understanding different grow lights
When considering the different types of grow lights available on the market , understanding efficiency , both in energy consumption and photosynthetic benefits , is key . Knowing the difference between different types of grow lights , their features and benefits , as well as their limitations can help the grower to decide which will work best for their growroom set-up and situation .
HPS
High pressure sodium ( HPS ) lights have been a common choice among indoor growers for many decades and are still the most common type of grow light used in the commercial greenhouse industry . They emit lights mostly in the yellow to red range of the spectrum , 565-700 nanometers ( nm ). For reference , yellow light occurs at wavelengths between 560 and 590 nm , orange at wavelengths between 590 and 625 nm , and red at wavelengths between 625 and 700 nm . HPS lights usually last for spans of time around 10,000 hours ( though bulbs should be changed after 18 months of use even if they have not been used for the full 10,000 hours as the quality and quantity of light diminishes over time ) and burn between 25 and 30 per cent efficiency . The remaining energy emitted from the bulbs is released as heat , making the surface of these bulbs extremely hot ( some studies have shown surface temperatures of HPS lights as high as 842 ° F ). HPS lights should not be placed in contact or very close to crops as they will burn the foliage . For safety reasons , they should not be in contact with anything flammable such as some types of shade material or paper . It should also be noted that in most large , commercial growing facilities like greenhouses , they are used as a supplement to the natural light . Growers that opt to use HPS light as the sole source of artificial light are not giving their plants anything useful from the blue range of the spectrum .
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HIGH PRESSURE sodium ( HPS ) lights have been a common choice among indoor growers for many decades and are still the most common type of grow light used in the commercial greenhouse industry .”
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