Do you know if aerating water for your plants is necessary? Well, definitely yes! Have you ever wondered how plants can sit a long time in a hydroponic system without drowning? The trick is the air supplied. If you donāt provide your hydroponic plants with adequate oxygen, they will drown or suffocate.
The root of plants must be supplied with air for optimal growth so aerating water for plants is important. So, plants require oxygen to breathe or respire.
In this post, we will be talking about how to aerate your plants, the importance of aerating your plants, and more. So, read on to learn about this.
How To Aerate Water For Plants
When you aerate your water for hydroponic plants, youāre introducing dissolved oxygen (DO) to the system. The dissolved oxygen is usually ready to be assimilated by the plant roots. So, we can aerate our hydroponic system in the following ways:
1.Ā Ā Ā Airstone With Air Pump
One of the easiest ways of aerating water for plants is by using air stone connected to an air pump. They are very affordable and easily accessible. Air stones also come in different sizes and shapes, thus you will always find one that is suitable for your hydroponic system.
So, air stone provides oxygenation by pushing the air pump through the stones. Because the air stone is quite porous, the air is split into a large bunch of bubbles. However, this large bubble may not be so efficient. This is because large bubbles tend to rise rapidly and they may end up not reaching plant roots.
The good news is that the air stones we find in the market now generate smaller bubbles. Thus, this makes their job done more efficiently.
2.Ā Ā Ā Automatic Siphon System
The automatic siphon mechanism provides air to the plants by exposing the plant root system. This process is common in the ebb and flow system whereby the grow bed is drained and the plant root system is exposed to air.
The automatic siphon system comes in various forms. They include loop, bell, and U shape and all of these mechanisms work on the same principle.
The mechanism of action works this way: when the water level in the grow bed moves up and rises, it gets to a point it begins to go down. The water levels go down a tube called the standpipe. As the standpipe fills up, there is a suction created with a vacuum that pulls the water away from the grow bed.
So the plant root is exposed to air for a while and the water goes up again and the process repeats on and on.
Using an air diffuser is another method of supplying aerated water to your plant root. Air diffusers comprise bendable tubes with holes in them that help emit air into water. Even though air stones are capable of distributing air evenly, air diffusers will supply smaller bubbles. Thus, most of these smaller bubbles usually get to the plant roots.
This is the biggest advantage of air diffusers over air stones (bubbles size). However, various brands are now manufacturing sir stones with smaller bubbles because of the growing interest in hydroponics.
4.Ā Ā Ā Oxygen Gap
Some hydroponics system like Kratky method and NFT offers oxygen through an air gap. The nutrient solution should be placed in the grow bed. Allow the plant root to touch the nutrient solution and leave a gap for the rest of the plant body.Ā There will always be enough air between the air gap created and the nutrient solution that will ensure the plant receives oxygen.
5.Ā Ā Ā Root Hanging
The last method we will be looking at for aerating water for plants is root hanging. Vertical and Aeroponic system often makes use of root hanging. Rather than allowing the root to sit in a nutrient solution, the nutrient solution can simply be splashed or pumped across the system and comes back to the reservoir.Ā Vertical hydroponics makes use of pumping nutrients. On the other hand, the Aeroponic system makes use of spraying their nutrient solution.
Importance Of Aerating Water For Plants
Aerating your water for plants is very crucial when it comes to hydroponic gardening. So, letās look at the importance of aerating the water in your plants for their optimal growth:
Nutrient Uptake: aerating your water for plants is important so that nutrients can be adequately absorbed by the plants’ roots. Thus, when your plants can absorb adequate nutrients, they will grow healthier and result in abundant yield.
Bacteria Build-up Is Reduced: with optimal dissolved oxygen, the roots are able to respire and there will be a drastic decrease in bacteria build-up. However, if the dissolved oxygen drops, it will cause anaerobic bacteria and fungi to build up. These bacteria build-up affects the plant root and restricts the roots from absorbing important nutrients. So, we definitely want to avoid such.
Respiration: just as animals and human beings respire, plants also respire. Oxygen is assimilated through the roots of the plants. This same oxygen is also absorbed through the plantsā stomata as well as their stem pores.
Aerating Plants In The Soil
Plants in the soil arenāt left out from dissolved oxygen (DO). They also assimilate important nutrients in the soil through oxygenation. Of course, the air present in the atmosphere provides these soil plants oxygen. Plants can also receive oxygen through air pockets in the soil.
They can also obtain dissolved oxygen from nature through rainwater. Rainwater assimilates dissolved oxygen from the atmosphere before reaching the earth or soil.
However, over-watering your plants can prevent the soil plant from accessing these air pockets thereby reducing dissolved oxygen. This will in turn cause your plant to drown or suffocate. So, ensure you donāt overwater your soil plants.
FAQās
What is aeration?
Aeration is the process of adding oxygen to your aquarium or pond water. This is done by placing a sponge, air pump, or other air diffuser in the water and allowing the water to circulate. It is also possible to place an air stone directly into the water and allow it to bubble. Aeration is especially useful for aquariums or ponds that have very little movement in the water.
The increased oxygen levels will encourage more fish, plants, and invertebrates to inhabit the tank or pond.
What is a sponge?
Sponges are made up of tiny pockets, called spicules, which are packed tightly together to form a strong and resilient structure. They are usually soft and absorbent, and can be found in both marine and freshwater environments. A marine sponge is often used as an underwater filter. Sponges are also used as filters on land, since they can absorb pollutants from the air as well as water.
What is an air pump?
Air pumps are small, portable devices that use compressed air to create bubbles that are dispersed through a diffuser. Air pumps are available in many different sizes and types. Most people use air pumps to aerate their aquariums, ponds, and water gardens.
The air pump is one of the most essential tools for any aquarist. It is used to create bubbles, which helps oxygenate the water and remove ammonia and nitrates.
What is an air stone?
An air stone is a small device that creates bubbles. There are several different types of air stones available. Some of these air stones can be attached to a tank or pond for continuous bubbling. Others require manual operation, and are often used to aerate water when it is not being filtered or pumped.
What is a bubble wort?
A bubble wort is a piece of equipment that uses bubbles to aerate water. Bubble worts are typically used on a regular basis, so the bubbles will continue to disperse throughout the tank or pond. The bubbler must be used with the air pump to produce the bubbles.
How important is considering the water for plant growth?
Water is a very important part of your garden. Itās what keeps the plants alive and allows them to grow. If you water your plants too often, it will cause the soil to become dry and compacted. This will lead to slower plant growth and can even kill them! If you donāt aerate your soil every few months, it can actually cause your plants to be more susceptible to diseases.
Aerating Water For Plants Final Thoughts
There are lots of benefits to aerating water for your plants growing needs. Ensure you provide optimal air to your plants’ roots so they can flourish and give you abundant yields.
You may be wondering what smart size pot you should grow for your indoor garden. Weāve got the answer for you here.
Pots come in various shapes and sizes but the important thing is do you know which to go for? Too small a pot may limit your plantsā growth. While too big pot may occupy all the space which will make you require lots of soil.
Weāve got some information for you when it comes to what size smart pot to grow for your indoor garden. So, letās get right into it.
What Size Smart Pot Is Required For Indoor Grow
There are lots of benefits when you start growing with smart pots that you may end up not going back to regular pots after your experience.
When it comes to what size smart pot for indoor grow, finding the appropriate size is crucial to your plant’s growth. The good news is that there is a general rule as to which size to choose. So, this general rule tells us to pick a smart pot that is double the size of our regular pot.
Take, for instance, if you would normally make use of a 2-gallon regular pot size then you should go with a smart pot size of about 5 gallons.
This is because smart pots have a great draining system that allows for optimal airflow. So, smart size pot tends to dry out faster. For this reason, thereās no issue of over-watering. The only thing is it will require you to water more frequently. The pot may dry out completely within a day or two using a 5-gallon size.
Smart Pot Sizes To Use For Indoor Grow
What size smart pot you should use for indoor grow will depend on the type of plants youāre growing. Ideally, most plants will require a 5-gallon size smart pot.
But if youāre looking at allowing your plant to grow bigger (vertically or horizontally) you will need a bigger pot. You can go as high as 7 to 10 smart size gallon pot or even 15-gallon depending on how big you want your plant to grow.
