Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

HI folks. I have started a AP class here at my school. Anyone have any suggestions on what kind of lighting to use for indoor growth? Cost is a major consideration so I am leaning toward flourescent lighting rather than the sodium and HID. In fact flourescent is our only choice because of cost. What type of bulbs are best? Anyone have any experience with different bulbs? Thanks folks!

Most things will grow under daylight fluros. You can get the blue and red spectrum fluros from aquarium shops and there are even fluros designed for indoor plant growing. But the standard daylight will work okay. Most of the time you have a bank of 2 to 6 for the best growth. Metal halide light's will also draw similar current to fluros and produce a lot of heat and cost more to set up.

T5 full spectrum if you can afford it, cool white if you can't.
CFT in high kelvin are good too but fiddly with the reflectors.
Have to arrange a hight adjustment system as you need to keep them as close to the plants as possible.
There is a thread on this somewhere just can't find it at the moment.
MH are good as are son agro (modified hps) however I can't recommend them with children around.
Some of the forum members are are currently experimenting with leds but Iv'e never played with them for growth.
Google PAR to see what plants see/need.