Incorporating the EarthBox in a classroom setting

[Steve]

Kristen,

As long as your grow lights do not put out a lot of heat, the closer to the plants, the better.  Light intensity decreases exponentially as the distance to the light source increases.  Fluorescent-based grow lights do not generate a lot of heat and are suitable for close-quarters growing.

In the former darkroom at my school (Abington Heights Middle School), I am using a 1000W metal halide grow light, which provides primary light coverage for an 8 foot by 8 foot area.  It is extremely hot though and I can't put plants any closer than about 2-3 feet or they will get burned.

The T5's that John mentioned are nice lights as well, but remember that both they and high-wattage metal halides cost a lot ($250 minimum for a good setup).  Metal halides also use a lot of electricity.  T5's are more energy efficient.  A 4 bulb, 4 foot long T5 produces 20,000 lumens compared to about 7000-8000 lumens for a standard 4 bulb flourescent fixture.  My metal halide produces 118,500 lumens (it is bright!)

In order to know what light is best for your needs, you need to first figure out what you will be growing and what space you will be growing in.