Another thing you might want to know is if you can grow more than one plant in a single smart pot. Well, this is quite possible. You can have 2 or 3 plants in a 15-gallon smart pot. However, we would not encourage you to do this.
This is because there will be competition for resources between plants. If you want to grow more than one plant, it is better or advisable to just obtain a smaller size smart pot for each plant.
The smart size encourages easy root networks and thereās no issue of root-bound. Unlike the regular pot or container, roots may run into edges thereby causing a spaghetti-like, tangled-up root mess. Now, this may cause plant choking at the end causing root-bound.
But with a size smart pot, there is an easy series of root networks that allows for optimal air circulation. It also gives the wall of the root an air prune root.
No Over-watering Issue
Over-watering is one thing you can never worry about when using a size smart pot for growing. The smart pot enables easy flow of excess water which helps the soil dry out thereby no water logging issue. However, this implies you watering your plant from time to time as your soil dries out.
Encourages Rapid Growth
Because of the good root network formation and excellent oxygen flow, this encourages rapid growth. The oxygen encourages faster growth, especially in the vegetative phase.
Encourages Short Or Wider Growth Space
Unlike regular pots, smart-sized pots are broader and shorter in size. Thus, it encourages your plant to grow wide rather than tall. Therefore, this will save you vertical space.
No Tipping Over Of Plants
You can grow large plants and train them to grow wider with smart pot size. So, because they grow wider, itās rare for them to tip over no matter how big your plant grows.
Portable
Another advantage we admire is smart pot portability. You can purchase a smart size pot you can carry if you plan to move your container around. Using a 10-gallon smart size pot will weigh about 50 pounds when filled with soil and water. You should ask yourself if you can move this much around.
Smart pots dimensions:
20 gal size- 20 x 20 x 15.5 inches; 10.24 Ounces
10 gal size- 16 x 16 x 11.5 inches; 5.28 Ounces
5 gal size- 12 x 0.5 x 12.5 inches; 5.29 Ounces
Draw Backs Of Growing With Smart Pots Sizes
Even though growing with smart size pots offers lots of benefits, there are still some disadvantages to it. So, letās take a look at some of them:
Excess Water Runoff & Requires More Watering
Smart size pots are not capable of holding water for long as there is an excess flow of water. You will also require a bigger growing tray to collect excess water and also empty them accordingly. Also, as the water dries out faster, you will need to catch up on watering your plants more frequently.
Space Requirement
There is also the need for more horizontal space. Therefore, you may find it a bit hard to fit them in a portable grow tent unlike fitting a regular container. Now, the big tray which collects excess water will even take more space.
But on the good side, training your plants to grow wide or horizontally will allow you to manage the situation well.
FAQās
What should determine the size of smart pot that I use?
The best thing about smart pots is that they are easy to use. You donāt need any special skills to grow plants in one. All you need is a small amount of money and a smart pot. The best way to learn how to grow plants in a smart pot is to buy one and get growing!
There are a few things that will determine how big your smart pot should be for your plants. The size of the plant itself, the space it takes up in your room and whether you plan to use it outside or not. You just need to know which plants you want to grow and what size smart pot you want to use. The size of the pot is also determined by the number of plants you will be growing. If you are planning on growing one plant per pot then you can expect to need a smaller pot than if you want to grow more than one plant per pot.
If you are growing your plants outside then the size of the pot will depend on how much sun and wind you will be getting. If you have a shady patio then you will probably want a larger pot than if you have a sunny garden. The space in your room will also determine the size of the pot you need. If you have a small room then you will need a smaller pot than if you have a large room. You also need to consider whether you plan to use your smart pot as an indoor or outdoor container. If you plan to use it outside then you will need a larger pot than if you are going to keep it indoors. There is no reason why you canāt grow plants in smart pots if you live in a place that has good weather and enough sun.
What’s the best smart pot for indoor use?
There are so many options and they are all different sizes. You want something that is going to give you the most light for your money. You want to be able to use it with different types of lights. You want to be able to move it around to change the angle of the light, and be able to get the best light from any direction.
The best smart pot for indoor growers is the smallest size. A small grow light can fit into a space that may have been used for other things. A small smart pot can provide just the right amount of light and nutrients. It is also easy to clean.
Are their sizes good options for indoor cannabis cultivation?
The smart pots grower system is a great solution for small to medium sized cannabis growers who want to grow indoors in an eco-friendly way. They have many advantages and benefits over traditional growing systems.
The smart pots grower system also allows you to monitor and control your plant growth remotely. If you notice any problems with your plants, you can do something about it right away and keep track of individual plants.
And if you use a smart pot, you donāt need to use soil or soil blocks. This means that you can save money and not have to buy expensive soil for your plants. You can also use a variety of different soils if you like. All you need to do is put the potting soil into the smart pot, water it well, and then place your plant inside. You donāt need to worry about any soil particles getting into your plants. All of this in a smaller pot for your pot plants!
What Size Smart Pot For Indoor Grow Final Say
When it comes to what size smart pot for indoor grow, the least size should be 5-gallon as this is ideal for most growers. You can as well move to 7 gallons if you want a bit bigger plant. Now, if you desire to grow a larger plant, you should go for a 10 or 15-gallon size.
So, we hope this post has helped you in choosing the right size smart pot for your plant growing needs.
Also, note that when it comes to using fluorescent grow lights, anything higher than 12 inches from your plantsā canopy may mean your plants arenāt getting good light energy. This is because fluorescent light strength decreases when the height is too far from the plants’ canopy. So, ensure they are close enough to your plant as they are safe to be positioned close to plants.
How Far Should LED Grow Light Be From Plants?
LED grow lights are one of the most popular lights to use for indoor gardening. They are also safe to use at an appropriate close range on plants and they donāt emit much heat. LED grow lights are as well strong and efficient and can be used for different plant growth stages. They are majorly used in the flowering and fruiting stages.
When it comes to using LED grow lights, there is no particular rule to their positioning. But as a recommended tip, they can be placed around 12 to 18 inches above the plantsā canopy.
However, there are many types and brands of LED grow light that offers different output so deciding the appropriate distance may be tricky. The good thing is most times when you purchase LED grow lights, the manufacturer usually puts a recommended hanging height to follow. You can start with the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance.
After trying the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance, you can go ahead and move it a bit closer to get the perfect distance. Do these until you get to a point where your plants start to bleach. Also, you need to always monitor your plants when trying new grow lights. Move them back immediately when you notice any signs of discomfort in the plants.
By doing this, you will have mastered the right hanging distance for your plants for them to receive optimal light for their growing needs. Also, you may need to adjust the grow light upwards as your plants grow taller and develop.
When choosing an HPS light, it should not be about wattage. Instead of paying attention to the wattage of the grow light, it is more important to understand how the light spectrum works. This is so you can know which grow light and light spectrum to get for the stage of growth that your plants are at.
The grow light spectrum is measured in micromoles (Āµmol). Generally, you will need a light spectrum in the range of 180 to 1300 Āµmol. This is quite a wide range, therefore you would need to determine the light requirements of your plants. The more light-hungry your plants are, the higher the light spectrum you should get.
Certain plant families such as those of the Cannabaceae are on the upper end of the spectrum. They need a minimum of 800 Āµmol to reach 85% of their growth potential and up to 1300 Āµmol to reach their full potential. Other plants such as herbs, salad greens, and other leafy plants only require between 180-380 Āµmol to grow efficiently.
To determine the light intensity of your plants if you don’t know it, you can use a PAR meter for the spectral range that is suitable for growing plants.
What Size Room For 1000-Watt HPS?
In general, a 1000-watt grow light is used to cover an area that is 5 x 5 total foot area. HPS grow lights are however more powerful. A 1000-watt HPS grow light can cover a much wider area of about 49 square feet in size.
The actual area of coverage of a 1000-watt grow light, or any grow light for that matter depends on several factors such as the type of the light, the specific light requirements of the plants being grown, and the design and type of the grow space.
How Hot Does a 1000w HPS Light Get?
HPS lights operate at very high temperatures of up to 54000F. The majority of this light gets turned to infrared (IR) radiation. This is the type of radiation that causes molecules to vibrate and heat up when it comes into contact with them. This IR radiation is directed toward plants the same way visible light radiation does.Ā
Regular users of HPS grow lights are well aware of this fact, and for this reason, they do not put the grow lights too close to their plants as it would kill the plants in a very short space of time.
