Indoor grow cabinets are rapidly increasing in popularity. These hydroponic grow boxes allow plants to grow in water without the use of soil, continually recycling the water and delivering new nutrients every two to three weeks. Standard in biological research and testing, hydroponic grow cabinets are ideal for producing high quality plants with lower risk of pest-infestation and disease.

All a prospective grower needs for the best home grow cabinet setup is a cabinet, a light source, ventilation, nutrients, and carbon dioxide. Here, we’re going to focus on the best home grow cabinet light sources. LED lights have gotten a bad wrap in the past by those using them for hydroponic grow cabinets. However, they’ve become the number one option in recent years, thanks to major updates in their technology.

How Have LED Grow Lights Changed?

Early LEDs offered only two spectrums of light and weak diodes. The intensity they provided was simply inadequate, and they were quickly judged to be worthless for hydroponic growing. However, when UFO lights hit the market with three spectrum light output and more powerful diodes, LEDs started to gain popularity. Still, they were unable to provide a complete spectrum of usable light and quickly fell by the wayside. Advancements in manufacturing led to a third update including even higher output diodes with magnified lenses to deliver intense light to the plant canopy. Any spectrum could be built in, and better crop qualities and yields were achieved. A final update brought LED lights where they are today. Growers can now change the spectrum output of the light at any time, making it possible for them to provide appropriate light at every stage of a plant’s growth. Today’s LED lights are worthy of placement in the best home grow cabinets.

Why Do LEDs Make a Difference?

There are four main factors that make LED lights the obvious choice for hydroponic grow lights.

• Heat– Being able to control temperature is absolutely essential for growers looking to produce healthy crops. While HPS bulbs run at 400 degrees and must be air cooled and air conditioners are not cost effective options, LED lights provide for plenty of temperature control.
• Efficiency– LEDs use as little as 60% of the power of traditional lights to produce the same results. As such, they can produce plants in the same quantities and of the same quality at a lower cost, especially when the lack of large fans is factored into the equation.
• Longevity– An HPS or MH bulb needs annual replacement, a CFL bulb needs to be replaced every two to three years, and an LED light lasts for up to 10 years.
• Simplicity– Because of their new dimmable and customizable spectrums, LED lamps can now support all stages of the plant life cycle. As a result, growers don’t need to invest in multiple bulbs and fixtures.

LEDs have certainly earned their spot at the top of the grow light list. Their benefits are numerous and their results speak for themselves. If you’re serious about growing large quantities of high quality crops, take a look at your light source. It might be time for a change.

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