High Intensity Discharge (HID) Grow Lights


There are 2 types of HID grow lights used for indoor growing, high pressure sodium (HPS0 and metal halide (MH). These come in a range of sizes, the most common being 175 watts, 250 watts, 400 watts and 600 watts. Anything over these size bulbs become less efficient for growing and you should consider using multiple sets of smaller bulbs.

Lamp Type Watts Lumens/bulb Total efficiency
Metal Halide 400 36000 36k lumens
High Pressure Sodium 400 45000 45k lumens

The size of bulb you purchase will depend on how many plants you want to grow. This varies widely, depending on the strain of plant and on how much vegetative growth you want them to have. It is better to calculate your requirements by area and a rough guide would be:

  • 250 watt bulb will supply enough light to cover a 2.5’ x 2.5’ (75cm X 75cm) area (6 plants or fewer)
  • 400 watt bulb will supply enough light to cover a 4’ x 4’ (120cm X 120cm) area (12 plants or fewer)
  • 600 watt bulb will supply enough light to cover a 5’ x 5’ (150cm x 150cm) area (18 plants or fewer)
  • 1,000 watt bulb will supply enough light to cover a 6.5’ x 6.5’ (2m X 2m) area (30 plants or fewer)

*** Marijuana grow light overview – Click here

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7 Responses to “High Intensity Discharge (HID) Grow Lights”

  1. Colonel Says: May 19th, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    That’s not just logic. That’s really sneisble.

    Reply
  2. Jera Says: May 20th, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Good to see a tnaelt at work. I can’t match that.

    Reply
  3. dARcAngel Says: June 22nd, 2011 at 10:52 am

    DEAR ADMIN;

    THANK YOU FOR ALL THE DETAILED VERY USEFUL INFORMATIONS!
    I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE THE MOST OUT OF ALL THE GROW MARYJ SELF-HELP PAGES OUT THERE!

    I HAVE ONE VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION, THOUGH…

    AS FOR GROWING OUTDOORS IN THE TROPICS WHERE WE BASICALLY HAVE 12 HOURS SUN LIGHT ALL YEAR – HOW MUCH DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE INTO THE WHOLE PLANTING RITUALS? DOES IT APPLY TO GROWING IT INDOOR AS WELL?
    DO I STILL NEED TO RESPECT THE “CULTIVATE IN AUTUMN” RULE OR CAN I START PLANTING AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR?

    THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION…

    :-)

    Reply
  4. Max Says: August 14th, 2011 at 2:27 am

    I have purchased all my grow lights from http://www.howtogrowweedindoors.com, so far all orders shipped quick, and in plane boxes. Their pricing is always in line with other sites. Check them out!

    Reply
  5. john Says: September 29th, 2011 at 5:58 am

    hi, ijust bought my tent and want to try indoor. can you tell me what else i need? myabe for 18 plants. but i dont want to spent too much.

    Reply
  6. goldo321 Says: November 14th, 2011 at 8:17 pm

    you dont have to have that much light is only 125 600 is to much it burns it i think

    Reply
  7. scotte Says: January 24th, 2012 at 8:28 pm

    ec what strenth do i need to take it in flowering ?

    Reply

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