A new plant enthusiast asked a simple but very relatable question on Reddit: “Has anyone had luck with T8 shop lights for houseplants? I really wanna install some above my wall here but I don’t wanna spend money on expensive LED lights”
This question actually comes up a lot—especially among beginners just starting to explore plant lighting. T8 shop lights are cheap and bright, can’t we just use them for plants?
Let me be straightforward with you: T8 shop lights are designed for general lighting—not plant growth. Their light spectrum simply isn’t tailored for what plants need.
Why We Don't Recommend Using T8 Shop Lights for Growing Plants
T8 shop lights are built to brighten up garages, workshops, and office spaces. Their spectrum leans toward cool white or warm white—perfect for human eyes, but virtually useless for photosynthesis.
Plants thrive on very specific wavelengths of light—mainly blue (around 450nm) and red (around 660nm).
- Blue light supports vegetative growth, strong stems, and compact leaves.
- Red light is crucial for flowering and fruiting stages.
And guess what? These are exactly the wavelengths that T8 lights produce the least of.
Sure, some Reddit users shared that they’ve used T8s to start seedlings and had “okay” results—but let’s be honest: that’s survival, not thriving. You’re unlikely to see strong growth or high yields using basic shop lights.
Why Use Dedicated LED Grow Lights Instead?
One word: Value.
LED grow lights are engineered to act like artificial sunlight, fine-tuned for plant biology. Compared to general-purpose lighting like T8s, LED grow lights outperform in nearly every way: light spectrum, energy efficiency, intensity, lifespan, and more.
1. Plant-Optimized Spectrum = Better Photosynthesis
Regular lights are made to look good to humans—they care about color rendering, temperature, etc. But plants don’t care how a room looks. What they need are targeted light wavelengths that fuel photosynthesis.
LED grow lights are built with custom light spectrums that maximize absorption by chlorophyll and other plant pigments. That means more usable energy for your plants, even at the same wattage.
Even better, quality grow lights often offer full-spectrum output or adjustable spectrums, so you can support your plants throughout every stage—from seedling to bloom.
2. More Light, Less Energy
Another huge benefit? Higher light efficiency with lower power bills.
Traditional T8 fluorescents output around 50–80 lumens per watt, while high-quality LED grow lights easily deliver 150+ lumens per watt. You’re getting 2–3x more usable light per dollar of electricity.
And because LEDs emit directional light, they don’t waste energy lighting up the ceiling or walls. Meanwhile, T8 tubes shine in 360°, and much of their light never reaches your plants.
3. Low Heat = Close Placement, No Burn Risk
T8s and other cheap lights often run hot. Get them too close to your plants, and you risk leaf scorch or stress.
LED grow lights, on the other hand, generate very little heat. You can place them closer to your plants without worry—especially helpful for tight spaces, shelf systems, or vertical growing racks.
4. Long Lifespan, Less Hassle
A high-quality LED grow light can last 30,000 to 50,000 hours. If you run it 12 hours a day, that’s at least 5 years of consistent performance.
T8 fluorescents? You’ll be lucky to get 8,000 to 10,000 hours before they flicker out. That means more frequent replacements, more maintenance, and more hidden costs over time.
LEDs also contain no mercury and won’t shatter like glass tubes—making them safer and more eco-friendly.
5. Smart Features = Smarter Growing
Many modern LED grow lights come with built-in timers, dimmers, and even mobile app controls. You can fine-tune the light cycle, simulate sunrise and sunset, or shift the spectrum depending on your plant’s growth stage.
This level of control is essential for precision gardening, whether you’re growing herbs on a kitchen shelf or managing a vertical farm.
Final Word
LED grow lights aren’t just about lighting up your plants—they’re about helping them grow well.
If you care about your plants’ health, growth rate, or yield, investing in a proper LED grow light is absolutely worth it.
jayes
Como gerente de marketing digital en AUXGROW, Jayes combina la pasión por los sistemas hidropónicos y la experiencia en luces de cultivo LED. Con experiencia práctica y un profundo conocimiento, Jayes le guía a través del mundo del cultivo sostenible.
