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Best Grow Lights For Hydroponics (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for an effective solution to grow plants indoors, look no further than hydroponics. With the use of grow lights specifically designed for hydroponics, you can cultivate a fruitful harvest all year-round. Before investing in any grow lights, it's important to consider factors such as the type of plants you want to grow, the size and layout of your space, and your budget. With these factors in mind, you can select the perfect grow lights for your hydroponic setup.

When choosing grow lights, consider the type of plants you want to grow. Certain plants require more light than others, meaning you’ll need more powerful lights. In addition, the size and layout of your space play a crucial role. If you have a large space, you’ll need more lights than if you have a small space. Lastly, it’s crucial to choose lights that fit within your budget. While some may be pricier, investing in high-quality lights can pay off in the long run.

Are you tired of relying on natural sunlight for your plants? Are you interested in growing fruits, vegetables, or herbs anytime you want? If so, hydroponics might be the perfect solution for you. But where do you start? How do you choose the right grow lights? Fear not, as we’ll guide you through the entire process. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about grow lights for hydroponics.

10 Best Grow Lights For Hydroponics

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
These glasses are ideal for indoor hydroponic gardening and provide protection from the intense LED grow lights.
2
Ideal for growing indoor plants in commercial hydroponic setups, providing full spectrum lighting and adjustable brightness.
3
This product is ideal for growing indoor plants and hydroponic systems, as well as providing light for aquariums and bonsai trees.
4
The product is ideal for providing full spectrum lighting for hydroponic plants and enhancing the aesthetics of aquariums.
5
Ideal for scheduling on/off times of electrical devices, such as aquariums, grow lights, appliances, and office/home equipment.
6
This product is ideal for indoor plant growing and DIY horticulture.
7
It is ideal for controlling multiple HID grow lights in hydroponic indoor gardens.
8
The product is ideal for wearing during indoor hydroponics gardening under HPS and MH lights to reduce light reflection.
9
The product is ideal for indoor hydroponic plant growth during seedling, vegetative, and flowering stages with its red-blue spectrum LED lights.
10
The product is ideal for controlling the timing of hydroponic grow lights and other electrical devices with a 3-prong grounded outlet.
These glasses are ideal for indoor hydroponic gardening and provide protection from the intense LED grow lights.
Ideal for growing indoor plants in commercial hydroponic setups, providing full spectrum lighting and adjustable brightness.
This product is ideal for growing indoor plants and hydroponic systems, as well as providing light for aquariums and bonsai trees.
The product is ideal for providing full spectrum lighting for hydroponic plants and enhancing the aesthetics of aquariums.
Ideal for scheduling on/off times of electrical devices, such as aquariums, grow lights, appliances, and office/home equipment.
This product is ideal for indoor plant growing and DIY horticulture.
It is ideal for controlling multiple HID grow lights in hydroponic indoor gardens.
The product is ideal for wearing during indoor hydroponics gardening under HPS and MH lights to reduce light reflection.
The product is ideal for indoor hydroponic plant growth during seedling, vegetative, and flowering stages with its red-blue spectrum LED lights.
The product is ideal for controlling the timing of hydroponic grow lights and other electrical devices with a 3-prong grounded outlet.

1. Ipower Grow Room Glasses, Hydroponics Led Indoor Grow Light Glasses, 2 Pack, Green

The iPower indoor hydroponics glasses are the perfect solution for those who work under hydroponic grow lights. Designed specifically for LED grow lights, these glasses meet ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 safety standards, ensuring maximum protection for your eyes. They come in a pack of 2 and are backed by an exceptional customer service team.

These glasses are designed to provide superior protection to your eyes while working under hydroponic grow lights, which can cause damage to your eyes over time. With these glasses, you can work for longer hours without worrying about any potential harm to your eyes. They are made from high-quality materials and are built to last.

It is important to note that these glasses are not suitable to wear over your regular prescription glasses. They are meant to be worn alone to provide maximum protection to your eyes.

If you are looking for a reliable and durable pair of glasses to wear while working under hydroponic grow lights, then the iPower indoor hydroponics glasses are a great choice. They are designed to provide superior protection to your eyes and are backed by an exceptional customer service team.

