What is the Best Lighting for Your Hydroponic Unit?

Hydroponics makes use of the principle that plants can be influenced by manipulating their access to inputs such as nutrition, water, light, and temperature. It makes use of technology to optimize the supply of these factors to plants to achieve the best results.

Proper lighting is an important part of hydroponic units. Hydroponic lighting systems are mainly rated according to the intensity and spectrum of light they produce. Thus, light generated should not only be adequate but also fall within the suitable range that is beneficial to plants.

Based on this, HID or 'High Intensity Discharge' lamps are at the top of the range of grow lights used by hydroponic growers. This is because the mixed spectrum light they produce is very similar to natural light; this makes it an ideal light source for plants, especially those with little or no access to sunlight. Besides, these lamps have a high output and are energy efficient.

HID lamps are classified into those that use metal halide (MH) or high pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs. MH bulbs give off more blue light, which is good for promoting vegetative growth. HPS bulbs, on the other hand, emit light that falls in the red end of the spectrum. This resembles natural light conditions in fall, making it especially useful to promote vigorous flowering. An experienced grower can obtain brilliant results by ensuring the right balance of MH and HPS lighting.

Maverick Sun has an excellent range of ballast systems for MH and HPS lamps. They have specially designed reflectors to distribute light evenly around your plants. The HPS ballast systems described below are compatible with both standard and Hortilus HPS bulbs.

Maverick Steel 600w HPS with MagniWing reflector and Standard Bulb

This 600w HPS lamp with MagniWing reflector is a perfect lighting choice for your unit. It has high quality components to ensure smooth and soundless performance. The ballast comes with a durable steel case.

Maverick Steel 600w HPS with MagniLume reflector and Standard Bulb

This 600w HPS lamp with MagniLume reflector is a perfect lighting choice for your unit. It has high quality components to ensure smooth and soundless performance. The ballast comes with a durable steel case.

Maverick Steel 600w HPS with MagniLume AC reflector and Standard Bulb

This 600w HPS lamp with MagniLume AC reflector is a perfect lighting choice for your unit. It has high quality components to ensure smooth and soundless performance. The ballast comes with a durable steel case.

Maverick Aluminum 600w HPS with MagniWing reflector and Standard Bulb

This 600w HPS ballast with MagniWing reflector is a popular choice for hydroponic units. It has high quality components to ensure smooth and soundless performance. Its rugged extruded aluminum case is especially built to last.

Maverick Aluminum 600w HPS with MagniLume reflector and Standard Bulb

This 600w HPS ballast with MagniLume reflector is a popular choice for hydroponic units. It has high quality components to ensure smooth and soundless performance. Its rugged extruded aluminum case is especially built to last.