Test and comparison of horticultural lamps

Compact fluorescent

As we know, the advent of the compact bulbs indoors in horticulture led to valuable new

all experts and horticulturists.
News about ease of installation, safety, economy and reliability, thanks to technical innovations that were soon adopted and used by a large percentage of growers.

The ballast (power supply) contained within the very base of the lamp, for example, which eliminates the difficulties of installation and wiring of external power supplies.
Or the yield given in terms of lumens produced and used, with an emission of 100% PAR (lumens produced by each bulb is absorbed and used by the plant in the process of photosynthesis, only a small percentage is lost as heat) , which involves working cycles at very low temperatures, thereby allowing maintenance safely, without risk of burns, and also to keep the lamps even a few inches from the tops of the plants.
A new generation of lamps then, that has an eye for the savings and environmental impact, an ideal combination for the most demanding growers.

Recently, the market is entering a new generation of compact join all the traditional features important news.
The fact Agro lines were designed specifically to encompass in a single lamp lumens and the color temperature needed to cover all phases of growth and flowering of plants.

While these two phases are usually operated with two separate bulbs, respectively, with temperatures 6400K and 2700K for the vegetative stage to flowering (this is called "temperature" of the color contained in the spectrum of bright light), this new generation of lamps (2100K ) can cover all the needs required by the plant during an entire cycle, thanks to a light spectrum broadened and enriched white light.

This obviously implies the obvious advantages, first of all the significant labor savings from the use of a single unit of light against the two used up to now, in addition to an anchor of course easier to install, but also maintenance.

Already seen in the 250W version, we are waiting to experience the other powers, 125 and 200W.

LED lamps

The invasion of the famous UFO proceeds inexorably, and despite prices far the demand is still highly popular.

It will also be about the attractive design, light and innovative, giving the not-so-futuristic that even the most dated growroom, but the light of the LEDs is entering into homes across the country.

Quiet, cool, versatile and low maintenance costs that promise a fast enough cushioning of the purchase price, the UFO lamp ensures efficiency throughout the life cycle of the plant, with an expenditure of only 90W.

The LEDs used, usually 90, have red or blue (625-660 nm Red, Blue 460nm), with varying proportions depending on the model. Produce 2100-2400 lumens and cover an area of ​​no less than 84 square meters (the manufacturer says) when positioned three meters in height: it is clearly unwise such a lighting configuration, and as for compact fluorescent, it is good to make the most The low heat and place the lamp near the peaks.
Also according to data submitted by manufacturers, the UFO placed on 2 covers 38 square meters and a height of 120cm illuminates an area of ​​13 square meters.
Given the small area illuminated with a lowering of the lamp there is a significant increase in photon flux density.

Again only one lamp is proposed for the whole plant life, and is supplied ready to use, without additional accessories such as reflectors, extra cables, power supplies or other. Some sources speak of 100% PAR light, but of this we are not able to find reliable witness, or manufacturer's warranty.
Certainly it is proposed that the spectrum turns out to be efficient and free of harmful elements such as infrared or ultraviolet.

These lamps are light (less than 4 kg), handy (just over 40cm in diameter) and usually assembled with quality materials, if you have the foresight to buy certified and guaranteed.
All the UFOs arrive today from China, where imported products are of a different band, almost useless to the economy and unquestionable quality: careful when choosing.

Neon

The good old neon tubes are a good way to keep the plants in vegetative stage, for the cuttings for planting.
Confined space of the double pipes, powerful short and the results are nothing short of amazing, while eliminating any problem of heat and reducing clutter.
The purchase is very cheap, but to be expensive is the structure necessary for a targeted and efficient use, or choke, and especially attacks ceiling.
The proposed range is not 100% PAR.

The life span however, is rather long (about 10,000 hours), low power consumption, small plant, and you can find tubes with a color temperature suitable for flowering.

These adjuvants are not suitable as the sole source for a plant that is trying to bloom, but it could be a good choice to keep your baby access even finished the vegetative stage.

Having a good home neon lighting system, even if only for emergencies or sudden increase in host plants may be an ace up its sleeve.

And 'so's time to throw the hps?

We'll see soon disappear from the hps growroom? All of these innovations will make the day sodium obsolete?
Perhaps, but certainly not today. To get explosive blooms fact there is still nothing better than good old light bulbs, 400 or 600 watts, combined with a good reflector.
Although CFL and UFOs have high yields in the growth phase, sprouting or taleggio, not yet fully meet in bloom.

It 'can certainly cover the entire life of the plant with only one or a Phytolite 2100k LED lamp, and also get dignified blooms, but for some stunning results is still a good complement to the innovative lighting to HPS dear old mo' boosters.

During tests with pepper plants and ficus expert has confirmed the thesis of the editorial staff of a few months ago, the UFO is unfortunately rather expensive compared to investing the initial performances, while maintaining a high profile and maintenance costs contenutissimi (only 90W, remember!), he drops in yield of a certain weight during flowering.
If you have large areas dedicated to cuttings, stock plants, green plants or flowering just as exacting as you consider experimenting with this lamp.

The compact fluorescent 2100k quite resolved at a cost significantly lower performance and more proportionate. Although not striking in bloom are a must for all other applications and still provide the lighting for the entire cycle without problems.
In weeks in which assistance is being sought, in case of demanding plants, you can combine a hps and even considering the purchase cost and energy consumption by the latter always remain well below the price of LED Lamp.

The compact hps + is probably the best choice of all.

Related Articles:

1. Sulphur Plasma
2. Neon lights to plant succulents
3. Peppers and fluorescent lamps Phytolite
4. The reflectors in indoor growing
5. Lighting in indoor cultivation

Tags: cfl , lighting , lamps , LED , neon lights , indoor gardening

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