How To Determine The Size (And Number) Of Grow Light(s) You Need?
High pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights are one half of a standard HID (high intensity discharge) grow system. Producing a red spectrum light, HPS grow lights are used to replace MH (metal halide) bulbs once your plants have entered the flowering stage. A popular choice for indoor growers for over 50 years, HPS grow lights are inexpensive and can be used by indoor gardeners of all skill levels.
By Coverage Area
If you know how large your grow space is, you can easily figure out which light(s) will best cover it. The following are the approximate maximum coverage areas for the most common wattages of MH and HPS bulbs:
150W HPS grow light: 2 x 2 feet (or 4 square feet)
250W HPS grow light: 2.5 x 2.5 feet (or 6.25 square feet)
400W HPS grow light: 3 x 3 feet (or 95 square feet)
600W HPS grow light: 4 x 4 feet (or 16 square feet)
1000W HPS grow light: 5 x 5 feet (or 25 square feet)
Go the Distance
HPS grow lights should not be placed inches from the plants, as you would place fluorescent lights; you should set HPS lamps higher, generally between 5 and 8 feet from the plants. Whether you have a reflector with your HPS light makes a difference for how close you can keep it from the plants. The authors of "Gardening Wisdom and Know-How" recommend no closer than 2 feet above the plants for lights with reflectors that have a wide angle and no more than 6 feet above the plants with standard mounted HPS lights.
Where Can HPS Grow Light Be Used?
High pressure sodium grow lights can be used in grow tents, large grow rooms in homes, and green houses. HPS grow lights are paired with reflector fixtures that are purchased separately. You will need to purchase compatible ballast as well. To find a ballast, you will need to look for one that has the matching ANSI code as your HPS grow light. If you are planning on switching between HPS and MH bulbs, look for a system with a ballast that can operate both bulbs.
High pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights are one half of a standard HID (high intensity discharge) grow system. Producing a red spectrum light, HPS grow lights are used to replace MH (metal halide) bulbs once your plants have entered the flowering stage. A popular choice for indoor growers for over 50 years, HPS grow lights are inexpensive and can be used by indoor gardeners of all skill levels.
By Coverage Area
If you know how large your grow space is, you can easily figure out which light(s) will best cover it. The following are the approximate maximum coverage areas for the most common wattages of MH and HPS bulbs:
150W HPS grow light: 2 x 2 feet (or 4 square feet)
250W HPS grow light: 2.5 x 2.5 feet (or 6.25 square feet)
400W HPS grow light: 3 x 3 feet (or 95 square feet)
600W HPS grow light: 4 x 4 feet (or 16 square feet)
1000W HPS grow light: 5 x 5 feet (or 25 square feet)
Go the Distance
HPS grow lights should not be placed inches from the plants, as you would place fluorescent lights; you should set HPS lamps higher, generally between 5 and 8 feet from the plants. Whether you have a reflector with your HPS light makes a difference for how close you can keep it from the plants. The authors of "Gardening Wisdom and Know-How" recommend no closer than 2 feet above the plants for lights with reflectors that have a wide angle and no more than 6 feet above the plants with standard mounted HPS lights.
Where Can HPS Grow Light Be Used?
High pressure sodium grow lights can be used in grow tents, large grow rooms in homes, and green houses. HPS grow lights are paired with reflector fixtures that are purchased separately. You will need to purchase compatible ballast as well. To find a ballast, you will need to look for one that has the matching ANSI code as your HPS grow light. If you are planning on switching between HPS and MH bulbs, look for a system with a ballast that can operate both bulbs.
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