Hydrofarm grow light?

[Thulnos]

So I just moved to a new house and dont have anywhere in front of a window where I can place my tropicals. I looked on Amazon for an inexpensive grow light and came up with the Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System Has anyone ever used this and is there anything better around the same price or cheaper that can cover the same 4' area?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

So I just moved to a new house and dont have anywhere in front of a window where I can place my tropicals. I looked on Amazon for an inexpensive grow light and came up with the Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System Has anyone ever used this and is there anything better around the same price or cheaper that can cover the same 4' area?

I've got two of those and they seem to work well for smaller trees. With larger trees I'd suggest something with a bit more power.

 

[Thulnos]

I've got two of those and they seem to work well for smaller trees. With larger trees I'd suggest something with a bit more power.

Perfect! All of my tropicals are rather young and small yet so that'll work out great! Thanks.

 

[coh]

I can't tell for sure, but that appears to be a 1-bulb fixture. If so, the price seems pretty steep to me...and, depending on your trees and their sizes, I kind of doubt the light from a single bulb would be sufficient, especially if it's the sole light source. Also, skimming through the reviews, it seems different people were receiving different products when they ordered this light stand. I would advise finding a local hydroponic shop, if there is one, and see what they have available. I checked my local shop and the price seemed comparable, and it's always good to see exactly what you're getting.

The other thought...I haven't used T5 lighting, but it may be possible to find a fixture that you could hang from the ceiling...doing away with the stand, which quite a few reviews described as "wobbly". The money might be better spent on a 2 bulb hanging fixture.

Chris

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Oh shoot I just noticed the "jump start" part. Stupid me just saw the Hydrofarm T5 Grow Light system and I thought it was the same as I had. I've actually got two 4 foot, 4 bulb T5 fixtures that work great.

 

[tmmason10]

I've had good luck with this set that I bought from a local hydroponic store. It's small, but there are larger 4 ft. models.

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_043V005134764000P?sid=KDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-47099421-2

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I've had good luck with this set that I bought from a local hydroponic store. It's small, but there are larger 4 ft. models.

http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_043V005134764000P?sid=KDx01192011x000001&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=31-47099421-2

Ouch Tom! They sell 4 foot, 4 bulb ones for that same price

 

[tmmason10]

Ouch Tom! They sell 4 foot, 4 bulb ones for that same price

Ha well I don't have room for the 4 ft fixture, and certainly not that many tropicals. I might eventually get another but for now I'm good. When I went to the hydro store I asked if I should get a MH and they said don't bother, go with the t5hos for efficiency. I have no complaints yet.

 

[C.A. Young]

Go Halide!

T5s work well for small trees, but if you can afford a halide, do it.