Pros

  • Meets ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 safety standards
  • Designed specifically for LED grow lights
  • Provides superior protection to your eyes while working under hydroponic grow lights
  • Comes in a pack of 2
  • Backed by an exceptional customer service team

Cons

  • – Not suitable to wear over prescription glasses

2. Aglex M400 Led Grow Lights: Full-Spectrum, Foldable Bar

The AGLEX M400 LED plant growing light is perfect for maximizing yields and crop quality. It features high efficient SMD 3030 chips, which only consumes 420w with 1152 LEDs, achieving a higher average PPFD with 855muol/㎡/s at 3x4ft core coverage. This LED grow light can help you achieve maximum quality and quantity, with an average yield of more than 2.5g per wattage. It has a wide input voltage range of 100-277V, making it suitable for most inputs.

The daisy-chain function allows you to connect more than 100 lights with the RJ14 port at the same time. You can daisy-chain the solo model M400 or connect it with other models of M series grow lights, controlling them simultaneously. This function is very convenient for large area indoor growing and commercial planting. You can adjust the first light to control the rest of the lights. Note that the rest of the lights dimmer should be at “A” firstly.

The AGLEX 420W LED grow light consists of a full spectrum of white 4000K, red 660nm, and IR 740nm, which is infinitely close to natural sunlight, perfect for seeding to flowering and applied to the whole stages of indoor growing plants. The growing lamp 420w comes with a flexible dimmable function, with a 4-level dimming knob from 0-100% available, making it convenient to adjust the brightness according to the plants at different growing stages.

This plant growing light has an amazing heat dissipation function due to its light bar style and aluminum material, which can contribute to better airflow and great heat dissipation, ensuring a longer lifetime and lower energy bill. It is also foldable, which means it can be folded up to 180°, making it easy to be carried and installed. With 8 LED grow light bars, each bar is covered with high-grade glue, making it easy to clean.

The AGLEX LED grow light 420w is ideal for greenhouses, grow tents, stand rack, vertical farming, etc. It is value for money and provides truly 3 years standard after-sales, with 30 days no reason refund and 7/24 satisfying customer services. If there are any questions or concerns, customers can message them, and they will help with great pleasure!

Pros

  • Highly efficient with SMD 3030 chips
  • Wide input voltage range of 100-277V
  • Daisy-chain function for connecting more than 100 lights
  • Flexible dimmable function with a 4-level dimming knob
  • Amazing heat dissipation function with a light bar style and aluminum material
  • Foldable and easy to clean
  • Ideal for greenhouses, grow tents, stand rack, vertical farming, etc.
  • Truly 3 years standard after-sales with 30 days no reason refund and 7/24 satisfying customer services

3. Hohopeti Aquarium Led Grow Light Duo.

Add a touch of elegance to your freshwater fish tank with this practical and simple-designed fish tank light. Measuring about 18x35cm, it is suitable for a variety of fish tank sizes and is incredibly easy to use. The USB power feature makes it very convenient to operate and it won't take up much space, thanks to its compact size and lightweight. This fish tank lamp boasts of fine workmanship with incredible details that could be seen everywhere. It is a practical and easy-to-move aquarium lighting accessory that will meet your demanding viewing requirements.

Pros

  • Simple and practical design
  • Suitable for a variety of fish tank sizes
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • Fine workmanship with incredible details
  • Easy to use with USB power feature
  • Practical and easy to move
  • Meets demanding viewing requirements

4. Popetpop Aquarium Bonsai Led Grow Light

The LED Grow Lamp features a sleek design with round edges and a smooth surface, ensuring that it is safe to touch and won't cause any harm to your hands. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it a space-saving and convenient option for indoor gardening enthusiasts. It emits a full spectrum of light that is suitable for a wide range of plants and is easy to move around as needed.

The Aquarium Light is also compact and lightweight, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add some extra lighting to their fish tank without taking up too much space. With its color-restoring capabilities, this professional-grade fish tank lamp can help create a natural-looking environment for your aquatic pets. Its practical design allows you to easily adjust the lighting to suit your needs.

The Full Spectrum Grow Light Bulbs are perfect for those who have demanding viewing requirements. These bulbs emit a full spectrum of light that is suitable for a wide range of plants, making them highly practical for indoor gardening enthusiasts. With their easy-to-move design, you can adjust the lighting as needed to ensure your plants receive the optimal levels of light.

The Aquarium Lighting Accessories are designed to restore color and create a natural-looking environment for your aquatic pets. These professional-grade fish tank lamps are highly practical and can help create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere for your fish. With their easy-to-use design, you can easily adjust the lighting to suit your needs.

The Full Spectrum LED Light is an excellent choice for those looking to decorate their fish tanks, aquariums, or rooms. With its full spectrum of light, this LED light can help create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any space. Its practical design allows for easy installation and adjustment to suit your needs.

