Growing under Artificial Lighting: HPS vs. LED

In today’s article we will go through the main differences between the most commonly used fixtures, namely high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps and the increasingly popular LED lighting. If you are serious about cultivation, it pays to keep up with the times!

Grow tent or any closed cultivation area requires a quality light source. Which one is more suitable for you? Here are a few facts that should make it easier for you to decide what to shine on the plants in your grow box. And maybe it’s time for a change!

• LED diodes emit significantly less heat than classic HPS lamps. Because of that even a smaller grow tent does not overheat.
• Another advantage of the lower heat output from LEDs is that you can safely place these fixtures closer to the tops of the plants, so you can grow, for example, taller plants than when using HPS lamps.
• Less heat can be undesirable in winter months, so the plants may need a bit of additional heating. In practice, however, it is usually sufficient to reduce the air exchange rate, so you only need a smaller fan and a carbon filter (odour filter). Lower air exchange also increases the effectiveness of CO2 supplementation, if needed.
• LED diodes also excel with lower energy consumption, so if you are not trying to produce a one-off harvest but would like to harvest several times a year, over the long term your investment in this technology will pay off.
• A larger and more even light distribution is another benefit of LED lighting. For example, the renowned LED fixtures of the ZEUS and ATTIS series from Lumatek are a typical example. This still-unrivalled pioneer in the field of LED lighting for indoor growers shines on plants from several angles at once. Not only does this lead to more efficient use of light energy, but these “LEDs” naturally prevent the formation of so-called “hot spots”, i.e. areas with unwanted intensity caused by reflected light from a hood. A reflector (hood), an indispensable accessory for HPS lamps, is practically unnecessary for LED lighting because the excellent light dispersion from the source makes a real need for a reflector virtually zero.

The unbeatable ZEUS 600W LED from Lumatek

• When using HPS lamps, if you try to regulate their output, in practice the lighting efficiency is reduced and undesired changes in the light spectrum occur. In addition, you need a ballast and a reflector. This does not happen with LED technology. As for spectrum, “grow LEDs” perfectly mimic natural sunlight for all plants, which is soon visible in yields, whether you grow herbs, vegetables or fruit.
• For example, using a control unit you can simulate morning and evening for the plants. This allows you to extend the time dedicated to producing abundant flowers or juicy fruits. Especially if you are the playful type who likes to experiment, LED lighting is a clear favorite so, as they say, you won’t be left disappointed by the gadgets... With modern plant-friendly technology you simply won’t go wrong and you gain much greater options for meeting each plant’s individual needs.
• LED lights are also a better choice for anyone starting with indoor cultivation. You simply plug them in and they work. LEDs can therefore be used effectively even without experience. As your experience grows, new possibilities for fully utilising all their additional features to increase yield will gradually open up without needing to change equipment!
• A pitfall when choosing LED lighting, unlike with HPS lamps, is that manufacturers commonly measure and report values in largely non-comparable ways. The figures are often very distorted. With HPS lamps you simply follow the wattage, which is fixed. In the case of LED fixtures you cannot fully rely on “paper” values. We therefore recommend relying mainly on experience with the given fixture. You can find that from other growers, on the internet, or you can always consult us directly (info@higarden.cz).
• LED fixtures have always been the best for the vegetative phase of plants. Recently, however, modern full-spectrum fixtures even outperform HPS lamps during the flowering phase.

We recommend these products:

• Lumatek ZEUS - unbeatable LED lighting for demanding users.

• Lumatek ATTIS - top-tier LED lighting offering great capabilities at a favorable price, appreciated even by experienced growers.

• Viparspectra PRO Series P600 - a quality LED basic, perfect for beginners!

• TLED VF - fluorescent tubes for supplementary lighting of plants in their immediate vicinity, suitable for example in the corners of a tent where the top light cannot reach.
• Discounted complete LED sets, from which everyone looking for a comprehensive solution for growing in a grow box using modern technologies will find something.

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