Comprehensive Guide To Greenhouse Artificial Lighting Systems
Do I Need Grow Lights In My Greenhouse?
High Intensity Discharge Lighting
Widely abbreviated as HID lighting, this type of artificial greenhouse lighting from your hydroponic equipment company uses either metal halide (MH) or high pressure sodium (HPS) lightbulbs. The lighting set up consists of the ballast, reflector, and bulb. In many models, the ballasts are exchangeable so they can operate either MH or HPS bulbs, depending on your needs. The basic way that HID lighting works is that electricity connects to the ballast and sends the current through to the reflector, which connects to the bulb and emits the light.
When you talk with your wholesale hydroponic supplier about the right lighting for you, you’ll discover that the type of bulb you choose with HID lighting will depend on what type of crops you want to grow. If you want to encourage bushy growth, choose a metal halide bulb, which produces a cool, blue light. High pressure sodium bulbs produce warm, red light that promotes the growth of flowers and fruits. Whichever option is best for you, you’ll be glad to know that HID bulbs are the most cost-efficient lighting set up in a commercial greenhouse environment and are known for being able to cover a large area. However, you’ll need to be careful not to place the bulbs too close to the plants, because the bulbs are very strong and could burn your plants if they get too close.
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) For Agriculture
More commonly known as LEDs, this is an extremely durable lighting option that uses a panel of lights and a circuit board. Frequently, LED panels come with a fan that helps dissipate the heat they produce and to help increase the lifespan of this popular lighting. LEDs are widely appreciated by commercial hydroponic suppliers because the light spectrum is easily adjusted depending on your plants’ needs.
Since research shows that plants respond better to specific light wavelengths, LED technology is popular because growers can adjust the red and blue lights as needed. Additionally, they produce less heat than HID lighting, are easier to use and adjust, and have the unique ability to strengthen the root system of your plants. LEDs are limited because the light does not reach as far from the source as HIDs do. Consult with your commercial greenhouse supplier about the benefits and disadvantages of
LEDs for your greenhouse.
Choosing The Right Type Of Artificial Lighting For Your Agricultural Business
For proper plant growth, it’s essential to choose the correct HIDs or LEDs. If you have smaller, weaker plants, you may want to avoid HIDs because their strong light rays and heat output can be too intense. LEDs are a bit more versatile since you can choose the correct light spectrum without having to change out bulbs. Ask your
agricultural distributor what they recommend to optimize your plant production.
Installing Artificial Lighting in Your Greenhouse
Even if you choose the perfect grow light setup, your plants may fail to thrive if the lighting is not correctly installed, so be sure to talk with your greenhouse farming distributor about the specifications. Specific plants will have different requirements, but generally speaking, you’ll need 20-40 watts of light per square foot of your greenhouse. It’s important to verify that the lights you’ve installed reach every corner of your greenhouse for even production across every bench. You don’t want to have taller plants end up shading smaller ones. If your greenhouse is very large, HIDs may be the best choice as they cover a larger area; however, LEDs can work for bigger greenhouses if they are evenly distributed.
Grow lights are a necessary and helpful investment for the production of your commercial greenhouse. Your
wholesale hydroponic store is happy to help you sort through the options and select the best models for your needs.
Contact a Wholesale Greenhouse Supplier In Arizona
For the best pricing and widest selection for all of your commercial greenhouse needs, call Dutch Direct. We are in the business of solutions so you can optimize your production and spend time doing what you really want to be doing – raising quality crops and getting your best harvest. To buy direct and save, contact Dutch Direct today at (844) 388-2431.
Contact Us:
18 North 57th Drive Ste #1
Phoenix, Az 85043
(844) 388-2434
info@dutchdirect.us
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