Light selection directly impacts plant yield and health inside a grow tent. Traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights were once popular for indoor grows, but modern full-spectrum LED grow lights have become the preferred choice for most home growers.
HPS lights deliver strong output for flowering plants but generate massive amounts of heat, demanding stronger exhaust systems and consuming more electricity. Full-spectrum LEDs produce a balanced mix of blue, red and white wavelengths to support both leafy vegetative growth and flower development. They run much cooler, reducing heat stress on plants and lowering energy bills long-term.
When picking LED lights, match wattage coverage area to your tent dimensions. Avoid cheap low-quality LEDs with weak diodes, as they cannot support full plant maturation. Hang lights with ratchet hangers to adjust distance: keep lights further away from delicate seedlings and lower them gradually as plants grow taller. Monitor leaf tips for signs of light burn. For most hobby growers, full-spectrum LEDs offer the best balance of performance, energy efficiency and simple tent integration.