Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

This was not difficult to put together. I love everything about it.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

We use 5 of these racks to grow plants for our genetics lab exercises. The racks are high quality but difficult to assemble (first time) without the help of an engineering student!

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I'm a 54-year-old widow, and I was able to put the SunLite Garden together by myself in about 3 hours...Ladies, don't let the guys scare you into not buying this. If you're the least bit mechanical-minded, you can do it. Just be sure to put the lamps in their sockets in a certain order so that the end plugs fit correctly. Since I have house cats and many plants are toxic, I've placed my SunLite Garden in the attic of my townhouse. My attic is warm enough, but hasn't enough light for plants.

I was able to take cuttings from some of my summer flowers and not only are they living, but some have bloomed. I brought in some plants too large to fit in the trays and placed them on the floor close enough to receive light from the lamps. They're thriving, as well. My Germaniums are still blooming. This should keep me from having to purchase all new plants this spring. I'm an amateur gardener, so a great deal of my gardening is trial and error. So far, so good. I can't wait to try growing flowers from seeds later on.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Love this product. I was able to start my veggies in house and get them a realy good head start before planting outside.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

With the exception of the hoods, it is quality and durable. The hoods or reflectors bend quite easily.
Assembly instrucions are poor. This is suppose to assemble in an hour, even if the instructions were clear this is not likely.

The first problem I encounterd was screwing in 3/4" screws through a 1" sq. channel. This requires putting the screw through a hole about 1/4" in diameter, then threading in a hole located across the channel. What is not said is the screw is too short to be done with your fingers. I finally taped the screw to the screw driver, then putting the screw and screw diver in the outer hole to reach the other side then after gettin the screw to thread remove the tape with a tweezer. The instructions should have stated that a magnetic screw driver be used to facilitate this step.

The second problem was feeding a ball link chain through the same channel. The ball chain is limp and just drops down in the channel, just like the screws did in the earlier problem. Later in the instructions it advises that once you get the chain through the channel, the chain is to be fed over a pully just inside of the channel and, because of the limp chain and tight workig quarters, they recommend attaching a twist tie to the end if the chain to assist in gettig the chain fed over the pully. We found this did not work as the twist ties were too short and the weight tended to pull the twist tie down before you could get it over the pully. However the twist tie idea did work in terms of the problem feeding the chain through the channel and the instuction should have adivsed this solution in the instuctions relating to the second problem, i.e., feedig the chain through the channel.

We solved the problem of feeding the chain over the pullys by feeding a 10" fairly stiff wire over the pully going toward the ball chain, then attaching the wire to the ball chang and pulling the wire back the way it was fed in bringing the chain over the pully with the wire. The instructions shoud be changed to eliminate the tie twist for the pully feed step and even supply a piece of stiff bendable wire for this step.

The next problem had to do with putting the light balasts into the clips in the hood, making sure the connections at each end of the balasts are differnt on each end, i.e., afemale connector and a mail connector. What the instruction did not state is the the balasts have a left side and a right side. We learned this after all the balasts were in ther clips and trid to plug the short cross over wire to the end of one side of the balast. The cord is polorized and is designed to only plug in one way, i.e., if the cord has the male connector on the right side, the ballast on that side must be male. Because ot the polarity design you cannot just flip over the cord as protrusions on the plug prevent the cord from being being plugged in. This resulted in having to take the balasts out and put the left ones on the right side and vise versa. The instructions should have advised of this.

Finnaly the last problem is getting a secure connection of both the cross over cords and the power cord. Whe I plugged in the first light tier both bulbs lit, on the second tier neither lamp lit and on the third tier one bulb went on.
In this problem clear instruction would not prevent this. While I have not resolvrd this issue yet, I suspect I have not be able to get good connection due to the force needed to push the plugs in. I injured my hand and cannot push the cords in enough. I suspect the tier where no lights went on as being a power cord connection problem, a faulty power cord or balasts/bulbs and the tier with one light on is the cross over cord not firmly seated or one bad balast/bulb. Soon as I get back to it I am sure I will be able to find and correct the problem.

My review is detailed for two reasons. I hope the company reads this and make changes to the instructions and for those you purchase the unit, the information will help the assembler avoid a lot of frustration and misteps. But forget one hour assembly.

I would give this overall an overall rating of 5 were it not for the very poorly written instruction. The unit is high quality, produces real good light, moves around easily and functions well.

i

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I bought a second 3-tier light system several years after my first one and while the design has changed very slightly, the quality is probably superior. Don't be alarmed as the overhead light and covers are much thinner than the previous product, which made me initially question the quality. After using both systems for several weeks, I very much prefer the new model as the lighter weight is so much easier for me to use.

This system also uses 2 lights tubes per fixture versus the last system of 3 lights. I have not noticed any difference in the light output. Both are very good.