How Many Lumens Does a 1000w HPS Produce?
Normally, when we go to the shop to buy light bulbs, we buy them based on how much energy (usually in watts) they use. Lately, however, there has been more knowledge that has led to people buying light based on the amount of light they can provide.
Lumens are a measure of how much light you will get from a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light you will get. The opposite is true for fewer lumens.
The best way to shop for bulbs is to look for lumens instead of watts, that way you will be able to tell which bulb will give you more light.
A 1000-watt high-output HPS bulb produces 150 000 lumens. This is more than the standard HPS bulb which produces only 140 000 lumens.
Conclusion – 1000w HPS Distance From Plants
Different hanging distances are recommended for various grow lights. We have concluded that the ideal distance from plants for 1000w HPS should be around 20 to 36 inches.
Whenever you purchase a new grow light, you can start with the recommended hanging distance and monitor your plants closely. You should back off the lights if you notice any bleaching of leaves. If you however notice your plants are fine with the distance, you can bring them a little closer so they can get optimal lights for their growth.
In all this, always keep a close eye on your plants’ response anytime you are using a new grow light on your plants. You should be able to obtain the appropriate hanging heights for your grow lights.
How far should my 1000 HPS lights be from my plants?
If you look at a picture of a HPS (high pressure sodium) light fixture, you’ll notice that there are two metal reflectors, one on top of the other. This design keeps the heat from dissipating and helps to direct the light toward the plants. The light fixture itself is mounted on a stand with a ballast. You’ll find that the ballast is usually mounted between 8-10 feet from the fixture itself. The distance will vary depending on the type of ballast you purchase. Most people recommend a minimum of 15 feet of separation between plants and HPS lights. If you’ve got enough room, I’d say go for it.
What does the ballast do?
A ballast regulates the flow of power to the lamp, which provides a constant voltage and frequency to the lamp. The ballast usually includes circuitry for sensing lamp current and voltage and for turning the lamp on and off to minimize energy waste. The ballast may also include circuitry for dimming the lamp by varying the frequency or phase of the alternating current.
How do you know if a light is too close to a plant?
Itās important to remember that we are not looking at the plant itself, we are looking at the light. If it is shining directly onto the leaves, or even the top of the plant, then the light is too close and you should move the light away.
If the plant looks a little wilted and the leaves are turning yellow, then you may need to adjust your light to make sure that the light is not shining directly on the leaves.
When is the right distance the most important for a 1000w HPS?
You want to pay the most attention to this during the flowering stage. This type of light is highly recommended for this stage in the growing process. As a matter of fact, many people only use this light for this stage in the growing process. Sometimes after applying a MH grow light beforehand.
Can you have too much light in a cannabis grow tent?
Yes you can, and the plants will show signs of this. This is why it is very important to keep not only the right amount of lights, but the right distance between them and the plants.
Also, note that when it comes to using fluorescent grow lights, anything higher than 12 inches from your plantsā canopy may mean your plants arenāt getting good light energy. This is because fluorescent light strength decreases when the height is too far from the plants’ canopy. So, ensure they are close enough to your plant as they are safe to be positioned close to plants.
How Far Should LED Grow Light Be From Plants?
LED grow lights are one of the most popular lights to use for indoor gardening. They are also safe to use at an appropriate close range on plants and they donāt emit much heat. LED grow lights are as well strong and efficient and can be used for different plant growth stages. They are majorly used in the flowering and fruiting stages.
When it comes to using LED grow lights, there is no particular rule to their positioning. But as a recommended tip, they can be placed around 12 to 18 inches above the plantsā canopy.
However, there are many types and brands of LED grow light that offers different output so deciding the appropriate distance may be tricky. The good thing is most times when you purchase LED grow lights, the manufacturer usually puts a recommended hanging height to follow. You can start with the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance.
After trying the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance, you can go ahead and move it a bit closer to get the perfect distance. Do these until you get to a point where your plants start to bleach. Also, you need to always monitor your plants when trying new grow lights. Move them back immediately when you notice any signs of discomfort in the plants.
By doing this, you will have mastered the right hanging distance for your plants for them to receive optimal light for their growing needs. Also, you may need to adjust the grow light upwards as your plants grow taller and develop.
When choosing an HPS light, it should not be about wattage. Instead of paying attention to the wattage of the grow light, it is more important to understand how the light spectrum works. This is so you can know which grow light and light spectrum to get for the stage of growth that your plants are at.
The grow light spectrum is measured in micromoles (Āµmol). Generally, you will need a light spectrum in the range of 180 to 1300 Āµmol. This is quite a wide range, therefore you would need to determine the light requirements of your plants. The more light-hungry your plants are, the higher the light spectrum you should get.
Certain plant families such as those of the Cannabaceae are on the upper end of the spectrum. They need a minimum of 800 Āµmol to reach 85% of their growth potential and up to 1300 Āµmol to reach their full potential. Other plants such as herbs, salad greens, and other leafy plants only require between 180-380 Āµmol to grow efficiently.
To determine the light intensity of your plants if you don’t know it, you can use a PAR meter for the spectral range that is suitable for growing plants.
What Size Room For 1000-Watt HPS?
In general, a 1000-watt grow light is used to cover an area that is 5 x 5 total foot area. HPS grow lights are however more powerful. A 1000-watt HPS grow light can cover a much wider area of about 49 square feet in size.
The actual area of coverage of a 1000-watt grow light, or any grow light for that matter depends on several factors such as the type of the light, the specific light requirements of the plants being grown, and the design and type of the grow space.
How Hot Does a 1000w HPS Light Get?
HPS lights operate at very high temperatures of up to 54000F. The majority of this light gets turned to infrared (IR) radiation. This is the type of radiation that causes molecules to vibrate and heat up when it comes into contact with them. This IR radiation is directed toward plants the same way visible light radiation does.Ā
Regular users of HPS grow lights are well aware of this fact, and for this reason, they do not put the grow lights too close to their plants as it would kill the plants in a very short space of time.
How Many Lumens Does a 1000w HPS Produce?
Normally, when we go to the shop to buy light bulbs, we buy them based on how much energy (usually in watts) they use. Lately, however, there has been more knowledge that has led to people buying light based on the amount of light they can provide.
Lumens are a measure of how much light you will get from a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light you will get. The opposite is true for fewer lumens.
The best way to shop for bulbs is to look for lumens instead of watts, that way you will be able to tell which bulb will give you more light.
A 1000-watt high-output HPS bulb produces 150 000 lumens. This is more than the standard HPS bulb which produces only 140 000 lumens.
Conclusion – 1000w HPS Distance From Plants
Different hanging distances are recommended for various grow lights. We have concluded that the ideal distance from plants for 1000w HPS should be around 20 to 36 inches.
Whenever you purchase a new grow light, you can start with the recommended hanging distance and monitor your plants closely. You should back off the lights if you notice any bleaching of leaves. If you however notice your plants are fine with the distance, you can bring them a little closer so they can get optimal lights for their growth.
In all this, always keep a close eye on your plants’ response anytime you are using a new grow light on your plants. You should be able to obtain the appropriate hanging heights for your grow lights.
How far should my 1000 HPS lights be from my plants?
If you look at a picture of a HPS (high pressure sodium) light fixture, you’ll notice that there are two metal reflectors, one on top of the other. This design keeps the heat from dissipating and helps to direct the light toward the plants. The light fixture itself is mounted on a stand with a ballast. You’ll find that the ballast is usually mounted between 8-10 feet from the fixture itself. The distance will vary depending on the type of ballast you purchase. Most people recommend a minimum of 15 feet of separation between plants and HPS lights. If you’ve got enough room, I’d say go for it.
What does the ballast do?
A ballast regulates the flow of power to the lamp, which provides a constant voltage and frequency to the lamp. The ballast usually includes circuitry for sensing lamp current and voltage and for turning the lamp on and off to minimize energy waste. The ballast may also include circuitry for dimming the lamp by varying the frequency or phase of the alternating current.
How do you know if a light is too close to a plant?
Itās important to remember that we are not looking at the plant itself, we are looking at the light. If it is shining directly onto the leaves, or even the top of the plant, then the light is too close and you should move the light away.