Pros

  • Compact size and lightweight construction
  • Full spectrum of light suitable for a wide range of plants
  • Easy to move and adjust as needed
  • Professional-grade design for aquarium lighting
  • Easy-to-use design for adjusting lighting

5. 24 Hour Plug-In Timer For Everyday Living

The iPower outlet timer is a reliable and easy-to-use device that enables scheduling of small home appliances. This timer has a built-in pin dial, which can be turned to set the current time. You can program your devices to turn on/off in as small as 15-minute intervals with up to 96 on and off settings per day, by pressing the toggle pins down for ON, or keeping them up for OFF. Once programmed and plugged in, the settings will repeat daily. The iPower outlet timer is designed for indoor use only.

This timer is UL listed and has a grounded 3-prong design to ensure safe use. It has a rated voltage of 125VAC, 15A, 60 HZ, and 1/2HP with a maximum load of 1725W. The iPower outlet timer helps to prolong the service lives of your appliances, streamline your daily routines, reduce energy use, and save on your energy bills.

The iPower outlet timer can be used to automate most small home appliances, including fans, lamps, hydroponics, coffee machines, and more.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use built-in pin dial.
  • Can program devices in small intervals.
  • UL listed and grounded 3-prong design for safe use.
  • Rated voltage of 125VAC, 15A, 60 HZ, and 1/2HP with a maximum load of 1725W.
  • Helps to prolong the service lives of appliances, streamline daily routines, reduce energy use, and save on energy bills.
  • Can be used to automate most small home appliances.

Cons

  • – Designed for indoor use only.

6. Hydroponic Grow Lite – Diy Indoor Gardening Essential.

This 12W LED bulb is a perfect replacement for 150W bulbs. It emits full spectrum light at 5000K, which is ideal for plants and vegetables. The bulb has an instant-on feature, which means there's no startup delay. Additionally, it has a virtually no heat signature, so there's no need to worry about overheating. With an annual cost of only $1.44, this bulb is energy-efficient and cost-effective.

The bulb is designed to provide optimal lighting conditions for plants and vegetables. With its full spectrum light at 5000K, it helps plants grow faster and stronger. The instant-on feature ensures that the plants get the light they need at the right time, without any delay. The virtually no heat signature feature ensures that the plants don't get too hot and burn.

In addition to being perfect for plants and vegetables, this bulb is also great for everyday use. It provides bright, natural light that is easy on the eyes. The 12W LED bulb is long-lasting, so you won't have to replace it often. It's also energy-efficient, which means you'll save money on your energy bill.

Pros

  • Full spectrum light at 5000K is ideal for plants and vegetables
  • 12W LED bulb replaces up to 150W bulbs
  • Instant-on feature ensures that there's no startup delay
  • Virtually no heat signature prevents overheating
  • Energy-efficient and cost-effective with an annual cost of only $1.44

7. Hongruilite Hydroponic Grow Light Controller, 8-Light

Introducing the high-quality industrial-grade relay that guarantees efficient operation and maximum lighting wattage of 8000 watts (1000 watts per outlet). With a minimum of 100,000 relay operations at full load, this relay is built to last. Its trigger cable can be easily plugged into a standard 24-hour timer or environmental controller, making it easy to manage your lighting system. The relay's outlets are controlled by one 120-volt trigger cable, which is convenient and practical.

This premium quality industrial-grade relay is designed to cater to all your lighting needs. Its high-quality build ensures that it can withstand even the toughest conditions. The relay is perfect for use in large indoor gardens, greenhouses, and hydroponic systems. With its impressive performance, this relay is guaranteed to provide you with seamless and reliable service.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a high-quality industrial-grade relay that offers maximum lighting wattage, reliability, and efficiency, then this is the perfect product for you. Invest in this relay today and enjoy optimal performance from your lighting system.

Pros

  • Can handle a maximum lighting wattage of 8000 watts
  • Designed with a minimum of 100,000 relay operations at full load
  • Premium quality industrial-grade relay built to last
  • Outlets are controlled by one 120-volt trigger cable for convenience

8. Ipower Grow Room Glasses Indoor Hydroponics Goggles Hps Mh Light Reflection, 2 Pack, Blue

The HPS & MH grow light glasses are the perfect solution for those looking to protect their eyes during indoor gardening. These glasses are designed to meet ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 safety standards, ensuring maximum protection while working with grow lights.

