See - this is what you get with forums. All different opinions, and when you don't know enough to make a good decision, you can end up spending a lot of $ for a suboptimal solution.
1. I would stay away from red/blue lights due to high cost and limited spectrum.
2. Fluorescents, even though they look white, are also limited spectrum. They have a few peaks that kind of add up to a white colour, but plants are smarter than we are and can tell the difference. Also, even though fluorescents are cheap to buy and easy to set up, the electricity will cost you far more in the long run than spending money upfront on LEDs.
3. Tape is not a good solution. Individual diodes of white LEDs are much cheaper than Amateur_expert has said (around $1 each for 5 W if you buy from China), and will provide you with enough light. The downside is that you will need to learn how to solder. Here is an alternative for inexpensive almost plug and play white lights (you need to wire the plugs). If you get a combination of warm and cool white LEDs, you will get an almost complete spectrum. The prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the lights is excellent - I have bought from this manufacturer before. You will need to negotiate shipping costs, it's a major component.
Shenzhen Sunway Optoelectronic Technology Co., Ltd.
George Zhao is the guy to deal with.
4. Get low light plants and avoid the issue altogether.
Hybrid Mode