If the plant looks a little wilted and the leaves are turning yellow, then you may need to adjust your light to make sure that the light is not shining directly on the leaves.
When is the right distance the most important for a 1000w HPS?
You want to pay the most attention to this during the flowering stage. This type of light is highly recommended for this stage in the growing process. As a matter of fact, many people only use this light for this stage in the growing process. Sometimes after applying a MH grow light beforehand.
Can you have too much light in a cannabis grow tent?
Yes you can, and the plants will show signs of this. This is why it is very important to keep not only the right amount of lights, but the right distance between them and the plants.
Also, note that when it comes to using fluorescent grow lights, anything higher than 12 inches from your plantsā canopy may mean your plants arenāt getting good light energy. This is because fluorescent light strength decreases when the height is too far from the plants’ canopy. So, ensure they are close enough to your plant as they are safe to be positioned close to plants.
How Far Should LED Grow Light Be From Plants?
LED grow lights are one of the most popular lights to use for indoor gardening. They are also safe to use at an appropriate close range on plants and they donāt emit much heat. LED grow lights are as well strong and efficient and can be used for different plant growth stages. They are majorly used in the flowering and fruiting stages.
When it comes to using LED grow lights, there is no particular rule to their positioning. But as a recommended tip, they can be placed around 12 to 18 inches above the plantsā canopy.
However, there are many types and brands of LED grow light that offers different output so deciding the appropriate distance may be tricky. The good thing is most times when you purchase LED grow lights, the manufacturer usually puts a recommended hanging height to follow. You can start with the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance.
After trying the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance, you can go ahead and move it a bit closer to get the perfect distance. Do these until you get to a point where your plants start to bleach. Also, you need to always monitor your plants when trying new grow lights. Move them back immediately when you notice any signs of discomfort in the plants.
By doing this, you will have mastered the right hanging distance for your plants for them to receive optimal light for their growing needs. Also, you may need to adjust the grow light upwards as your plants grow taller and develop.
When choosing an HPS light, it should not be about wattage. Instead of paying attention to the wattage of the grow light, it is more important to understand how the light spectrum works. This is so you can know which grow light and light spectrum to get for the stage of growth that your plants are at.
The grow light spectrum is measured in micromoles (Āµmol). Generally, you will need a light spectrum in the range of 180 to 1300 Āµmol. This is quite a wide range, therefore you would need to determine the light requirements of your plants. The more light-hungry your plants are, the higher the light spectrum you should get.
Certain plant families such as those of the Cannabaceae are on the upper end of the spectrum. They need a minimum of 800 Āµmol to reach 85% of their growth potential and up to 1300 Āµmol to reach their full potential. Other plants such as herbs, salad greens, and other leafy plants only require between 180-380 Āµmol to grow efficiently.
To determine the light intensity of your plants if you don’t know it, you can use a PAR meter for the spectral range that is suitable for growing plants.
What Size Room For 1000-Watt HPS?
In general, a 1000-watt grow light is used to cover an area that is 5 x 5 total foot area. HPS grow lights are however more powerful. A 1000-watt HPS grow light can cover a much wider area of about 49 square feet in size.
The actual area of coverage of a 1000-watt grow light, or any grow light for that matter depends on several factors such as the type of the light, the specific light requirements of the plants being grown, and the design and type of the grow space.
How Hot Does a 1000w HPS Light Get?
HPS lights operate at very high temperatures of up to 54000F. The majority of this light gets turned to infrared (IR) radiation. This is the type of radiation that causes molecules to vibrate and heat up when it comes into contact with them. This IR radiation is directed toward plants the same way visible light radiation does.Ā
Regular users of HPS grow lights are well aware of this fact, and for this reason, they do not put the grow lights too close to their plants as it would kill the plants in a very short space of time.
How Many Lumens Does a 1000w HPS Produce?
Normally, when we go to the shop to buy light bulbs, we buy them based on how much energy (usually in watts) they use. Lately, however, there has been more knowledge that has led to people buying light based on the amount of light they can provide.
Lumens are a measure of how much light you will get from a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light you will get. The opposite is true for fewer lumens.
The best way to shop for bulbs is to look for lumens instead of watts, that way you will be able to tell which bulb will give you more light.
A 1000-watt high-output HPS bulb produces 150 000 lumens. This is more than the standard HPS bulb which produces only 140 000 lumens.
Conclusion – 1000w HPS Distance From Plants
Different hanging distances are recommended for various grow lights. We have concluded that the ideal distance from plants for 1000w HPS should be around 20 to 36 inches.
Whenever you purchase a new grow light, you can start with the recommended hanging distance and monitor your plants closely. You should back off the lights if you notice any bleaching of leaves. If you however notice your plants are fine with the distance, you can bring them a little closer so they can get optimal lights for their growth.
In all this, always keep a close eye on your plants’ response anytime you are using a new grow light on your plants. You should be able to obtain the appropriate hanging heights for your grow lights.
How far should my 1000 HPS lights be from my plants?
If you look at a picture of a HPS (high pressure sodium) light fixture, you’ll notice that there are two metal reflectors, one on top of the other. This design keeps the heat from dissipating and helps to direct the light toward the plants. The light fixture itself is mounted on a stand with a ballast. You’ll find that the ballast is usually mounted between 8-10 feet from the fixture itself. The distance will vary depending on the type of ballast you purchase. Most people recommend a minimum of 15 feet of separation between plants and HPS lights. If you’ve got enough room, I’d say go for it.
What does the ballast do?
A ballast regulates the flow of power to the lamp, which provides a constant voltage and frequency to the lamp. The ballast usually includes circuitry for sensing lamp current and voltage and for turning the lamp on and off to minimize energy waste. The ballast may also include circuitry for dimming the lamp by varying the frequency or phase of the alternating current.
How do you know if a light is too close to a plant?
Itās important to remember that we are not looking at the plant itself, we are looking at the light. If it is shining directly onto the leaves, or even the top of the plant, then the light is too close and you should move the light away.
If the plant looks a little wilted and the leaves are turning yellow, then you may need to adjust your light to make sure that the light is not shining directly on the leaves.
When is the right distance the most important for a 1000w HPS?
You want to pay the most attention to this during the flowering stage. This type of light is highly recommended for this stage in the growing process. As a matter of fact, many people only use this light for this stage in the growing process. Sometimes after applying a MH grow light beforehand.
Can you have too much light in a cannabis grow tent?
Yes you can, and the plants will show signs of this. This is why it is very important to keep not only the right amount of lights, but the right distance between them and the plants.
1000w HPS Distance From Plants: Additional Say
It is important to give your grow light and indoor plants the appropriate distance so they can flourish. Now, if youāre wondering what distance from your plants you should give 1000w HPS grow light, we will let you know in this post.
Various grow lights have different placements that need to be followed. High-pressure sodium (HPS) lights are great for providing light for your indoor plants. Following the right positioning for this type of grow light is essential so you donāt end up causing harm to your indoor plants.
In this article, we will be looking at how far should 1000w HPS distance be from plants. We will also be looking at the appropriate hanging distance for other grow lights. So, continue reading to learn more about this.
How Far Should 1000W HPS Distance Be From Plants?
Hanging HPS grow light too low can burn your plants. Also, placing them too high can cause your plants not to receive an adequate light supply making them grow leggy and stretchy.
Another criterion to look at when considering the distance to hang your HPS grow light is the power of the grow light. The stronger the grow light, the farther it should be from your plants.
So, for 1000w HPS light, the appropriate hanging distance from plants should be about 20 to 36 inches above your plant canopy. Then you can gradually move the light closer while monitoring them as your plant strengthens and develops. However, you should ensure the heat emitted is bearable for your plants so they donāt burn them.
You can do a simple backhand test by putting your hand between your HPS grow light and plant to feel the heat. If they donāt burn the back of your hand, then your plants are safe. Nevertheless, always do the proper adjustments if you notice any changes as your plants develop.
For seedlings, the 1000w HPS distance from plants should be around 5 feet. However, you should be very careful when using HPS for your fragile seedlings especially high power such as a 1000w.
For other HPS grow lights lower than 1000w, the hanging distance will continue to decrease as the bulb wattage value decreases. However, various grow lights have their distance range to be followed.