The super lightweight design of these glasses makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods without obstructing your view. The wrap-around style provides all-around protection, reducing the risk of eye damage from all angles.

It is important to note that these glasses are not suitable to wear over regular prescription glasses. If you wear prescription glasses, it is recommended to wear contact lenses while using these glasses for optimal protection.

Pros

  • Meets ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 safety standards
  • Super lightweight design for extended comfort
  • Wrap-around style provides all-around protection

Cons

  • – Not suitable to wear over regular prescription glasses

9. Osunby Led Grow Light – The Perfect Spectrum.

The Osunby 150W LED plant grow light is a great option for indoor gardening enthusiasts. With its dimming feature, the brightness can be adjusted from 0-100% depending on the different growing stages of your plants. This feature will help you save money on your electricity bill.

Upgraded to 289pcs LED chip, the grow bulb is equipped with 212 red LEDs (630-660nm) and 77 blue LEDs (460-470nm), which can replace traditional 150W HPS/MH plant lights while consuming only 45W. The exact spectrum compatibility for all growth stages of your plants will help them grow faster and healthier.

This grow light is built with an ultrathin 0.4" full aluminum housing design that provides excellent heat dissipation, unlike most other lights made of plastic. The IP51 housing is water-resistant, and the update handing kit makes it easier to assemble.

The Osunby 150W LED plant grow light can be used for a wide range of indoor plants, including orchids, potatoes, lettuce, chili, tomatoes, and aquarium plants like algae that are grown in a greenhouse, garden, vertical farm, grow tent or grow room.

The product comes with a 2-year warranty plus a 30-day satisfaction or return guarantee. In the event of any issues, the manufacturer provides prompt assistance to resolve the problem.

Pros

  • Dimming feature allows brightness adjustment from 0-100% for different growing stages
  • Upgraded to 289pcs LED chip, equipped with 212 red LEDs (630-660nm) and 77 blue LEDs (460-470nm), which can replace traditional 150W HPS/MH plant lights while consuming only 45W
  • Ultrathin 0.4" full aluminum housing design provides excellent heat dissipation
  • IP51 housing is water-resistant
  • Suitable for a wide range of indoor plants

Cons

  • – None

10. Hydro-Timer: Single Outlet Grow Light Timer

The Plug-in Mechanical Timer is a reliable and hassle-free solution for controlling electronics without the need to plug and unplug them. It is a single outlet timer that automates your home, grow room, and greenhouse accessories. The interval timer supports a hands-free solution to ultimate power control. The 24-hour mechanical timer control is perfect for lights, hydroponics aquarium pump, fan, and plant humidifiers. You can easily program the timer using the radial dial, which features 15-minute on/off increments, 24hrs, timer mode, and a 12-hour cycle for flowering plants. The Plug-in Mechanical Timer is trusted and reliable, with a UL-approved 240V 15 amp grounded female outlet that meets all your grow tent and indoor needs.

With the Plug-in Mechanical Timer, you can save energy and protect your devices from damage. The precision control over electronics ensures that they are not left running unnecessarily, reducing your energy bills. The UL-approved 240V 15 amp grounded female outlet protects your devices from power surges and electrical damage. The timer is a perfect choice for anyone looking to automate their home or grow room without the hassle of manual control.

The Plug-in Mechanical Timer is easy to use and provides a hands-free solution to ultimate power control. The interval timer supports a variety of applications, making it a versatile choice for anyone who needs precision control over their electronics. The radial dial is user-friendly and provides a range of programming options, making it easy to set up and adjust the timer as needed. Overall, the Plug-in Mechanical Timer is a reliable and cost-effective choice for anyone looking to automate their home or grow room.

Pros

  • Reliable and hassle-free timer for electrical outlets
  • Single outlet timer for automating homes, grow rooms, and greenhouse accessories
  • Hands-free solution to ultimate power control
  • Programmable timer with 15-minute on/off increments, 24hrs, timer mode, and 12-hour cycle for flowering plants
  • Trusted and reliable UL-approved 240V 15 amp grounded female outlet
  • Saves energy and protects devices from damage
  • Easy to use radial dial
  • Versatile timer for a variety of applications

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger applications that require multiple outlets
  • – Some users may find the programming options limited

Best Grow Lights For Hydroponics FAQs

Are LED grow lights better than traditional fluorescent or HID lights for hydroponics?

When it comes to hydroponics, LED grow lights have proven to be a better option compared to traditional fluorescent or HID lights. LED grow lights offer several advantages that make them the go-to option for hydroponic growers.

