Reddit reviews Jump Start 4' T5 Grow Light System (Stand, Fixture & Tube)

Especially when you can buy this on amazon for 65$ and grow 100x more plants underneath it.

I don't have personal experience with aerogardens but I have been to many homes who have them and they are usually sitting on the counter, off with dead plants. I would suggest going with a Earthbox. The cheapest one I could find was on amazon and then hook up a simple grow light system. For that you can either build one using regular fluorescent light fixtures and grow light bulbs or buy a kit. My friend has this kit and likes it. But, again, building it yourself would be cheaper.

The Earthbox and grow light kit still only comes out to $110 and will be much more versatile in my opinion. That said, I am interested in other people's first person reviews of the Aerogarden Deluxe.

I Santa'd myself a 4ft grow light.
So far in a 8 days, I have lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato, basil and a few herb seeds that have sprouted. :D

Back in Texas, I'd bring my potted plants inside for the winter. I had a downstairs apartment that allowed for very little light. I have one of these and my plants did pretty well - but then again, "winter" was only 2-3 months, not 9.

I'm using these -- I have two set up now, one on a timer and one that I run when I feel like it. I haven't noticed any taste issues, but due to the window placement, these don't get much outside sunlight to grow from either.

Everything i've read online about grow lights (very little i've found relating to bonsai) , they always say 16 hours. I bought a 4' grow light this one and a month ago and I've been keeping then under the light for a good 12-15 hours . And all seems good so far.

I'm too new to comment on the soil i'm afraid :)

Since you're just starting seedlings you won't need too much light, but there are good deals on amazon and ebay for some 4 foot T5 fixture setups. For simplicity you can get something like this. It's a single bulb but T5 is very efficient and you can move the fixture up and down. If you don't need the frame you can get dual T5 4 foot fixture here. Either way i'd aim for a high color temperature for seedlings (5000k to 6500k) to get fastest leaf and stem growth. There are also 4 bulb fixtures but they are extremely bright and only really needed when you have to position the fixture high off the ground (tall plants). Skim craigslist for deals as well.

Here are cheaper t5 set ups from hydrofarm.
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV4-4-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395154828&sr=8-2&keywords=jump+start+high+output+light

http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV2-2-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0006856EQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395154828&sr=8-1&keywords=jump+start+high+output+light

I just have it sitting underneath the t5 light I use to start my garden seedlings in the spring. The light is pretty old and probably needs to be replaced, and is also about 20 inches above the plants. You may have faster growth if you did your lighting right.

This Light

Ive ordered a 12" finnex stingray to light it once I actually flood it and move it out of the plant room.

I've had good luck growing drosera species and several others under one of
these, which comes with a 54 watt bulb. It's kind of big, though, and quite bright- so discuss it with your roommates first. I'd also recommend getting a timer for any type of light you use- I've got my light on for about 14 hrs/day, and the light comes on well before I get up most mornings. Hope this helps!

https://imgur.com/gallery/hOyQB

I use a ballast and 4 foot t5 bulbs which i bought from incredigrow on macleod trail. Its attached to a rolling shelf from costco. Theres also pulleys that let me raise and lower the lights. Everything can also be purchased for cheaper on amazon.


Ballast

T5 lights

Ratcheting pulleys

Stand

Timer for lights

Currently working on setting up some grow lights next to a south facing window. From reading the previous posts about this and doing some of my own research I’m thinking of the following:

6500k T5 or T8 lights (maybe on something like this?) https://www.amazon.com/Start-Light-System-Stand-Fixture/dp/B0001XLSGQ?th=1&psc=1

AOVOK LED grow lights (Amazon) https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07CNRSGJC#Ask

Any recommendations on what light is the best? I’m planning on setting up a 2 or 3 level shelf in front of the window. I don’t have enough space outside for my jade and portulacaria afra and wanted to get them more light. Thanks!

No. You'd probably be better off sticking your system in front of a window that gets good sun.

I started out with this light:
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-JSV4-4-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ

There's a 2' version too if you don't need the full 4'. I still use this light for propagating clones.

I would spend your money on light. Not the nft setup. You can do coco in plastic pots with a tray underneath and your still hydro. I started out with this same light in my closet using coco and hand watering.

I think something like this but without the stand system

This is the UK version of what I use to start seedlings, but it's considerably more expensive for you :-\
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hydrofarm-JSV4-4-Foot-Start-System/dp/B0001XLSGQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1522943290&sr=8-4-fkmr0&keywords=t5+how+grow+light+-+4ft+6+lamps