Other Grow Light Hanging Distance
As we said earlier, various grow lights have a specific hanging distance that must be followed so your plants can grow optimally. Letās take a look at how far fluorescent and LED distances should be from their plantsā canopy.
Fluorescent Light Distance From Plants
Fluorescent lights are one of the safest lights to use because they donāt emit too much heat compared to other grow lights. Therefore, they can be positioned close to your plant canopy.
It would be best if you hung your fluorescent grow light about 4 to 6 inches above the plant canopy for the vegetative and flowering phases. For seedlings, position your fluorescent to grow light a little farther. You can do 6 to 10 inches for seedlings and gradually move them closer as they mature.
Also, note that when it comes to using fluorescent grow lights, anything higher than 12 inches from your plantsā canopy may mean your plants arenāt getting good light energy. This is because fluorescent light strength decreases when the height is too far from the plants’ canopy. So, ensure they are close enough to your plant as they are safe to be positioned close to plants.
How Far Should LED Grow Light Be From Plants?
LED grow lights are one of the most popular lights to use for indoor gardening. They are also safe to use at an appropriate close range on plants and they donāt emit much heat. LED grow lights are as well strong and efficient and can be used for different plant growth stages. They are majorly used in the flowering and fruiting stages.
When it comes to using LED grow lights, there is no particular rule to their positioning. But as a recommended tip, they can be placed around 12 to 18 inches above the plantsā canopy.
However, there are many types and brands of LED grow light that offers different output so deciding the appropriate distance may be tricky. The good thing is most times when you purchase LED grow lights, the manufacturer usually puts a recommended hanging height to follow. You can start with the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance.
After trying the manufacturerās recommended hanging distance, you can go ahead and move it a bit closer to get the perfect distance. Do these until you get to a point where your plants start to bleach. Also, you need to always monitor your plants when trying new grow lights. Move them back immediately when you notice any signs of discomfort in the plants.
By doing this, you will have mastered the right hanging distance for your plants for them to receive optimal light for their growing needs. Also, you may need to adjust the grow light upwards as your plants grow taller and develop.
When choosing an HPS light, it should not be about wattage. Instead of paying attention to the wattage of the grow light, it is more important to understand how the light spectrum works. This is so you can know which grow light and light spectrum to get for the stage of growth that your plants are at.
The grow light spectrum is measured in micromoles (Āµmol). Generally, you will need a light spectrum in the range of 180 to 1300 Āµmol. This is quite a wide range, therefore you would need to determine the light requirements of your plants. The more light-hungry your plants are, the higher the light spectrum you should get.
Certain plant families such as those of the Cannabaceae are on the upper end of the spectrum. They need a minimum of 800 Āµmol to reach 85% of their growth potential and up to 1300 Āµmol to reach their full potential. Other plants such as herbs, salad greens, and other leafy plants only require between 180-380 Āµmol to grow efficiently.
To determine the light intensity of your plants if you don’t know it, you can use a PAR meter for the spectral range that is suitable for growing plants.
What Size Room For 1000-Watt HPS?
In general, a 1000-watt grow light is used to cover an area that is 5 x 5 total foot area. HPS grow lights are however more powerful. A 1000-watt HPS grow light can cover a much wider area of about 49 square feet in size.
The actual area of coverage of a 1000-watt grow light, or any grow light for that matter depends on several factors such as the type of the light, the specific light requirements of the plants being grown, and the design and type of the grow space.
How Hot Does a 1000w HPS Light Get?
HPS lights operate at very high temperatures of up to 54000F. The majority of this light gets turned to infrared (IR) radiation. This is the type of radiation that causes molecules to vibrate and heat up when it comes into contact with them. This IR radiation is directed toward plants the same way visible light radiation does.Ā
Regular users of HPS grow lights are well aware of this fact, and for this reason, they do not put the grow lights too close to their plants as it would kill the plants in a very short space of time.
How Many Lumens Does a 1000w HPS Produce?
Normally, when we go to the shop to buy light bulbs, we buy them based on how much energy (usually in watts) they use. Lately, however, there has been more knowledge that has led to people buying light based on the amount of light they can provide.
Lumens are a measure of how much light you will get from a light bulb. The higher the lumens, the brighter the light you will get. The opposite is true for fewer lumens.
The best way to shop for bulbs is to look for lumens instead of watts, that way you will be able to tell which bulb will give you more light.
A 1000-watt high-output HPS bulb produces 150 000 lumens. This is more than the standard HPS bulb which produces only 140 000 lumens.
Conclusion – 1000w HPS Distance From Plants
Different hanging distances are recommended for various grow lights. We have concluded that the ideal distance from plants for 1000w HPS should be around 20 to 36 inches.
Whenever you purchase a new grow light, you can start with the recommended hanging distance and monitor your plants closely. You should back off the lights if you notice any bleaching of leaves. If you however notice your plants are fine with the distance, you can bring them a little closer so they can get optimal lights for their growth.
In all this, always keep a close eye on your plants’ response anytime you are using a new grow light on your plants. You should be able to obtain the appropriate hanging heights for your grow lights.
How far should my 1000 HPS lights be from my plants?
If you look at a picture of a HPS (high pressure sodium) light fixture, you’ll notice that there are two metal reflectors, one on top of the other. This design keeps the heat from dissipating and helps to direct the light toward the plants. The light fixture itself is mounted on a stand with a ballast. You’ll find that the ballast is usually mounted between 8-10 feet from the fixture itself. The distance will vary depending on the type of ballast you purchase. Most people recommend a minimum of 15 feet of separation between plants and HPS lights. If you’ve got enough room, I’d say go for it.
What does the ballast do?
A ballast regulates the flow of power to the lamp, which provides a constant voltage and frequency to the lamp. The ballast usually includes circuitry for sensing lamp current and voltage and for turning the lamp on and off to minimize energy waste. The ballast may also include circuitry for dimming the lamp by varying the frequency or phase of the alternating current.
How do you know if a light is too close to a plant?
Itās important to remember that we are not looking at the plant itself, we are looking at the light. If it is shining directly onto the leaves, or even the top of the plant, then the light is too close and you should move the light away.
If the plant looks a little wilted and the leaves are turning yellow, then you may need to adjust your light to make sure that the light is not shining directly on the leaves.
When is the right distance the most important for a 1000w HPS?
You want to pay the most attention to this during the flowering stage. This type of light is highly recommended for this stage in the growing process. As a matter of fact, many people only use this light for this stage in the growing process. Sometimes after applying a MH grow light beforehand.
Can you have too much light in a cannabis grow tent?
Yes you can, and the plants will show signs of this. This is why it is very important to keep not only the right amount of lights, but the right distance between them and the plants.
Are you wondering if growing with household LED bulbs will be great for your indoor growing needs? Well, letās look into this.
There is definitely a difference between regular household LED lights and LED grow lights. Regular household LED lights are the ones used in our homes while LED grows lights are designed especially for growing plants.
The standard grow lights you find around you may be expensive and regular household lights are less expensive. For this reason, you may want to know if growing with household LED bulbs is ideal. Read on to find out the answer.
Growing With Household LED Bulbs
The straight-up answer is yes, growing with household LED bulbs is fine. In a few cases, you can grow your plants using household LED bulbs. However, you should note that these household bulbs are not designed for plant growing needs compared to the standard grow light bulbs designed for growing plants.
Therefore, your plants may not grow efficiently as they should because they may not contain the appropriate full spectrum. Your plants require a complete spectrum of light containing all the colors of spectrum which are blue, red, violet, green, yellow, and orange.
Also, some of these light spectrums are required by your plants to enter into their various stages such as vegetative stage, flowering stage, or fruiting stage.
Growing with regular household LED bulbs may even cause you to always replace your bulbs because they donāt have a good lifespan compared to standard grow lights. Therefore, this might even cost you more. At the end of it all, regular household LED bulbs may end up prolonging your growing period. Also, the yield at the end of harvest may be small and of low quality.
If you want to give growing with household LED bulbs a try, you can go ahead. Just make sure you keep a close watch on your plants’ response to these lights. Your plants’ response will tell you if they are fine with the light or not.
