO?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
16) Apollo Horticulture 600W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004L3AQ1U/ref=twister_B00EUMEJRO?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
17) Apollo Horticulture 400W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004YXDHX6/ref=twister_B00EUMEJRO?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
18) Apollo Horticulture 125W CFL https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HG1IH4M/ref=twister_B00HG1IF3U?_encoding=UTF8&th=1
19) Roleadro Hydroponic 270W UFO LED https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RWQ4B50/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957 &creativeASIN=B00NL9UZA2&linkCode=as2&tag=christieheavy-20&linkId=OCC7SGNJPIAVBVBT&th=1
20) Advanced Platinum Series P600 LED https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NTC2XRO/
21) Grow Light Distance http://www.growweedeasy.com/how-far-grow-lights
22) Temperature Problems And Marijuana Plants https://www.theweedblog.com/temperature-problems-and-marijuana-plants/
23) Zamnesia: Online Retailer and Informational Resource https://www.zamnesia.com/
9/9
askwonder.com