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Plants use light as energy to fuel photosynthesis, a process in which water and carbon Dioxide (Co2) are raw materials used to make sugar that is the building block of any plant by twisting the sugar molecule plants form carbohydrates, which are more complex Molecules.

Plants use carbohydrates to build tissue.  When nitrogen atoms are integrated into the amino acids are formed.  These are eventually grouped together to form proteins.  Light is also used to regulate many varieties of plants reproductive cycle.

When the Hormone builds up to a critical level, flower growth commences.  Many growers attempt to control flowering by changing the lighting cycles e.g. from 24 or 18 hrs daylight in the vegetative period to only 12 hrs light to induce flowering.

FLUORESCENTS.

Fluorescent are ideal for the vegetative stages of plant growth but are of little use during flowering.  They are an highly efficient unit fitted with 2x55w tubes which produces the equivalent output as a 400w metal Halide.  But the two big advantages with fluorescent units are the heat output and the low cost.  Often keep shaded areas well lit.

ENVIRO LIGHTS.

The 125w flourecent bulbs are available with both vegetative or flowering spectrum. These lamps have revolutionised growing.  YES you can flower under flourecents.  Enviro Light can be used to keep the heat and electric bills down. Metal Halide and fluorescents can be used in flowering along with high pressure sodium Lamps (HPS) to create a mixed spectrum of light adding some blue light to keep the leaves healthy.

H.P.S. LAMPS.

High-pressure sodium lamps are the closest man made equivalent to sunlight and are by far superior to any other artificial light for flowering under and are preferred lamp of most growers.  They are available in 250w 400w 600w & 1000w but 600w are most popular as they are the best balance of output in lumins over power ratio.  Mixed spectrum and extra output bulbs are very popular and are rapidly taking over.