Your plants may begin to exhibit some signs that they arenāt receiving good lights so this will help you determine their response. Some signs they will show when they are not getting optimal lights are as follows:
Signs Caused By Inadequate Light
Leaves start to show lighter color and some parts of the leaves may begin to turn yellow,
Plants grow tall with weak stems,
Plantsā growth may be stunted.
Once you notice these signs, itās an indication you need to obtain some additional light bulbs. The best type of bulb usually contains both blue and red light wavelengths. The blue light is required for the vegetative stage and the red light for the flowering and fruiting stage.
Types Of Plant Light Bulbs
There are various types of daylight bulbs for plants you can use to grow your plants. However, if you require lights for just regular houseplants, you can go for light fixtures or lamps depending on your needs.
Here are some plant light bulbs you can use for your indoor plants:
1.Ā Ā Ā Incandescent Bulbs
Incandescent bulbs are the light bulbs seen in most homes and they are one of the first options most people consider. They are one of the most common light bulbs to use and it is very affordable.
Although incandescent bulbs emit much heat, which is why they should be set up at least two feet away from your plants. This will help avoid damage to plants caused by heat. Incandescent bulbs should be used for a small indoor garden.Ā They will also consume a lot of power which can cost you extra.
2.Ā Ā Ā Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Fluorescent light bulbs are another popular type of light to use for your plants. They are ideal for small-scale gardens. With this light, you get a broader light spectrum that can be used for different purposes.
Thus, you can use fluorescent lights for seed germination, vegetative stage, flowering stage, and fruiting stage. They are safer to be used on plants because they emit lesser heat and they are also budget-friendly. Fluorescent light bulbs will consume lesser power saving, thus, you get to save cost, and they last longer.
3. High-intensity Discharge
High-intensity discharge lights include high-pressure sodium (HPS), and metal halide (MH). These lights may be a bit expensive to obtain and use, however, they are still a great choice for your plant growing needs.
The metal halide light contains blue light that will enhance vegetative growth. The high-pressure sodium light contains redder which promotes flowering. So, you can be sure of getting efficient lights for your plants with high-intensity discharge lights.
However, with their efficiency, they are so powerful that they consume more power at the same time producing more heat. Also, they need an extra component called a ballast to complete them.
4.Ā Ā Ā Light-emitting Diode (LED): Daylight & Soft White LED Bulbs For Plants
LED lights are the most popular grow light used among growers. They are highly efficient and will release minimal heat while consuming less power. LED lights can produce both red and blue lights required for the vegetative and flowering stages of your plants.
LED lights can be represented as daylight, bright white, and soft white. Talking about daylight, this is a very bright white-blue light that has a high value of color temperature range of 5000 to 6500K. On the other hand, soft white lights give rise to yellow tones with a lesser value of color temperature that ranges from 2700 to 3000.
If you are wondering whether you can use regular LED lights to grow your plants, the answer is yes. However, these lights are different from regular ones in a way that they emit far less heat.Ā
Regular LED lights usually have a wavelength of around 620 nm and emit high amounts of blue light. If you are interested in growing plants indoors, you should look for LED lights that emit light in the range of 400-700 nm. You should also check if your LED light has a cooling fan. A fan will keep the lights cooler. In addition, you can also use fluorescent bulbs or CFL bulbs in your garden. These bulbs emit more light than regular LED bulbs.
What color LED is best for plants?
LEDs are the best light source for plants, and any LED that fits in the space you have available will work. The most important consideration is to make sure the LED is close enough to your plant that it is receiving the correct amount of light. The best color LEDs are the ones that most closely match the spectrum of sunlight, and this is the same for all plants. If you want to grow any plant in full sunlight, then you should use white LED lights.Ā What is the difference between red and yellow LEDs? The difference between red and yellow LEDs is that yellow ones have a slightly warmer color temperature than red ones. This means that they will emit slightly more blue light than red LEDs, but they also will emit more red light than red LEDs. They will not produce as much heat as red LEDs, and they will last longer.
How far away should LED grow lights be from seedlings?
The closer to the plant the better, and also the higher the light output is the better. As you said, the light should be at least 20 inches from the seedlings.
This is pretty much the standard recommendation for starting seeds, unless your seedlings are large. You don’t want to be putting them under direct lighting for very long, but if you put them in the dark and keep them in there for too long they can actually die.
Growing With Household LED Bulbs: Final Say
Growing with household LED bulbs may be okay, but your plants wonāt just grow healthily and efficiently as they should with a standard grow light. Itās best you go for grow lights that will provide your plants with the correct light spectrum for their growth.
In all this, ensure the light youāre using for your indoor plants contains the correct color temperatures. so, invest in quality lights so your indoor plants can flourish.
CFLs are one of the most common grow lights used among indoor growers. It is the wish of every grower to satisfy the lighting needs of their plants. So, if you want to know how many CFLs are required per plant, we will let you know in this post.
Now, we canāt just answer this question without obtaining more about your garden information. We will require some information such as the wattage of the bulb, the size of each of your plants, and grow room size.
So, keep reading to learn how many CFLs are required per plant.
Growing With CFLs Light
Indoor gardening with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs is a nice source of light supplements you can provide your plants. They will offer your plants awesome growing benefits such as affordability, easy to use, minimal heat, consumes lesser power, and so on.Ā With CFL lights, you can be sure your plants receive the appropriate light wavelengths for them to flourish.
The compact fluorescent light bulb does not emit too much heat, unlike the conventional incandescent bulbs or fluorescents. However, they only supply moderate light intensity in contrast to sunlight. Therefore, your plants may need multiple bulbs for your plantsā growing needs.
How Many CFLs Is Required Per Plant
Like we said earlier, we need to know the plant size and bulb wattage to determine how many CFLs are required per plant.
The general standard we use in determining the plant’s lighting requirements is the plant size and it is measured in square feet. If we know the square foot of the plant size, we can deduce how many CFLs are required per plant. Also, itās better to answer this question using square feet of space rather than how many plants.
How Many CFL Watts Per Plant?
How many CFL watts per plant are around 60 to 100 watts per square foot. This is ideal especially for high light demanding plants. You can however go a bit higher even as high as 150 watts. We recommend these values for the flowering phase.
When considering the vegetative phase, seedlings phase, or cloning, you can use half of this value for your plant’s growing needs. This value can as well be used for low light-demanding plants.
In a similar fashion, when weāre looking at about 2 to 3 plants which usually contain 1 square foot, then 150 wattages or less will be required.
Actual Wattage vs. Listed Wattage
Most grow lights usually have two different wattages: the actual wattage it draws from light and the wattage listed by the manufacturer.
For instance, if you see your CFL grow light labeled 500 watts, thatās not the actual wattage consumed. If you dig through and search your package, you will find the actual wattage used. Usually, if itās stated that a grow light is 500 wattages, it may actually consume just about 150 or 200 wattages.
The labeled 500 watts is the amount the grow light offers while consuming lesser power. This implies you get more output with lesser power consumption.
Therefore, when you are considering how many CFLs per plant are required, focus on the actual wattage, not the labeled wattage.
As we mentioned earlier, CFL grows light only supplies moderate light intensity. Thus, if you want to get more light intensity, you may need to use multiple bulbs.
This is why CFL grow lights are ideal for only small plants. When you start using 10 or even 5 bulbs to attain that better lumen, you may have to put in extra work by readjusting the lights as your plants develop.
So, when you decide to plant more than one or two plants, we recommend you obtain an affordable LED grow light or a T5 fixture to ease the stress.
CFL Grow Setup
There is an ideal way to set up your CFL grow light so your plants can get adequate light intensity for their growing needs. Your CFL bulbs should be positioned on every side so your plants can receive good lightning.Ā You can place the CFL grow light close to your plants because they are safe and will not emit too much heat.
For seedlings, you can position your CFL grow light at least an inch away from your plants. Once they begin to grow, you should move them a little farther from the plants. Ideally, for bushier and short plans you can place your CFL grow light close to the plants. On the other hand, for taller plants, the CFL grow light will need to be positioned farther away as the plants grow.
However, you can do a test using the back of your hand to feel the heat emitted from your CFL grow light. Place your hands between your plants and grow light for about 20 seconds. When you notice it feels hot, push the grow light a little further from your plants to avoid burns. On the other hand, if the heat is minimal on your hand, then itās safe at that distance.
