Barrina T5 Grow Lights for Indoor Plants, 2FT 5000K Full Spectrum LED Grow Light with Black Cover, T5 Grow Light Strip, Under Cabinet Plant Light with Switch Cord, Linkable, Plug and Play, 4 Packs

I purchased three sets of these lights to create a four-level seed-starting setup, and overall, I’m quite pleased with their performance. One of the most impressive aspects is the accuracy of the PAR values—after testing with a highly reliable and calibrated PAR meter, I found the manufacturer’s claims to be spot on at the specified 7.78” height. Since I’m growing vegetable and herb seedlings, I aimed for a PAR range of 150-300. This required some adjustments in light spacing and height to achieve optimal results. Below are some key findings from my testing: – Two lights spaced 7.87” apart at 7.87” height: Consistent PAR readings around 104. – Two lights at 2.5” height: PAR values reached approximately 233 directly below each light but dropped off sharply in between (around 85 PAR). – Three lights spaced ~4” apart at 2.5” height: More even coverage with PAR values ranging from 280-320. – A single light at 2.5” height: Provided ~229 PAR directly underneath but dropped off significantly (95 PAR at 2.5” away, 19 PAR at 5” away). These results indicate that spacing and the number of lights used will significantly impact the effectiveness of the setup. For a 2-foot by 10-inch growing area, I’d recommend using three lights, spaced about 4” apart and positioned about 3” above the plants to achieve a balanced light distribution. One minor drawback is that I wish an extra connecting wire had been included, which would have made the setup more convenient. However, this is a small issue compared to the overall quality and performance of the lights. If you’re setting up a grow station, carefully consider the PAR values and spacing to ensure your seedlings get the optimal light exposure. Be sure to check out the attached diagram for a detailed breakdown of my findings.