High Wattage Lights
Cannabis loves the sun! So, what does that mean for an indoor grower? Light, light, and more light. I think you get the point. This brings us to our topic of discussion today-High Wattage lights.
High-wattage lighting refers to using light sources with a high-power output, typically 600 to 1,000 watts or more, to provide the necessary light energy for plant growth.
But do you need up to 1000W to grow? Well, that depends on the type of light you are using, and with HPS, maybe yes, but why waste resources when over 60% of that light is going to heat production, failing to provide you the desired light spectrum either way?
However, we understand that everyone has their own tastes and preferences, so if you prefer High Voltage lights, here are a few things to know:
Advantages of High Wattage Lighting for Cannabis Growth:
Intense Light Output: High-wattage lights produce significant light energy, delivering high photon flux density (PPFD) to the plants. This intense light is crucial for promoting photosynthesis, essential for plant growth and producing energy-rich compounds like sugars.
Increased Yields: With the right light spectrum, high-wattage lighting can enhance cannabis plant growth, leading to higher yields. Adequate light intensity promotes healthy foliage, sturdy stems, and robust bud development, resulting in larger and denser buds at harvest.
Versatility: High-wattage lighting allows growers to manipulate light cycles, spectrum, and intensity to suit the specific needs of different cannabis strains or growth stages. This flexibility enables growers to optimize lighting conditions and maximize the potential of their crops.
Disadvantages of High Wattage Lighting for Cannabis Growth:
High Energy Consumption: High-wattage lights consume significant electricity, leading to increased energy costs. This factor should be considered when planning and budgeting a cannabis cultivation operation.
Heat Generation: High-wattage lights produce substantial heat, potentially damaging or stressing the plants if not managed properly. Heat management, including adequate ventilation and cooling systems, is essential to prevent plant stress and maintain optimal growing conditions.
Initial Investment: High-wattage lighting systems can be costly to set up initially. The cost of purchasing the lights, fixtures, reflectors, ballasts, and other necessary equipment should be factored into the budget.
Considerations for High Wattage Lighting:
Light Spectrum: Cannabis plants require specific light spectra for optimal growth. Metal Halide (MH) lights emit a spectrum suitable for the vegetative stage, promoting healthy foliage and vegetative growth. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights provide a spectrum beneficial for flowering and fruiting stages, enhancing bud development and resin production. Some growers use a combination of both MH and HPS lights to cover the full growth cycle.
Light Distance and Coverage: The distance between the high-wattage lights and the canopy should be carefully managed to avoid light burn or insufficient light intensity. The recommended distance varies depending on the light type and wattage. Coverage areas should also be considered to ensure all plants receive adequate light.
Light Duration and Photoperiod: Cannabis plants require a specific light-dark cycle to trigger flowering. Typically, a 12/12 photoperiod (12 hours of light and 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness) is used during the flowering stage to induce flowering. The vegetative stage may require longer light periods, such as 18 hours of light and 6 hours of darkness.
Light Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for high-wattage lighting systems to ensure optimal performance. This includes cleaning reflectors, replacing bulbs, checking electrical connections, and monitoring for any signs of wear or malfunction.
Although high-wattage lighting can benefit cannabis growth, you should combine it with other crucial factors such as proper nutrition, air circulation, temperature control, and humidity management to create an optimal growing environment.
What are your thoughts on High Voltage lights? We would love to hear from you.
Comments
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I grew a crop back in my younger days with a 1000-watt halide. Photo period and get rid of the males back then. That crop came out so good I got 2 more lights and started a bunch or plants. One of my so called friends came by while I was at work and relieved me of everything. Got to be careful who you associate with in them days as well as these days.
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Hello @Ozz, we are sorry to hear about your experience with your 'friend' I am curious. So what light do you use now?
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Barrina BU-2000 from amazon. Got two of them but that last two plant crop was grown under one light. Wanted to see how cheep I could grow and they came out better than the last crop, econocrop. Made a tent out of cardboard and chrome reflecter material paying attention to the reflect angles. Kind of a 2x4 tent.
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I also did another experiment on the two plant econocrop. Instead of using my usual 3 gal buckets, I used a 7 gal bag filled with 4 to 5 gallons of soil. The bags are much wider than the buckets and that plant came out way bigger than the other. Going to use the bags from now on, this fall. I'm done for the summer.
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Ohhh, I am excited to know how you made a DIY grow tent. You know, most growers get discouraged from growing indoors because they think they need expensive grow tents. Anything that cuts costs, I am all in! Let me start a thread on DIY grow tents. I am excited to hear about every juicy detail.
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And I couldn't agree more on using grow bags instead! The first advantage that comes to mind is its optimal size. The bag provides ample space for the roots to spread and grow, allowing the plant to develop a strong and healthy root system. This, in turn, promotes overall plant stability and nutrient absorption, setting the foundation for bountiful growth.
Once the bag is filled with 4 to 5 gallons of nutrient-rich soil, another advantage becomes evident—the ability to retain moisture. The fabric material of the bag allows for excellent drainage while retaining the ideal amount of moisture needed for the plants. The roots can breathe, and excess water easily drains away, preventing overwatering issues that can stunt growth or lead to root rot. This balance ensures the plants receive optimal hydration, leading to vigorous growth and robust yields.
Furthermore, the fabric bag offers great aeration for the root zone. Its breathable nature allows oxygen to penetrate the soil, fostering a healthy environment for the roots. This oxygenation promotes the development of beneficial microbes and encourages root growth, leading to stronger and more productive plants. It's like giving them fresh air, enhancing their vitality and resilience.
Transporting and maneuvering the bags also becomes easier due to their lightweight and flexible design. Whether you are repositioning your plants for optimal light exposure or simply rearranging your grow space, the bags' manageable size and lightweight nature make the process hassle-free. You can adapt my growing setup without straining yourself or causing unnecessary plant stress.
Lastly, these bags are reusable and durable, providing long-term value. They withstand multiple grow cycles, reducing waste and allowing you to invest in high-quality materials that stand the test of time. The fabric bags become a reliable companion, accompanying you on your growing journey as you nurture each new generation of plants.
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But what do i do with all these buckets? Maybe I could make some funky hats out of them or something, yeah, Abe Lincoln hats for sale. There even aerated so your head doesn't sweat.
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Hahhahah oohhh @Ozz. Lucky for you there is the school of YouTube with so many DIYs for used buckets. When I come across something, I will ensure to share it.
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@Ozz buckets make great plant risers!
I have some 3 gal vinyl mesh bags that are just awesome. Way way way more durable then fabric pots. They do not loose their shape either. -
I wish I had seen them before I got all these black bags. Maybe I could make something out of these bags as well. They have handles on them. What's that brand of purse everyone wants that are like 5 hundred dollars?
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channel you mean