Generally, the recommended distance around 2 inches to 4 inches. Also, you want to always keep a close watch on your plants and how they receive the grow lights. As they grow taller, it is ideal you continue to move the grow light away from them.
FAQās
What CFL light is best for growing?
There are many options for CFL light bulbs. CFL stands for compact fluorescent lamp, a bulb that emits a similar amount of energy as an incandescent bulb but uses less power and produces a brighter light. There are several types of CFL bulbs available, including standard CFL bulbs, daylight CFL bulbs, energy-saving CFL bulbs and LED bulbs. All CFL bulbs produce the same amount of light, but some have a longer lifespan than others.
The most powerful CFLs are the ones with the most lumens, so a 100W light bulb would be better than a 25W bulb. A lot of the higher wattage bulbs do not have as much lumen output as lower wattage bulbs, but some of the higher wattage bulbs have more color spectrum than lower wattage bulbs. For example, the 100W bulb may have a little more red light, while the 35W bulb may have a little more blue light.
I prefer warm white CFL bulbs (2700K) but I’ve also seen people say they work well with cooler CFLs. I’ve also heard of people using CFLs for other things like making tea or cooking. I would assume that CFLs would be best for those uses, but they don’t seem to be much different from the incandescent bulbs that are usually recommended for growing plants.
How many CFLs are needed for seedlings?
It’s easy to calculate the number of CFLs needed. Let’s say the number of square feet of your seedling room is 10′ x 12′.
The number of CFLs needed is:
10′ x 12′ x 1/4″ = 120 square feet 1 cubic foot of seedlings = 240 seeds, so the number of CFLs needed is: 240 x 1/4″ = 60 square feet So you’ll need at least 60 square feet of CFLs to cover the seedlings.
If you’re talking about seedlings (like lettuce) and not plants, the answer is two per plant. For example, I have 2-4 seedlings per plant in a 1 gallon pot. In the case of seedlings, they’re usually grown in flats with two per flat. They can also be grown in individual pots, but that’s more of an exception than a rule.
What kinds of works well with CFL’s?
For seeds I would recommend using a CFL with an output of 150 watts or less (150W, 75W, 35W, 15W, etc.). This is the minimum for a CFL bulb to provide enough light for plant growth.
How far away should CFLs be from plant?
You want to keep them anywhere between 4 to 6 inches away from your plants. If you put them any farther away they won’t receive enough to grow properly.
How Many CFLs Per Plant: Final Say
We have concluded that how many CFLs watts per plant required is about 150 watts or less per square foot. CFL lights will produce less heat making it safe to be placed close to your plants. Therefore, they are especially great for tight space.
They are affordable and easily accessible. However, their light intensity does not do so great. Additional bulbs may be required to achieve the required light intensity. They are also not ideal for a large setup but great for a small setup.
Grow lights ballasts are required in traditional tube fluorescent bulbs as well as all high-intensity bulbs. Ballasts are needed for starting your bulbs and they will control the operations of your light.
Now, when it comes to establishing your grow space and you plan on using high-intensity lamp discharge, then grow light ballast may be required in your setup. The absence of ballast in your indoor grow space will not make your grow light come on if youāre using high-intensity discharge (HID).
What Is Grow Light Ballasts: What Do Grow Ballast Do?
Grow lights ballasts control the current that flows into a grow lamp. They are required to power up or start certain bulbs.
Generally, all gas discharge lamps such as compact fluorescent, HID, and linear fluorescent need ballast. Also, ceramic metal halide (CMH), high-pressure sodium (HPS), as well as the combination of HPS and MH all requires ballast. However, LED grow light does not require a ballast.
Grow light ballast allows you to prolong your grow bulbsā lifespan and enhance your grow light performance.
How A Grow Lights Ballasts Operates
In a standard situation, grow light needs high voltage to power up or start, and the ballast supplies this. Now, when power is pulled from a high voltage source by your grow light, this process can result in a current surge.
This is why grow light ballast is required to control the current flow so the grow light can be prevented from such electrical spikes.
Grow lights are low resistance and they make use of two mechanisms to light up which are electrical arc and gas. As you turn on a lamp, the bulb receives high voltage from the ballast which gets the electrical arch started. Ā When the arch receives power, the sodium is in a solid-state. However, it later changes by melting to vapor or gas.
Now, when itās in the gaseous state, the lamp resistance lessens. Thus, the grow light will need only less power to run. If the lamp lacks ballast that controls the current flow, there will be a perpetual increase in current and the bulb will eventually blow.
Also, there will be a period when the HID bulb age and this will cause an increase in the demand for power for the light to keep running. So, when this happens, the ballast will increase the quantity of power to the bulb automatically.
As the bulb attains a point of requiring too much power, the ballast will shut down automatically to prevent any hazard or accident. This implies you have to get a new bulb for power continuation.
Types Of Fluorescent Grow Lights Ballasts: Electronic Vs. Magnetic Ballast
We have two types of fluorescent ballasts namely electronic ballast and magnetic ballast. You can choose either type for your plantsā growing needs. Both electronic and magnetic ballasts have their pros and cons.
Some growers prefer magnetic ballasts because of their affordable price. However, they emit too much heat and consume more power. On the other hand, other growers prefer electronic ballasts as they are more efficient and they emit lesser heat. They will offer you better output while using less power.
How Electronic & Magnetic Ballast Works
Magnetic Ballast
Magnetic ballast makes use of a magnetic coil in form of a big spool of wire wound about sheets of steel. This setup supplies a huge quantity of voltage required to start up the bulb. The magnetic ballast is known to be old-fashioned. They are bulky built and emit too much heat.
However, they are pretty durable and will last you a long time compared to electronic ballast. Thus, if you want long-term use, you can go for magnetic ballast.
Another great importance is that magnetic ballasts are built to meet a satisfactory standard of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI). They make sure both lamp and ballast operate together accurately.
Electronic ballast makes use of semiconductors and microchips to supply the required high voltage. It does not make use of a magnetic coil which makes magnetic ballast heavy. Thus, electronic ballast weighs lesser, looks smaller, and produces lesser heat.
Another added advantage is that electronic ballast offers more light which can be up to 30% of what magnetic ballast offers. They also consume lesser power while supplying more light.
However, the disadvantage we noticed is that they arenāt ANSI compactable with a metal halide (MH) and high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps model that has 250+ watts. Thus, they are built in different ways resulting in bulb performance that is not consistent.
For this reason, we recommend you purchase a complete lighting package. This way, you are sure the bulbs included are the right match for the ballast.
Another plus is that electronic ballast can be switched which allows you to operate both HPS and MH without any problem. Also, the majority of electronic ballasts are dimmable therefore, you are allowed to run multiple bulb wattage.
Growing Light Digital Ballast
You may come across some ballast been labeled digital ballast. Have in mind that just a few of them are actually digital and they usually contain a microprocessor.
These digital ballasts are very efficient and will do more of what electronic ballast will do. However, these types of ballasts are more expensive.
Do LED Grow Lights Require Ballasts?
LED grow lights do not require ballasts. This is because they can be easily plugged into a direct standard electrical outlet. They work in a totally different technique and they just require direct current.
When you obtain LED light for your indoor growing needs, all which is required is right inside your package. So, no need for extra things like grow light ballast.
FAQās
What exactly is a ballast?
A ballast is a device that is used to power a fluorescent light fixture.
It can be thought of as an extension of the light fixture itself. The ballast is responsible for regulating the amount of electricity that goes into the light fixture. It also has the ability to limit the number of times the light fixture can be turned on and off.
How do ballasts work?
In order for a ballast to work, it must have two things: an input and an output. The input is the wire coming from the power supply. The output is the wire that goes to the fixture. For most ballasts, there are two wires going to the fixture: one for power and one for control.
The ballast receives the power coming in from the power supply. It then regulates the amount of power that goes to the fixture. This regulation is based on how much light you want your fixture to produce. Some ballasts allow you to regulate the amount of light produced by the fixture.
They do this by using a variable transformer, which adjusts the voltage to the fixture. Others are fixed at a certain level and can only be adjusted by changing the number of bulbs in the fixture.
How are they powered?
Ballasts are usually powered by AC mains power and operate on 240 VAC (United States) or 277 VAC (Canada).
