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Hydroponics uses several different types of lights
for optimum plant growth. While using different grow
lights, it is important to invest in a specialized
digital ballast, which is a necessary component of
any lighting circuit. Simply put, a ballast is an
electronic component in a lighting system that
controls the amount of current in a circuit. Without
it, a grow light would fail to work.
Why Digital Ballasts
Earlier ballasts consisted of resistors, which is an
inefficient way to control current, as it leads to
loss of electricity. Modern
digital ballasts limit current flow without
wasting electricity. They also help to extend the
lifespan of grow lights. Moreover, they help to
reduce flickering, a common feature in older
ballasts. Also, the performance of most conventional
magnetic ballasts worsens after few years of
operation, while digital ballasts provide a
consistent lumen output and efficiency over its
lifetime. As a bonus, digital ballasts offer
noise-free operation and less startup time, or the
time required to achieve full brightness.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Digital
Ballast
The most important factor to consider is efficacy,
which is measured in Watts / Light output. Another
important factor in hydroponics is heating. A
ballast that emits a lot of heat will affect the
temperature of your growing environment. Some
ballasts may include a fan for cooling, but these
are known to have a high failure rate. A good
ballast should also switch off automatically in case
of a short circuit. For best performance, always opt
for known and tested products for your indoor
growing environment.
Ballasts for Indoor Gardening
If you are growing plants the hydroponic way, you
will often use either metal halide (MH) or high
pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or both. Consider buying
a ballast that is versatile enough to power both
types, such as the
Dual ballast by Lumatek.
Lumatek digital ballasts are well-known in the
hydroponics industry for their efficient
performance. Other well-known brands include
Maverick and
Xtrasun. |