Highlight recommend the product. Only negative was the long wait since it was backordered. (And I was very eager to get planting.) You'll love it.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

First year growing my own veggie plants for the garden and my plants are off to a great start!
Even "adopted" a neighbor's tomatoe plants for a few weeks to give them a boost & my neighbor couldn't believe the improvement in his plants.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

This is great for starting plants. I haven't even begun to figure out all the ways it will be useful. I'll be able to grow herbs all winter I think. I haven't gotten the electric bill yet so I don't know how much energy it uses.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Just getting started with the light garden. It seems quite luxurious after years of propping up shop lights for the same purpose. One suggestion: When reprinting the instructions, put the link cord assembly step while the fixture is still on a flat surface. It's pretty much impossible for one person to install after the fixtures can swing freely.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Very sturdy with a large capacity. The lights adjust easily. The seeds I've started are now healthy plants ready to go into the garden. I highly recommend this product.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Took much longer to assemble than the instructions say (2 1/2 hours). Part of the assembly process is to string the chains through the pulleys which I could only accomplish by cutting a straw to the right length and feeding it through. Once I got the last light fixture hanging from the chain, the bulbs fell out onto the floor. Huge mess to clean up and now I only have 2 tiers to use for seeds. The light fixtures hang from chains which swing with the slightest touch. When will the next bulbs fall out? I am hoping that the fact it is so lightweight will mean it is easy to move to the basement for storage, but I would have appreciated a more stable, better designed unit.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

It has made my seed starting much easier. However, the electrical connections aren't tight and when they loosen up, one or both lights/ballast go off - the end connections are the worst culprits.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Recieved the product was a bit hard to put together and one ballast not working and missing 6 small ring connectors.but a nice unit, Already have all three shelves filled with germinated plants, Basil, tomatoe, Corn, melons etc. [...] Overall a wonderful product, my plants like it too!!!!! Love the idea of being able to raise and lower the lights depending on size of seedlings.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I would not buy this product again.Some of the
fluorescent bulbs did not work.The chains that hold up the lights kept getting stuck.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

It takes some effort to assemble, but its worth it. Lots of capacity for plants. The lights seem to work well, yeilding stocky seedings. Well worth the expense.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Providing room for growing many seedlings, this is an easy, effective way to grow from seed. What joy watching seedlings grow for transplant into garden! So easy and convenient, even with my arthritis!

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I have been using my grow stand for 3 weeks now. I am so amazed at how well the herbs, tomato's and pepper are doing. The stand is very rugged yet moves around smoothly. I did use velco wraps to keep the cords together around one of the up right rails. The lights move easily. I have the APS and the deep root starting systems in there. It is very attractive and useful piece of equipment. I wish I hadn't let the price keep me from buying one several years ago.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I purchased this on account of buying a $50.00 one from [...] about 4 years ago that comes apart when you move it (Yes, I lost some seedlings on account of it) and I had to rig up the lights on it. Meanwhile, after buying and putting this stand together, I was VERY happy about everything from the adjustable bright lights to the stong frame. Beware cat owners for the chains on the lights, so the cat doesn't play with it and pull down the light from the holder. I took the chains and rapped them around the fram, problem resolved.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Chains need a safety to prevent slipping and crushing the plant beneath them.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

This is an very good grow-light stand for seed starting as well as growing other indoor plants. It took two of us about 2 1/2 hours to assemble (somewhat longer than the instructions indicated!) The unit is sturdy yet can be easily moved from place to place on the rollers. The T-5 light-fixtures are especially easy to raise and lower. I would purchase this again.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

On wheels! Means I can move it to another area of the house with ease. Lights so easy to adjust! Lightweight but has enough substance to provide stability. Love the removable trays (can carry flats of plants outdoors). Only drawback is that you must take time to read the (pages of) assembly instructions. Worth the investment in $ and time to stand it up.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Great Product if you are a gardner or just enjoy plants. My wife is a Master Gardner and she really likes/enjoys using this seed starter station.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

for growing herbs and plants

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

fine, well done, could be a bit easier ot assemble. Wish they made heat mats to fit the tray sizes or that heat mats were built into trays.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

The only negative on this product is the exectrical cord that plugs into the balast seems to work loose with minimal movement. This could be improved with a latch or clamp on the plug.
All else is great.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

What is needed is individual timers for each light, vs. all lights on/off at one time. Also, it would be nice to have a frame attachment design/system for the timers - I'm using tie-wraps.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I have had many products but this one tops everything out there on the market. It is so precisely built and enginered. It's rugged,lightweight, mobility, and easy to use. I started with one and now have four. I wish this was available 10 years before I invested in other
throw a ways. Once you own one you will use it everyday in more ways than you ever thought possible. It will be an envy to your home that all
your friends will be talking about.It's well worth every penny spent as it will last you a lifetime!

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I have really enjoyed being able to easily lower the lights right down on top of the seedlings, to avoid unnessesary stretching. thanks for providing a great tool for the trade.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I use it for starting seeds while it is too cold outside. The light heights are easy to adjust, and the pan keeps water from leaking down to the next level.

The instructions could add a page telling how many of what item there are. I spent quite a while trying to find another of the short screws from my collection of nuts & bolts because there was an odd number in the package. I later found out that there was an extra screw in the package.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Easy to assemble, attractively displays plants. Most importantly, it works! Seedlings grow strong,plants brought in for the winter thrive. Even the orchids bloom. I wish we had purchased it sooner.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

Have just received this product last week. Was easy to assemble and I think will be a great help in starting seeds for my garden. Appears well built and well thought out. My only criticism of Garden supply is that they do not offer a heating mat that will fit this configuration. Had to go on an Internet search to find a company that offered a mat that was 12 inches wide and 48 inches long. Am planning to start my seedings this week to get a great jump on the garden this year.

Comments about T-5 3-Tier SunLite Garden:

I purchased this light stand for my orchids. I'm in a wheelchair, and this stand makes them easily accessible to me.The stand is well made, although the cords for the lights are a tight fit. The lights are easy to adjust. The distance between the light and the tray is not as much as I had hoped, and my taller orchids won't fit, but it is great for the smaller ones!I know this will also be great for my tomato seedlings when I start them in the spring. I was able to get basil to grow under these lights, and have not been successful with it indoors in the past.I'm very happy with my purchase! [...]