Firstly, LED grow lights produce less heat than traditional lights. This means that growers can place them closer to the plants without worrying about burning the plants. Secondly, they consume less electricity, making them more energy-efficient and cost-effective in the long run.

LED grow lights also provide a wider spectrum of light, which is essential for plant growth. They can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that plants need at different stages of growth. This makes it easier for growers to control the growth and yield of their crops.

Lastly, LED grow lights have a longer lifespan compared to traditional lights. They can last up to 50,000 hours, which means that growers don't have to replace them as frequently.

In conclusion, LED grow lights are a better option for hydroponics due to their energy efficiency, customizable spectrum, and longer lifespan. They offer a more cost-effective and sustainable solution for indoor plant growth.

How many hours of light per day do hydroponic plants require?

Hydroponic plants require a specific amount of light per day to grow and thrive. The amount of light required varies depending on the type of plant, stage of growth, and the location of the hydroponic system. Generally, hydroponic plants require anywhere from 12-18 hours of light per day. However, some plants may require less than 12 hours of light, while others may require up to 24 hours of light.

It's important to note that the quality of light is just as important as the quantity. Plants require specific wavelengths of light to carry out photosynthesis effectively. The most commonly used light source for hydroponics is LED lights, as they provide the necessary wavelengths of light and are energy-efficient.

In addition to the duration of light, it's also important to ensure that there is a period of darkness for the plants. This allows them to rest and carry out other essential processes such as respiration.

Overall, providing the right amount and quality of light is crucial for the success of a hydroponic system. Regular monitoring and adjustment of light levels may be necessary to achieve optimal plant growth.

How much energy do grow lights for hydroponics consume, and what are the costs associated with operating them?

Grow lights are an essential component of hydroponic systems. They provide the necessary light spectrum for plants to thrive indoors, especially in areas with insufficient natural light. However, it is crucial to consider the amount of energy that grow lights consume and the costs associated with their operation.

The energy consumption of grow lights depends on the type and wattage of the bulbs. LED grow lights are the most energy-efficient and consume about 50-60% less energy compared to traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) or metal halide (MH) bulbs. For instance, a 400-watt HPS bulb can consume up to 1.5-2 kWh per day, while a 400-watt LED bulb only consumes about 0.6-0.8 kWh per day.

The costs associated with operating grow lights vary depending on the energy rates in your area and the number of hours the lights are on. Assuming an average energy rate of $0.15 per kWh, a 400-watt LED grow light running for 18 hours a day can cost approximately $32 per month, while a 400-watt HPS bulb can cost up to $80 per month.

It is vital to choose the right grow light for your hydroponic system and consider the energy efficiency and operating costs to minimize expenses and maximize plant growth. Additionally, using timers or light sensors can help regulate the amount of time the grow lights are on, reducing energy consumption and costs.

What are the best types of grow lights to use for hydroponics?

When it comes to hydroponics, grow lights are an essential part of the setup. The right type of grow light can make all the difference in the growth and development of your plants. The best types of grow lights for hydroponics are LED, High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Metal Halide (MH) lights.

LED grow lights are the most efficient and cost-effective option for hydroponics. They have a longer lifespan, use less electricity, and produce less heat. LED grow lights also offer a full spectrum of light, so they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your plants.

HPS and MH lights are more traditional options for hydroponic grow lights. HPS lights emit a yellow-orange light that is ideal for flowering plants, while MH lights emit a blue-white light that is ideal for vegetative growth. These lights are more expensive and produce more heat than LED lights, but they offer a more intense light that can lead to faster growth and higher yields.

In conclusion, the best types of grow lights for hydroponics are LED, HPS, and MH lights. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your specific needs and budget.

What is the ideal distance between grow lights and hydroponic plants?

The ideal distance between grow lights and hydroponic plants depends on several factors such as the type of grow light, the growth stage of the plants, and the intensity of the light. Generally, for LED grow lights, the ideal distance is between 12 to 24 inches for seedlings and up to 36 inches for mature plants. For fluorescent lights, the distance should be around 6 to 12 inches for seedlings and up to 24 inches for mature plants. It is important to adjust the distance according to the growth stage of the plants, as they require different light intensities to thrive. Too much light can damage the plants, while insufficient light can hinder their growth. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the growth of the plants and adjust the distance accordingly. Additionally, it is recommended to use a light meter to measure the light intensity and ensure that it is within the optimal range for your plants.

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