The ballast contains two main parts: the electronic circuitry and the transformer. The ballast’s electronic circuitry is designed to convert the AC power from the power source into DC power. This power is sent to the transformer, which transforms the DC power into a high-frequency AC power. This high-frequency AC power then gets to the fixture. A ballast can be either direct or alternating current (AC). A direct-current ballast converts the 120/240 volts of AC power from the electrical grid into 12- or 24-volt DC power, which is used to light the bulb. An alternating-current (AC) ballast converts the same power into a higher-frequency AC signal, which is sent to the lighting fixture.
What are the different types of ballasts?
There are three main types of ballasts: magnetic, electronic and ceramic. The magnetic ballast is the oldest type of ballast. It consists of a single transformer and has no electronic circuitry. The transformer receives the power from the power supply and sends it to the bulbs. The ballast regulates the amount of power going into the fixture. The electronic ballast is the most common type of ballast. It contains electronic circuitry that regulates the power going to the fixture.
Conclusion for Growing Light Ballast
All high-intensity bulbs and traditional tube fluorescents need a ballast to operate efficiently. But LED grow light does not require a ballast. So, you may decide to opt for LED grow lights to make things simpler.
The good news is that ballasts are mostly included in your grow light package. Therefore, thereās no stress in searching for compactable ballast for your bulbs.
When setting up your indoor hydroponics garden, part of the process is choosing an effective grow light. LED light is one option to choose and there are different brands from various companies to purchase. If you decide to go for LED lights you can choose the MarsHydro LED grow light for your indoor growing needs.
Even though many LED light options are available in the market to choose from with different awesome attributes such as technical specifications, pricing, etc, deciding the right pick may be confusing. But if you end up choosing the MarsHydro LED to grow lights, you can be sure of an effective result for your indoor garden.
Some Info On Mars Hydro LED Grow Lights
MarsHydro LED grow light is a type of LED light for indoor gardening which is made by a Chinese manufacturer. This company has been gradually embraced among indoor gardeners as they offer quality LED lights to indoor plants.
These grow lights are affordable and easily accessible and this light is an excellent option for beginners. Also, the MarsHydro LED grow light is pretty adequate for both hobbyist growers and low-cost growers.
These lights are of good quality especially the MarsHydro 300W which performs distinctively from its older version. The older version has issues with burnt diodes and this has been solved with the newer version.
You can easily purchase them from the hydroponic store section, Amazon, and other reliable websites.
Benefits Of Using Mars-Hydro LED Grow Light
The MarsHydro LED grow light offers an impressive benefit which includes:
MarsHydro LED Offers a Full Spectrum: if you want to supply your plant with a full spectrum, then you should get your hands on the marsHydro LED grow lights. It offers full spectrum options for the vegetative stage, flowering stage, and fruiting stage. Thus, leafy greens or herbs, vegetables, fruits, and so on can be grow using this grow light.
It is Affordable and Accessible: another impressive benefit is its price offer as it is reasonably affordable and itās easily accessible.
The Heat is in Moderation: the MarsHydro LED light does not produce too much heat. It has fans to disperse the heat emitted adequately to every part of the plants.
Durability: the grow light is pretty durable with a lifespan of around 50,000 hours. This means this grow light can last over 2,700 days if used 18 hours per day.
Warranty: there is also the benefit of a 3-year warranty. So, if thereās an issue of initial grow light failure you can be sure of warranty protection against that.
Any Downsides From Using MarsHydro LED Grow Light?
With the different benefits MarsHydro LED offers, we still notice a few downsides. Letās take a look at them:
No Dimmer Switch: some of the brands that grow light lacks the switch options of light dimming. However, we believe itās something you can work your way around. If the light is too bright, you can make use of protective wear for your eyes.
Absent of On/Off Switch: another downside of the MarsHydro grow light is that it lacks an on and off switch. You will always have to plug and unplug the grow light when making use of it.
Communication Gap: while this might not be much big of a deal, you may still have the communication gap of America-China a few times. However, they are getting better and one canāt resist the accessible, affordable, and nice quality of grow light they offer.
Even with all these downsides, the overall importance is the good light quality this grow light offers to your indoor plants. So, it is definitely worth the purchase.
Plants To Grow With Mars LED
The great thing about MarsHydro LED grow light is that it offers a full light spectrum. Thus, most varieties of plants can be grown easily with this grow light and you get a tasty and bountiful yield.
Here are some examples of plants you can grow with the MarsHydro LED grow lights:
The MarsHydro LED 300W full spectrum is one of the MarsHydro brands you can go for to supply your indoor plants with lights. It is energy-saving as it only pulls in about 120W and it’s ideal for a coverage area of 2ft by 2ft or 4 square feet.
It offers full-spectrum, thus, itās ideal for vegetative and flowering phases. This grow light is safe to use on plants and we recommend positioning the grow light about 18 inches from your plants.
This grows light is a 600W full spectrum ideal for the vegetative and flowering phase of your plants. It is energy-saving and will only pull 132W of electricity. It is perfect for a 3ft X 3.5ft coverage area.
This is one of the most recent MarsHydro grows lights for indoor plants. Itās been improved to have a dimmable full light spectrum for all your plant stages. It is ideal for commercial purposes. This grows light can cover a growing area of 5ft X 5ft vegetative stage and 4ft X 4ft bloom stage.
It mimics the work done by sunlight and your plants will transition quickly from seed to flowering stage. Your grow life will be made comfortable as it is noise-free and easy to operate.
How many plants can a Mars Hydro TS 600 grow light?
Many people are interested in growing hydroponics, but arenāt sure how many plants the Mars Hydro TS 600 grow light can support. This is important to know before you start growing hydroponically. If you are using a soil-based system, your plant count will be determined by the size of the container you use and how much soil is inside it. If you are growing in a tray, you have a different set of considerations.
The Mars Hydro TS 600 is a medium output LED grow light that uses LED strips to create a high-quality, high-efficiency light source. It has a 4ā x 24ā footprint and can produce up to 7500 lumens. The unit is designed for indoor use only. While there are a number of factors that will affect the amount of light you get from a grow light, the most important is the power setting. A higher power setting will mean more lumens and therefore more light in your growing area.
The Mars Hydro TS 600 has a default power setting of 35 watts.
When you are ready to start adding more plants, you can increase the power setting by increments of 5 watts until you reach your desired output. For example, if you want to grow 6 plants with the Mars Hydro TS 600, you would start by setting the power setting to 40 watts and then increase it by 5 watts every time you add a new plant. Once you have all six plants, you can lower the power setting back down to 35 watts for the last plant and enjoy the rest of your growing season.
The Mars Hydro TS 600 also has a maximum power setting of 60 watts. At this setting, you will get a lot of light, but you may be able to burn out your plants. You should always start by using the lowest power setting that you are comfortable with and then increase it as your plants grow. If you are having issues with light burnout, try increasing the power setting by 5 watts at a time until you find the right balance for you. The Mars Hydro TS 600 is an excellent grow light for indoor cannabis growers. It is designed for indoor use only and can produce up to 7500 lumens. It can be used in any orientation and can even be mounted on a ceiling.
How far should Mars Hydro light be from plants?
It really varies on the type of environment that we’re talking about, but as a general rule of thumb two feet should be fine.
Is the HydroLED+ brighter than the HydroFLOWER?
It is a much better investment. I have used the HydroLED+ for a couple of weeks, and it is an amazing light. It is more than 50% brighter than the HydroFLOWER. It is also cheaper. However, after using it for a week, the HydroLED+ was no longer available. The reason that it is not available anymore, is because they are too popular. The HydroLED+ sells out every day! So if you want to buy one, get one as soon as possible.
How many watts is a Mars Hydro TS 1000?
If the hydro is in an air conditioned environment, and the fan is set to blow at about 12 CFM, then you can expect a few hundred watts. I would check the power consumption on the unit itself, not on the inverter.
Final Say
We can see the MarsHydro LED grow light is one of the best budgets friendly lights you can go for. MarsHydro has been dedicated to supplying your plants’ professional LED grow light with minimal heat and little noise. It can also be used on all types of plants.
Depending on the size of your indoor garden, you can use this quality grow light if youāre a newbie, have small gardens, or you just experimenting. Ā There are also brands available for large rooms or commercial setup.
