Factors To Consider When Procuring A Growing Light
by: BrasilArkanova
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Word Count: 506
Date: Thu, 13 Oct 2011 Time: 4:57 PM
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A Good grow light is 1 that supplies the correct amount and form of light for the plant being grown and its stage of development. Plants of course utilize light as an energy source, which it converts into chemical energy by means of photosynthesis. The amount that a plant grows and provides is directly dependent On the quantity of light accessible to it.
Because light is so important to plant health (upon which everything else depends!), the purchase of grow lights requires a bit of thought and consideration. Fluorescent grow lights are very effective and cool compared with incandescent bulbs, that aren't a particularly Good choice because of the heat produced. Fluorescent lights supply full range light, that numerous indoor gardeners believe to be a Good thing. On the other hand, the fact is that plants don't use the full spectrum 24/7.
Metal salt bulbs are a form of grow light that's a good choice for a plant during its growth stage - when the stem, branches and leaves are developing. During this stage, the plant uses principally blue spectrum light. In contrast, a plant that is producing flowers and/or fruit requires light On the red end of the range. High pressure salt, or HPS are generally a better decision when the plant reaches this stage.
The issue with both MH and LPS lighting is the fact that both produce considerable warmth, requiring the use of fans to keep the plant and/or the soil from getting too hot.
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, have been around since the early 1920s, but have just recently been utilized in hydroponic gardening as grow lights. This form of grow light possesses multiple advantages over fluorescent and metal vapor lights, and no real drawbacks other than the initial cost. While they do cost more in the beginning, LEDs are considerably cheaper in the long run due to their long lifetime span (average life is about 100,000 hours, compared to a typical 15,000 hours for additional types) and energy efficiency (energy consumption is about 10 to 20% of similar fluorescents and metal vapor lamps). In addition, LEDs are cooler, thus eliminating the need for fans and elaborate air flow systems.
Regardless of the type of grow light used, certain accessories could be necessary in order to maximize plant development and production. I.e., a reflector increases light intensity, maximizing available light while simultaneously doing away with any "hot spots."
Ballasts are gadgets that provide power to the grow lights. A fluorescent light fixture possesses a built-in ballast, but different kinds - including metal vapor and LED kinds - need an exterior, or "remote" ballast. Once again, its advisable to spend some extra money here; recent digital ballasts produced locally are superior to imports from China or antique magnetic coil types. Although they are higher priced, they will extend bulb life. A higher quality digital ballast also has various incorporated safety functions as well, such as the capability to detect short circuits and defective bulbs.
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