How to Choose the Right Hydroponic Grow Light for Plants?
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If you are looking to purchase a grow light for your hydroponic plants, there are a few things you need to consider.
Grow lights come in all shapes and sizes, and each type has its advantages and disadvantages.
In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of grow lights available, as well as the factors you need to consider when choosing the right one for your needs.
What Is a Grow Light, and What Are Its Benefits for Hydroponic Plants?
A grow light is a unique lamp that emits high-intensity artificial light to simulate sunlight for hydroponic plants. Grow lights is a hydroponic lighting method that provide an environment where photosynthesis occurs at maximum efficiency so that plant’s growth rates remain constant and yields are improved. Grow lights are designed with different spectrums and intensities, which you can adjust according to the needs of your plants.
Related: 6 Amazing Benefits of Grow Lights for Indoor Hydroponic Plants
Grow lights have several benefits for hydroponic plants, including:
- Increased growth rates and yields
- More consistent growth cycles
- Extended growing seasons
- Reduced energy costs
- Can be used in any location, regardless of the weather conditions outside
Related:
6 Tips to Increase Yield Using Grow Light
How to Use Your Hydroponic Lights More Energy Efficient
Successful Hydroponics in Any Climate
Why Grow Lights over Sunlight?
Grow lights are a better option than sunlight for several reasons.
Sunlight is only available during certain times of the day, and it can be challenging to find a location that receives enough sunlight for your plants. Due to changes in weather conditions, the photosynthesis of plants affects.
We can use grow lights year-round. The main difference between Grow light and sunlight is that Grow light emits a specific wavelength of light that is beneficial for plants, while sunlight contains all wavelengths of light. This means that We can use Grow light to grow plants indoors, even when it’s cloudy outside. Learn more on plants that can grow under hydroponic lights.
Grow lights can be placed closer to the plants, which allows for more intense light and fewer shadows.
In addition, grow lights can be used in any location, regardless of outside weather conditions.
Further, some research studies proved that using grow lights increased fresh weight, the number of leaves, and plant height.
How Do Grow Lights Work?
Grow lights emit high-intensity artificial light to simulate sunlight for hydroponic plants. Grow lights are designed with different spectrums and intensities, which you can adjust according to the needs of your plants. Hydroponic lights provide an environment where photosynthesis occurs at maximum efficiency so that plant growth rates remain constant and yields are improved.
What Are the Lighting Terms to Know before Buying Hydroponic Lights?
The proper lighting terms you should be aware of before buying hydroponic lights for plants are lumens, kelvins, and PAR value.
- Lumens measure the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. This is the most important measurement to consider when choosing hydroponic lights, as you want one that emits enough lumens to cover your entire growing area. Light intensity is the same as lumens. Lumens measure the amount of visible light emitted by a source, while intensity measures the amount of power required to produce that light. Both terms can be used interchangeably when choosing hydroponic light.
- Kelvins are used to measure the color temperature of a light source. A higher Kelvin rating means a whiter, cooler light, while a lower rating means a warmer, yellower light. You’ll want to choose a hydroponic light with a Kelvin rating that matches the type of plants you’re growing.
- PAR value is used to measure the amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) emitted by a source. Choose a grow light with a high PAR value if you’re looking for maximum plant growth, as this is important for growers.
- The Colour of the light is also important to some plants. Some growers prefer to have a light with a cooler color temperature (higher Kelvin rating) so they can see what’s going on in their grow area better. It is better reading the post “Do Grow Light Colors Matter? The Surprising Science of Plant Lighting“
The majority of grow lights give full-spectrum light. Plants utilize the vast majority of the blue (“cool”) and red (“warm”) spectrum’s radiation. Blue light promotes vegetative development (foliage and roots), while red light promotes flower and fruit production.
What Are the Types of Grow Lights Available in the Market?
There are three main types of grow lights on the market today: incandescent, fluorescent, LED, halogen, high-pressure sodium, and metal halide light.
