LED Grow Lights, Fluorescent and HID Lights Explained
By admin
As a grow light gardener, it is important to understand the difference between LED (Light Emitting Diode) grow lights, fluorescent grow lights and HID (Higher Intensity Discharge) grow lamps. While they can be used separately or in combination your choice of grow light will be largely determined by your budget, the plants your are growing and where you plan to locate them.
LED Grow lights – The main benefits of LED grow lights when compared to other grow lights are their energy efficiency, low running cost, long lifespan and low heat output. In addition LED grow lights can emit light of an intended color without using any color filters. For indoor growing purposes, therefore, it is possible to select LED lights that produce light that corresponds to chlorophyll’s four absorption peaks. Typically this involves a set up of four different types of LED grow lights to hit the four peaks. Newer advanced LED grow lamps use automotive grade 6 watt LEDs and have been shown to be highly effective as grow lights for indoor gardening.
Fluorescent Grow Lights – Not to be confused with incandescent lights, the type of bulb used in most homes, fluorescent bulbs produce two or three times as much light and have a longer lifespan. They color spectrum of light is determined by the coating on the inside of the bulb. When it comes to indoor gardening, most growers choose either a full spectrum fluorescent bulb that mimics natural light or a combination of a cool white bulb (for blue light) and a warm white bulb (for orange and red light). High voltage ballasts may be needed.
High Intensity Discharge Lights – Metal halide lights, high pressure sodium lights and mercury vapor lights, all fall under the classification of HID lights. These lights emit around double the number of lumens as fluorescent bulbs. However the up-front cost is considerably higher than for other grow lights. They tend to emit a great deal of heat, so this needs to be taken into account when it comes to placement. Air conditioning and High voltage ballasts may be needed. HID grow lights emit a bluish white light that is well absorbed by plants for use in photosynthesis. High pressure sodium bulbs have a slight yellow orange hue that is used to promote flowering in some plants.
Topics: Advice | Tags: Fluorescent grow lights, grow light, High intensity discharge lights, high pressure sodium, LEDs, mercury vapor lights, Metal halide | 1 Comment »
November 13th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
[...] LED Grow Lights, Fluorescent and HID Lights Explained [...]