Hydroponics Lighting

Hydroponic Light Movers

The appropriate grow light depends on the size of the growing area, the light intensity required for the specific plan, and the amount of additional light the plant may receive from an outside source, for example, sunlight may be hitting it from a nearby window.
Many different hydroponic lights exist. This is due to the fact that each provides a different benefit. Metal halide (MH) grow lights are the best for vegetative growth stage. They produce primarily blue/violet light needed for photosynthesis. High pressure sodium (HPS) grow lights work best for the budding, flowering, or fruit-producing stage. This is due to the orange/red light which encourages more fruit and flowering sites as well as higher yields. Hydroponic fluorescent lights are used mostly for cutting and seedlings. Fluorescent lighting is the best option for small scale herb and salad gardens. While it can be used for larger plants, it is not ideal because too many bulbs will be needed to supply the lighting required for proper growth. Fluorescent grow lights are used for plants that do not require direct sunlight, such as violets, orchids, and house plants.

Hydroponic Grow Lights

Another piece of equipment commonly used by hydroponic farmers is the hydroponic light mover. Moving one light across a rail increases the light's area of coverage which means a lower operating cost due to higher single light yields. With a moving light, plant killing is avoided because there is less heat than that associated with a stationary grow light. The bulb is kept at a greater distance from the plants. Also, moving the light provides the plants with lighting at different angles. The light can reach the bottom of the plant which is usually shaded by the foliage at the top. Therefore a greater portion of the plant can take part in photosynthesis creating lower operating costs with greater yields.

Hydroponic Lighting

The height of the light above the plants as while as their running time is also a concern of hydroponic lighting. Smaller wattage systems should be about two to three feet from the top of the plant. Higher wattage systems should be at least four to six feet from the tops. The amount of time the lights should be on depends on the type of plant. Most vegetable plants need about 10 to 12 hours. Fruit-producing plants will benefit from 16 hours of light per day.