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Types of Hydroponic Lighting - Spotlight Lamps
Spotlight lamps are not only the most common, but also the cheapest hydroponic lighting solution. Their size and power may vary, but they use a very simple lighting solution, with a normal lamp bulb shining artificial light. Spotlight lamps are a good choice for home-based do it yourself hydroponic systems, but their size makes them less efficient in close quarters.
Types of Hydroponic Lighting - Led Grow Lights
Led grow lights are usually room efficient, being slim neons that can fit virtually everywhere. You can either place them on top of the hydroponic system, or on the sides and many can be easily attached and detached from the spot, in case you notice you didn't handle your lighting like you should have. Using two leds, one red and one blue, these grow lights simulate natural light better than normal lamps Another advantage is that they can operate for longer periods of times in high temperatures, which is problematic with normal lamps. And of course, neons have the highest ornamental value amongst hydroponic lighting solutions, being able to "tune up" even a less attractive system that you own.
Types of Hydroponic Lighting - Metal Halide
Some of the newest hydroponic lighting lamps on the market will give you the ability to switch the type of light you're feeding to your plants, from metal halide to high pressure sodium and vice versa. Metal halide hydroponic light lamps are the closest you can get to natural properties, since they generate the whitest high intensity light. They simulate temperature and light conditions that encourages the plants' photosynthesis and photoperiod, making them one of the best hydroponic grow light solutions out there. You can also use MH light to grow weed in a hydroponic system and only a small, cheap fixture is needed.
Types of Hydroponic Lighting - High Pressure Sodium
When sodium is in an excited state, it produces light and this whole principle stands under the high pressure sodium lamp. When first lit, these lamps will glow pink, but after the sodium starts to move around and as it is combined with mercury, the light will switch to a warm orange. Light color is important to some plants, which prefer more intense colors to the white or bluish lights offered by other hydroponic lighting sources.
Types of Hydroponic Lighting - Rail Lights
If you have a larger greenhouse and you don't have the money or the space to get individual lamps for each cluster of plants, then a rail light is your best bet. Basically, you'll have to install a rail on your greenhouse ceiling or sides and the hydroponic lighting lamp will move along this rail, back and forth, giving each plant its fair share of time in the spotlight. This way you can get a whole greenhouse lit with just a few lamps and you won't need to spend thousands of dollars on individual ones.
Although these are the main types of hydroponic lights you'll probably think about using, there are several variations and less popular models that could work just as well. And if you're having doubts about what you should buy, check out these recommended hydroponic light products.