For the small cannabis cultivator and beyond, there is always one common concern: lights. More specifically, the need for light efficiency and productivity. Whether working with 3, 30, or even 300 plants, the issue of energy conservation in relation to quality yield is often at the forefront.

It may seem like a pointless endeavor; we are, after all, dealing with machines that do not offer much leeway. With that being said, there still are ways to minimize energy usage while maximizing efficiency.

Keep reading for some exclusive Ace The Grow light hacks!

Making Space for Your Lights

For many growers, space is often tight, so they have to adapt to their conditions to use as much of it as logistically sound as possible. Having ample room for both light fixtures and the plants themselves is crucial to execute our first hack: determining the proper distance between bulbs and plant tops. Too close can burn the plants, and too far can leave them neglected.

For 240W Bulbs, such as the VividGro 240w GroBar Package. the ideal distance from bulb to top should be at least 12-25 inches. For higher wattages, such as the VividGro 480w GroBar Package,  be sure to leave at least 14-30 inches. By using this light hack, your harvest will surely be robust!

 

18/6 Light Cycle

During the vegetative stage, your plants are fortifying themselves under your tender care , however, all that diligent care and attention can be efficient . While many growers keep their “vegging” plants under 24 hours of light, this is unnecessary and counterproductive.

Cannabis plants only need 18 hours of direct light to stay in the vegetative stage, and photosynthesis is greatly facilitated by mimicking the longer days of the summer. The 6 hours taken off the light cycle will surely work to maximize growth while keeping energy costs down.

Routines

Quality indoor grows thrive in highly controlled environments. While seemingly innocuous, slight hiccups in routine can have vastly dire effects on cannabis plants. This is even more crucial during the flowering stage.

This useful light hack is centered around your commitment to preserving the ideal conditions for quality budding. Be sure to limit any maintenance to the time when the plants are “awake” (when the 12 hour light cycle has switched on). If you need to be in the grow room when the lights are off, be sure to use a green LED light. Avoid outside light as often as possible, as this will cause the plants to be shocked and stunted.

Another light hack during flowering is to put an all-red 90W LED grow light in your grow room for increased volume.

Follow the above Ace The Grow light hacks and your costs will drop, while your harvest soars! Happy Growing!