1 . Incandescent Grow Lights
Incandescent grow lights are the least efficient and most expensive hydroponic lights available. They also generate a great deal of heat, which can be dangerous and damage plants. For these reasons, incandescent grow lights are not recommended for hydroponic plant growth.
2 . Fluorescent Grow Lights
Fluorescent grow lights are more efficient than incandescent ones and are less expensive to operate. They also generate less heat, making them safer for plants. However, fluorescent grow lights emit less light than other grow lights, so they may not be sufficient for all hydroponic plants.
3 . Light emitting diode (LED) Grow Lights
Hydroponic LED grow lights are the most efficient, least expensive, and common type of hydroponic lights available. LED bulbs use less energy and last longer than other types of bulbs, so they are a good choice for grow lights. They also generate very less heat, making them safe for plants. Also, LED grow lights are useful for heavy duty.
As per resources, only 80% of the power used to light fluorescent lamps is used to power LED grow lights.
These specially made LED grow lights increase the productivity of crops better than sunlight.
4 . Halogen light
The light spectrum of a halogen grow light is very similar to the direct sun. Halogen grow lights are less expensive than other types of grow lights and emit very little heat. However, they are not as efficient as LED or fluorescent grow lights and may not be sufficient for all hydroponic plants.
5 . High-pressure sodium (HPS) light
High pressure sodium (HPS) grow light bulbs produce a reddish-orange light that is beneficial for flowering plants. HPS grow lights are more efficient than halogen grow lights and emit less heat. However, they are more expensive to operate and may not suit all plants.
6 . Metal Halide (MH) light
MH grow light bulbs produce a bluish-white light that is beneficial for vegetative growth. MH grow lights are more efficient than halogen grow lights and emit less heat. However, they are more expensive to operate and may not suit all plants.
Realted: Cheap Grow Lights Alternatives Used in Indoor Hydroponic System
Which Grow Light Is Right for Your Plants?
The type of hydroponic lights you choose will depend on the kind of plants you are growing and their growth stage.
For vegetative growth, fluorescent or LED grow lights are recommended. For flowering plants, HPS or MH grow lights are recommended.
When choosing a grow light, be sure to consider the cost of operation and the amount of light emitted by the light bulb.
LED grow lights are the most efficient and least expensive option, but incandescent and fluorescent grow lights may be more suitable for some plants.
The grow light you choose will depend on the specific needs of your plants.
How to Choose a Correct Grow Light Considering Relevant Factors?
When choosing hydroponic lights for your hydroponic plants, it is essential to consider the specific needs of your plants.
Some factors you may want to consider include:
- The size and type of plant you are growing
The size and type of plant you are growing will determine the size and type of hydroponic light you need. Make sure you choose the right kind of light for the plant you grow.
- The amount of space you have available to grow the plants
If you are growing a small plant in a limited amount of space, an LED grow light may be sufficient. If you are growing a large plant or multiple plants, you may need a fluorescent or LED grow light.
- The stage of growth the plant is in (seedling, vegetative, flowering)
It is also important to consider your [plant’s stage of growth]. Seedlings and young plants need less light than mature plants. So you may want to choose a hydroponic light with a lower intensity. Also, seedlings need a different kind of light than flowering plants. Vegetative plants need a different kind of light than seedlings.
- The amount of light the plant needs (intensity and spectrum)
If you want your plants to be as big and healthy as possible, you need to make sure they are getting enough light. Grow lights can help with this, but only if they are placed to allow them to reach the plants. The light amount the plant needs will also determine how much space you have available to grow the plants. If you don’t have a lot of space, you may need to get a smaller light or one that emits a shorter wavelength.
Once you have considered all of these factors, you will select the right hydroponic light for your hydroponic plants. Grow lights can be an essential part of a healthy hydroponic garden, and choosing the right one will help your plants grow to their full potential.
When in doubt, consult with an expert or visit a gardening store to get advice on which hydroponic light are best for your specific needs.
