Discharge Lamps Prima Klima

Discharge lamps have long been the most widely used lighting source for growing plants.

In many ways they outperform standard bulbs, especially thanks to much more economical operation and significantly higher efficiency. A discharge lamp combines a compact size with high radiation intensity, which it produces steadily without you having to spend a fortune. They are not connected directly to the mains; for connection you will need a ballast. Effective light reflection in the grow tent is ensured by shades.

You simply cannot go wrong with our range. We sell discharge lamps from leading brands including LUMii, Sunkraft, Lumatek, Phillips, Elektrox and GIB. Focus mainly on how to choose the right one...

We recommend first answering two basic questions:

• Do you need a discharge lamp for growth, flowering or both at once?

Next, choose a discharge lamp according to the corresponding production technology, which suits the individual development stages of plants. In addition to power (see below), discharge lamps also differ in radiation intensity and slightly in the composition of the light spectrum. The different shades emitted by luminaires are described by colour temperature, given in Kelvins (K). The higher the colour temperature, the greater the proportion of blue light; a lower colour temperature means redder light.

Basic division of discharge lamps by technology:

• HPS (high-presure Sodium) discharge lamps, also known as sodium discharge lamps for the flowering period: dominated by the red and yellow light spectrum (2000–2500 K)
• MH (metal-halide) discharge lamps, also known as halide discharge lamps for the growth period: stronger blue and white light (4200 - 6500 K)
• CMH (ceramic metal-halide) discharge lamps suitable for growth and the entire growing cycle: they emit less heat and use less energy

HPS and MH discharge lamps differ in the vapour and gas mixture used. HPS (high-pressure sodium), or high-pressure sodium discharge lamps, use gas mixtures based on sodium, while an MH discharge lamp contains a mixture of mercury vapours and metal compounds with halogens. Each gas, depending on its atomic structure, emits certain wavelengths that shine in different light colours, which is why MH and HPS have different colour temperatures.

CMH (ceramic metal-halide) discharge lamps differ from classic ones mainly in the bulb used, which is ceramic and stronger than the others. This makes it possible to use a new gas mixture and a pressure that a classic discharge lamp cannot withstand. 

•  How large an area do you need to light?

The answer will help you choose the right power:

• 70W discharge lamps are intended to illuminate a growing area of 35 x 35 cm with an effective reach of 25 cm.
• 150W discharge lamps are intended to illuminate a growing area of 45 x 45 cm with an effective reach of 35 cm.
• 250W discharge lamps are intended to illuminate a growing area of 60 x 60 cm with an effective reach of 50 cm.
• 400W discharge lamps already allow reliable coverage of 1 square metre of growing area with an effective reach of 80 cm.
• 600W discharge lamps are intended to illuminate a growing area of 120 x 120 cm with an effective reach of 1 metre.
• 1000W discharge lamps can easily cover a growing area measuring 150 x 150 cm with sufficient light intensity

The type of base also depends on the area and your ambitions. Classic screw-in discharge lamps and DE (double-ended) discharge lamps with two ends have different designs and work on a slightly different principle. 

• Classic screw-in or double-ended lamp?

Classic screw-in discharge lamps are great for many reasons. If you are just starting out, they are actually ideal - they are simple lamps with a connection you already know. They are also great in smaller spaces. When you do not want to light the entire grow room, but perhaps just a tent with a few pots, a single-ended lamp is the obvious choice. In these cases, its lower radiation intensity is an advantage; for a tent, a double-ended lamp may be too much. Another undeniable advantage is that they work better at lower temperatures, so it is possible to use them in a cooled shade cooltube or hang them much closer to the plants than would be possible with a DE lamp.

Double-ended lamp is something manufacturers are constantly improving to compete with the rising LED technology. Their light is more even and has a better spectrum than what you get from a classic lamp, as it contains more infrared and ultraviolet radiation and is closer to natural light. It uses less energy and lasts longer, which offsets the higher price. DE lamps are great for professional growers who cultivate large areas. In smaller spaces, the radiation intensity and especially the higher temperature of the lamp can be detrimental and stress the plants instead.

• 400 V or 230 V?

If you are serious about growing, we would definitely recommend 400 V. At a higher frequency, the lamp flickers less, which the human eye cannot perceive, but it does make a difference for plants. If you want to use 400 V lamps, the ballast must also match. Many growers use 230 V lamps and achieve excellent results, as is also evident from the fact that they are more popular with customers. Again, it mainly depends on ambition.

We know from experience that choosing the right light can be complicated. But taking the time is worth it. If you need guidance, contact us at info@higarden.cz. We will be happy to share our experience and help you on the way to the harvest of your dreams.