Anyone know anything about using tanning bed lights for growing/heat?

seems like the right color spectrum is there.
intensity will be good as well.
can you get a light meter app for android and test lux output
at different distance from bulbs?
I for sure think I would try it.
Checking power consumption would be good to know too.
Doug

Thx

I have been given a 6 tube tanning bed and I think it will work for cuttings, if not it would work for heat as the bulbs are 100w.

No clue if the spectrum/lumens is correct for growing, but it's been my experience that those beds tend to get awfully hot pretty quick. I'd run some tests to make sure you don't bake your cuttings after sitting under those lights for a few hours. 

As you should with any new light/heat source.

The amount of heat recvd by the plants is controlled with the distance from the source, in my case I have 10ft ceiling in my greenhouse.  In addition, I also have all my lighting on timers.

I would try it.

:)

Doug

I think those tanning lights will be really heavy in the UV spectrums. I heard of uv-a, uv-b. i don't know if this amount of extended spectrum will be beneficial. I have to look into tanning lights to see there specs. I have never heard of anyone doing this lol. Possible benefits towards the end of year with fruit. I'd like to hear how this turns out.

Tanning beds are UVA.  They're the least efficient way of getting light and heat to your plants.  Most plants can use UVA but it's not your best light single source

UV lighting is beneficial on killing bacteria and mold.
It may not be the perfect source of light but I still think it would work better
than standard florescent bulbs. His bulbs are 100 watt.

Doug

I'd like to see both side by side tested. My assumption is the same wattage t8 t5 or even 12 will outperform the tanning lights. But maybe a blend of the two would work when you are trying to prevent mold. Like starting cuttings. So maybe just one tanning light thrown in the mix might be enough to combat mold issues. When flourecent lights get old or there coating deteriorates they start throwing out more UV light.

Warning if your using any UV light source. Make sure you wear some type of eye protection. UV is known to damage your eyes. So anyone experimenting with this or any bright LED or conventional lighting please protect your eyes. there are some expensive grow light glasses out there. Just a regular cheap pair of sun glasses should provide you with some protection though. Be safe guys.

Only UVC kills germs.  UVA does not.

Tanning lights are UVB from a quick search on line.

When I searched google for "can tanning lights be used for grow lights"
It showed lots of useful information.
My biggest concern would be operating cost at 12-14 hours a day.
The light was free, no harm in trying it if he likes.

Doug