Choosing the Right Supplemental Lighting for Your Grow
Selecting the right supplemental lighting begins with identifying your specific cultivation goals. Different lights are engineered to solve different problems—from boosting flower size to enhancing potency or simply ensuring your entire plant receives the energy it needs. Start by determining what you want to achieve, then look for the features that will help you get there.
1. Identify Your Primary Goal
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To Boost Flowering and Yields: If your goal is larger, denser buds, choose supplemental lights rich in Deep-Red and Far-Red spectrums. These wavelengths encourage plants to focus energy on reproduction. The
ThinkGrow Model One FR-1 is an excellent example of a light designed for this purpose.
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To Increase Potency and Aroma: To enhance resin and terpene production, add a UV-A light bar during the final weeks of flowering. This triggers a natural defense response in the plant. A dedicated UV bar like the
AC Infinity Ionbeam U2 is perfect for this.
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To Improve Canopy Penetration: If you struggle with underdeveloped lower buds, your goal is better light distribution.
Under-canopy lights are positioned within the foliage to illuminate these shadowed areas, ensuring uniform growth from top to bottom.
2. Key Features to Consider
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Spectrum Control: Look for fixtures that offer specific wavelengths (UV, Deep-Red, Far-Red) or a balanced full spectrum, depending on your goal. Some advanced systems can be managed with a central
lighting controller for precise scheduling.
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Form Factor and Installation: Slim, lightweight light bars are easy to install in tight spaces without adding significant heat. Ensure you have the right
light hangers for secure and adjustable placement.
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Energy Efficiency: A key benefit of supplemental lighting is adding targeted photons without a major increase in energy use. Check the fixture's efficacy (µmol/J) to ensure you're getting maximum output for minimal power consumption. For more details, see our article on
grow light wattage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of a supplemental LED light?
A supplemental light's purpose is to augment your primary grow light by adding specific spectrums (like UV or Far-Red) or by lighting areas the main fixture misses, such as the lower canopy. This helps boost yield, improve plant quality, and increase resin production.
Are supplemental lights necessary for a small grow tent?
While not strictly necessary, they are highly beneficial. In a compact space like a
2x2 grow tent, even one primary light can create shadows. A small supplemental bar ensures even coverage, leading to more consistent bud development and a better final harvest.
Can I use supplemental LEDs with HPS or MH lights?
Yes, many growers use LEDs to supplement traditional HPS/MH lights. This hybrid approach can add beneficial spectrums that HPS lights lack while adding less heat than another HPS bulb. Just ensure your
inline fan system can handle the total heat load.
When should I use supplemental UV or Far-Red lighting?
Typically, UV and Far-Red lights are used during the flowering stage. UV light is often introduced in the final 2-3 weeks to boost resin. You can learn more in our guide on
understanding grow light spectrums.
What's the difference between under-canopy and top-mounted supplemental lights?
Top-mounted supplemental bars add specific spectrums (like UV) alongside your main light. Under-canopy lights are placed within the plant's foliage to deliver light directly to lower, shaded branches, which is crucial for preventing underdeveloped buds in dense canopies.
Do supplemental lights use a lot of electricity?
No, they are designed for high efficiency. Supplemental lights use significantly less power than upgrading to a larger primary light. They add targeted light with a minimal impact on your electricity bill, making them a very cost-effective way to improve your harvest's quality and yield.
