HPS Grow Lights
If you are new to growing cannabis, you may be wondering what HPS grow light is and how it works. HPS lights have different wattages. A 150-watt HPS bulb has a very low PAR level, whereas a 1,000-watt HPS bulb produces a much higher PAR level1. Depending on the type of plant you’re growing, HPS bulbs may need to be replaced less frequently than MH bulbs, or you can buy a higher-wattage HPS bulb. Learn more about grow light for cannabis cultivation to be like a pro.
HPS grows plants in a way that is best for flowering plants. Flowering plants, such as African violets and begonias, grow best under HPS lighting. LED and Fluorescent grow lights are inferior, but all growers know that HPS is the best option when it comes to yield. Here is a comparison chart between the two. You’ll find that HPS is superior in most categories.
Why HPS Grow Lights?
There are several reasons to use LEDs for indoor gardening. LEDs are versatile and offer a variety of wavelength spectrums for different plant types. Unlike HPS grow lights, which emit red and blue light, LEDs provide a much more even distribution of light. LEDs also penetrate deeply into the plant’s canopy, meaning that your plants will receive more even illumination. LEDs are better for indoor gardening, but you need to choose your specific needs.
HPS grow lights are cheaper to purchase than LEDs. However, they cost more to operate due to the electricity they require2. All grow lights use electricity and are run 24 hours a day. For an accurate estimate of how much electricity you will need to run your grow room, you can use a grow room electricity calculator. For more information, check out this guide. Once you have decided which type of grow light you’ll need, it’s time to decide what type is right for you.
HPS grow lights can be more costly, but they do produce more light than many LEDs. HPS lights also produce less heat than LEDs3 and require additional ventilation, fans, and HVAC systems. These additional expenses can add up fast. Another disadvantage of HPS lights is that they don’t provide any blue light, which makes plants stretch. However, this is not the only reason to consider HPS lights for indoor gardening.
The HPS grow light that I recommend
In this article, I’m going to discuss some of the main features of the HPS grow light that I recommend. These lights come in multiple wattages, with the highest wattage being 1000w, while the lowest wattage is 400w. If you’re a beginner or a new grower, you should know the difference between these two types of lights and which one is right for your needs.
Although HPS bulbs are widely available, they are not identical. For example, a 1000 watt HPS grow light can be less expensive than a Gavita Pro LED, which costs over a thousand dollars. However, both the Gavita Pro and Covert LED grow lights are reliable and reasonably priced. Although HPS grow lights are the preferred type of lights by some growers, they are still popular today. HPS grow lights offer better light output per watt than most LED grow lights, and you can purchase dimmable models that will help you control light levels and save money.
Another factor to consider when selecting an HPS grow light is the lifespan of the bulb. If you only use it for a few grows, it can dramatically reduce its efficiency. Many growers will change their bulbs after three grow cycles, a sign of the fact that HPS bulbs have a short lifespan. And that’s not to mention that they degrade at half the rate of LEDs. The main downside of HPS bulbs is that their lifespan is limited, so you should choose your grow light wisely.
- VIVOSUN Hydroponic 600 Watt HPS. Where to buy? Manufacturer’s website
- Sun System HPS. Where to buy? Amazon
- HIGROWSIR OTP-HPS-G2. Where to buy? Manufacturer’s website
Benefits of HPS Grow Lights and Cons
The benefits of HPS grow lights are well-documented. Their predictable light and heat are perfect for flowering and other plant-related processes. However, these lights do have some drawbacks. You may need a special grow room or tent to use them effectively. If you’re unsure about their use, read on to find out more about these lights. You can also find small models that are easier to manage.
LED lights produce very little heat compared to HPS grow lights. Because they do not have infrared, you can place them near your crop. Unlike HID grow lights, multiple bars of LED lighting can be placed over the entire crop without creating hotspots. Another advantage of LED lights is their dimmable capabilities. They allow you to slowly increase the intensity of light without losing efficiency. This is great news for those on a budget.
In general, HPS grow lights are more expensive than LEDs, but they have a lower start-up cost. HPS grow lights also require more electricity and have a shorter shelf life than LEDs. However, these lights do provide a consistent light source for flowering plants, and most commercial grow operations use them. These lights are very popular for growing cannabis because they provide high yields. But you should consider this before investing in HPS grow lights.