Complete Guide to the Best HID Grow Lights
You can achieve successful growth without the need for costly LEDs; instead, consider using high-quality HID grow lights as a cost-effective alternative.
While LEDs are the top pick for most cannabis growers, plenty of new growers still go with HID lights because they have a solid track record. HID grow lights have been around for a long time, and they wouldn’t have been around for so long if they didn’t work well. In fact, the right HID light can give you some really impressive results.
Pros and Cons of Using HID Lights in a Cannabis Grow:
Apart from their well-established reputation, what really makes HID grow lights appealing is their affordability. For growers working with tight startup budgets, HIDs offer a cost-effective alternative to LEDs, although the price difference between the two is narrowing over time. HID grow lights deliver comparable power and brightness to LEDs and can produce impressive yields for a bit less money. This is why many growers have yet to switch to LEDs.
However, for those who have transitioned from HIDs to LEDs, they have their reasons. Firstly, HIDs generate a significant amount of heat and consequently consume more electricity. To combat overheating, cannabis cultivators often need to invest in additional ventilation systems to maintain optimal growing conditions. Additionally, HID grow lights require more frequent bulb replacements, typically lasting only 10,000 hours, compared to the impressive 50,000 hours that some LED bulbs can provide. That’s roughly 5.7 years when running continuously for 24 hours a day.
HPS Vs. MH: Which Is Best?
For optimal results, it’s advisable to use both types of HID bulbs: HPS (High-Pressure Sodium) and MH (Metal Halide). HPS bulbs excel at enhancing plant yields during the flowering stage, while MH bulbs promote strong growth during the vegetative stage. You have the option to run both types simultaneously, but this approach increases energy costs. Alternatively, you can switch between them as needed to ensure robust plant growth. However, it’s important not to exclusively use one type throughout the entire growth cycle. Relying solely on HPS will yield mediocre results, and using MH alone will lead to even worse yields.
What Wattage HID Should I Get?
When it comes to wattage most growers will use between 400- and 1000-watt bulbs. There are several factors to consider when assessing what watt bulb to use in your garden. Heat is one of the major factors to consider. If you have a space with ample air conditioning to deal with the heat generated by the lights you can use higher wattage bulbs. If you don’t have ample air conditioning, it is not deal-breaker for using larger wattage bulbs. This is because most HID light fixtures or hoods as they are commonly referred to have openings on each end that allow you to vent the heat out of you grow room. Another thing to consider is what stage of growth you are in. In the vegetive stage you can but don’t have to use a lower wattage bulb then what you may want to use in flower. When I used HID lights, I would use 400 to 600 watt bulbs in the vegetive growth stage and then switch to 1000 watts in the flowering stage.
Double Ended Vs. Single Ended Bulbs
When searching for HID grow lights, you’ll find both double-ended and single-ended bulbs. The choice between the two primarily hinges on your budget. Single-ended bulbs are roughly half the price of double-ended ones, but double-ended bulbs have a longer lifespan, extending an extra 10,000 hours. Furthermore, double-ended bulbs offer greater efficiency as they generate more PAR (usable light) for your plants while consuming the same wattage.
You will also want to consider the type of hood you are using. A single-ended hood will not work with double-ended bulb. Likewise, a double-ended hood will not work with a single-ended bulb.
The Best HID Grow Light Kits
Once you’ve figured out the required wattage for your HID light and selected the appropriate reflector, assembling the rest of your HID grow light setup becomes a straightforward task. To simplify the process further, you can opt for a complete package that includes the reflector, ballast, and bulbs. HID grow light kits provide all the essential components for your HID growing needs in one convenient package. This eliminates the need to shop for each piece of equipment separately and reduces the risk of purchasing the wrong items. It’s a quick and hassle-free solution.
