There are many different options that cannabis growers have to choose from in setting up new grow operations or in upgrading older facilities. With the legalization of medical marijuana in many states in the United States as well as the legalization of both medical marijuana and recreational marijuana in Canada, the market demand has provided incentives for new grow operations of much larger size and production capacity.
In the cannabis production operations, as well as for other indoor crops, the choice of a high-pressure sodium bulb is often recommended. The high-pressure sodium lights or HPS lights offer a stronger light than typical grow lights can produce in the orange to red spectrum. This is important in the early growth stages of the plant, allowing for increased height of the plant as well as increased production of branches.
Practical Benefits
In addition to providing the ideal lighting options for the growth of the young plants, the high-pressure sodium bulb is also a good option from a cost efficiency standpoint. These bulbs have almost double the life cycle of a light using metal halide technology, and they use less energy over their lifespan. In other words, they last twice as long, reducing the cost of replacement, and they also cost less to operate during that time.
The typical high-pressure sodium bulb will produce approximately 140 lumens per watt, which makes them more efficient in converting energy to light in a grow operation. At the same time, these lights produce significant heat, which means they should be mounted well above the growing young plants. Specialized companies like Revolution Micro can provide recommendations for the use of their light products for grow operations.
This combination of light and heat helps to supplement any heating systems required in the operation. Proper ventilation can be used to effectively manage the heat in the growing operation, creating the ultimate environment for maximum plant potential.