Is Lighting Required a Whole Day for the Plant to Grow?
No, light is not required for the plant to grow for a whole day. In fact, plants can grow without any light at all.
Plants do require darkness for their metabolism to function properly. They are not built to produce food nonstop, and doing so would be detrimental to their long-term health. So, yes, plants require just as much darkness as they need light.
Grow lights can help plants grow bigger and faster. The amount of time hydroponic lights should be on will vary depending on the specific plant. You can either have the hydroponic lights on for a full 12 hours, or you can turn it off for a few hours during the night. However, most plants need at least 12 hours of light per day to grow properly.
What Is a Grow Light Reflector?
A Grow light reflector is a device that reflects light from a grow light bulb onto the plant. This helps to ensure that the plant receives enough light to grow.
Grow light reflectors are available in many different sizes and shapes so that you can find the right one for your plant.
What Is a Grow Light Bulb Spectrum?
A Grow light bulb spectrum is the range of colors that a grow light bulb emits.
Broad-spectrum of colors is ideal for growing plants in indoor hydroponic garden while a narrow spectrum of colors is not ideal.
Related: Do grow light color matter?
What Is a Grow Light Timer?
A Grow light timer is a device that allows you to control the amount of time that the hydroponic light is turned on each day. This is important because you don’t want the light to be on for too long, or the plant will get too hot. Grow light timers are available in many different sizes and shapes so that you can find the right one for your plant.
To use a grow light timer, follow these steps:
- Plug the grow light fixture into an outlet and turn it on
- Place the grow light fixture close to the plant you are growing
- Adjust the height of the grow light fixture as needed
- Set the timer for the amount of time you want the hydroponic light to be on each day
- Enjoy your healthy plants!
Click here if you are looking to buy a digital timer for your hydroponic garden.
Also, read
6 Tips to Increase Yield Using Grow Light
Timers for Successful Hydroponic Gardening
Different hydroponic systems you can use outdoors.
How to Use a Grow Light Height Adjuster
A grow light height adjuster is a simple but important tool for anyone who cultivate plants using indoor hydroponic garden. The height adjuster allows you to raise or lower your hydroponic lights as needed so that your plants always receive the optimal amount of light. Follow the tips below to use a grow light height adjuster to get the best results from your indoor plants.
- Start by deciding how high you want your hydroponic lights to be above the plant. Please read our blog post on the ideal distance for a grow light to be away from indoor plants.
- Once you’ve decided on the height, use the grow light height adjuster to raise or lower the light until it is at the desired height.
That’s it! Now just let your plants do their thing and enjoy watching them grow.
You can buy a separate grow light height adjuster for your hydroponic lights or select a suitable height adjustable grow light or growing lamp for your garden by clicking on the links provided.
Click here and read more on equipment necessary for hydroponic gardeners.
In Conclusion
Grow lights are an essential part of a healthy hydroponic garden.
When choosing a light for growing plant indoor, it is crucial to consider the specific needs of your plants. Some factors you may want to consider are the type of plant, the stage of growth the plant is in, the amount of light the plant needs, and the amount of space you have available to grow the plants. Further, it is essential to know how to overcome the drawbacks of grow lights and how to dispose the grow light. Also, you can use ready made grow room for your hydroponic garden. You can learn more about grow room fan and grow tents from our previous posts.
This blog article went over the fundamentals of selecting the sort of grow light for a hydroponic farm or garden. After learning about your plant’s requirements, I recommend carefully studying each light’s technical specs.
Sometimes with so many different types and sizes of hydroponic lights available, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. If you are unsure which grow light is best for your needs, consult with an expert or visit a gardening store for advice.
Thank you for reading!
Also, read:
How to Keep the PH Level of Each Hydroponic Growing Medium?
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12 Alternatives to Rockwool for Hydroponic Farming
If you are looking to buy any hydroponic light, and related items for your hydroponic garden check out these links.