The Best HID Grow Light Kits:
VIVOSUN(US) & SunStream(CA) Hydroponic 600 Watt HPS MH Grow Light Air Cooled Reflector Kit
If you’re working with a smaller growing space like a grow tent, it’s a smart move to go for air-cooled gear, such as the VIVOSUN Hydroponic 600W HPS MH Air Cooled Reflector kit. This setup ensures that heat is effectively expelled from the reflector and doesn’t linger to disrupt your grow. The kit provides all the essentials, including both MH and HPS bulbs, a ballast, a 6-inch air-cooled reflector, a 1/8-inch rope hanger, and to top it off, a 7-day digital timer with up to 8 on/off separate program settings and a bright LCD display. While this kit is a bit pricier, it comes with more components, including higher-wattage lights. Customers especially appreciate the kit’s durability and the outstanding customer service from VIVOSUN. If you ever need replacement parts or have questions or concerns, VIVOSUN is known for quick and effective problem-solving.
iPower 600 Watt HPS MH Digital Dimmable Grow Light System Kits Wing Reflector Set
If you’ve got a big growing space, consider the iPower 600w HPS MH wing reflector set. It’s perfect for roomy setups, and while it doesn’t have air cooling, that’s not a big deal when you have plenty of space. This kit includes a high-quality HPS and MH bulb, a reliable ballast, a 19-inch wing reflector, and an 8 ft adjustable ratchet clip hanger rope to keep things steady. Customers love that the ballast runs quietly and stays cool, and they find the whole setup durable, needing just around four bulb changes a year – two for MH bulbs and two for HPS bulbs. But what really wins them over is the price. It’s a fantastic deal, offering both affordability and quality.
The Best HID Grow Lights: MH And HPS Bulbs
If you’ve already got the reflector, ballast, and everything else you need, there’s just one missing piece: the bulbs. You probably have some idea of what you’re looking for since you have all the other equipment, but you might not be familiar with the top bulb brands or may want to explore something new. Here’s a list of the best single-ended and double-ended HPS and MH bulbs remember you will need both.
Single-Ended HPS Bulbs:
Eye Hortilux Super HPS
The Eye Hortilux Super HPS bulb comes in various wattages, including 250, 400, 430, 600, and 1000 watts, making it an excellent choice for the flowering stage. In fact, you could use this HPS bulb for your entire grow, but it’s generally recommended to use both HPS and MH bulbs. What sets the Eye Hortilux Super apart is its enhanced spectrum, which emits 25% more energy in the violet, blue, and green spectrum compared to standard HPS bulbs. This broader spectrum provides your plants with a greater range of light and leads to improved yields.
Double-Ended HPS Bulbs:
Ushio Hi LUX GRO
When it comes to the flowering stage, the Ushio 1000W Hi-LUX GRO double-ended HPS bulb stands out as the top choice. This bulb boasts high red and blue spectral ratios, ensuring efficient photosynthesis. It delivers an impressive lumen output, resulting in high PAR values ranging from 1950 to 2100 micromoles per second. Additionally, it’s energy-efficient and has a long lifespan, lasting up to 10,000 hours. The only drawback is its price, which comes in at around $80.
Single-Ended MH Bulbs:
iPower 1000 Watt Vegetative Metal Halide
In the vegetative stage, plants thrive when exposed to a blend of red and blue light. The iPower MH bulb, offered in 400W, 600W, and 1000W variants, stands out as a superior MH lighting option due to its 4200K color temperature and an enriched blue/violet spectrum. This spectrum provides plants with both blue and some red light. Furthermore, considering its affordability, this light has an impressive lifespan, lasting up to 24,000 hours, and it maintains 90% of its initial lumen output even after running for 5,000 hours.
Double-Ended MH Bulbs:
iPower DE MH
Another excellent choice for the vegetative stage is the 1000W iPower DE MH bulb. Despite its affordable price, this bulb packs a powerful punch. It boasts an initial lumen output of 100,000 and a PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) of 1400 micromoles per second (umol/s). While there are other versions available, including 6000K, 4200K, and 3100K variants, the 6000K option is the optimal choice for vegetative growth.
Not sure what type of lights to get? Check out the guides below for the other two main types of lighting used to grow high-quality cannabis.
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