Hortibook is a comprehensive resource for horticulturists, growers, and gardening enthusiasts. Hortibook features an extensive grow room light guide, which helps users understand the importance of proper lighting for indoor plants. This guide covers different types of grow lights, their spectrums, wattages, and how to set up an optimal lighting system for your grow room. By following the recommendations in the guide, you can ensure that your plants receive the right amount of light for healthy growth and development.
Additionally, Hortibook includes a collection of circuit diagrams for grow room lighting systems. These diagrams are designed to assist DIY enthusiasts and electricians in safely wiring and configuring their lighting setups. With clear instructions and step-by-step illustrations, even those with limited electrical knowledge can create efficient and effective lighting systems for their grow rooms. Overall, Hortibook is an invaluable tool for anyone passionate about gardening and plant cultivation.
Lux is the unit of illuminance, which measures the amount of light falling on a surface. It is defined as the luminous flux (in lumens) per unit area (in square meters). 1 lux = 1 lumen/m².
Lumens is the unit of luminous flux, which indicates the total amount of light emitted by a light source. It is used to measure the brightness of bulbs and lamps. The illuminance (in lux) is determined by the ratio of luminous flux (in lumens) to the area (in square meters).
Nits is the unit of brightness, typically used to describe the luminance of screens and displays. It is equivalent to candelas per square meter (cd/m²). Nits measure the intensity of light emitted from a surface in a specific direction.
PPFD is a measure of the amount of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that reaches a surface per unit area per unit time. It is expressed in micromoles per square meter per second (μmol/m²/s) and is crucial for optimizing photosynthesis in plants.
Candelas (cd) is the unit of luminous intensity in the International System of Units (SI). It describes the brightness of a light source in a specific direction. The luminance (in nits) of a surface can be related to its luminous intensity (in candelas) and the viewing angle.
Aspect | LED Grow Lights | High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Grow Lights |
---|---|---|
Lighting Principle & Construction |
LEDs emit light when current flows from anode to cathode. Constructed with light distribution, cooling, driving circuits, and protective structures. |
High-intensity gas discharge lamp. Consists of arc tube, glass envelope, getter, and ballast. |
Spectral Characteristics & Coverage |
Adjustable wavelength, can produce monochromatic light. Effective beam angle ranges from ≤180° to ≥300°. |
Spectral energy distribution with emphasis on red-orange, yellow-green, and a small amount of blue-purple light. 360° light emission, but most light is reflected through a reflector. |
Impact on Plant Growth |
Increased crop yield and quality. Improved morphological indices and physiological differences. Favorable spectral ratio can influence flowering time and rate. |
Increased crop yield. Good growth performance, but slightly inferior to LED. Increased photosynthetic pigment content, but may increase carotenoid and nitrate concentrations. |
Energy Consumption & Environmental Impact |
Low energy consumption due to DC driving. Contains no harmful elements, more environmentally friendly. |
Higher energy consumption, especially over long periods. Contains mercury and other harmful elements, requires careful handling and recycling. |
Factor | Description | Range/Requirement |
---|---|---|
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) | Essential for photosynthesis | 500-1500 ppm (up to 0.16% or 1600 ppm for high-efficiency cultivation; maximum 0.2% or 2000 ppm) |
Light Intensity (Illuminance) | Determines photosynthesis rate | 3000-10000 lux (varies by plant species and growth stage) |
Humidity | Affects water loss and plant health | 60%-80% (specific ranges may vary by plant type; e.g., thin-leaved plants prefer ~80%, cacti and succulents prefer 30%-40%) |
Temperature | Influences growth rate and metabolic processes | 15-30°C (specific ranges may vary by plant species, growth stage, and season) |
Type of Grow Tent | Dimensions (W x H, in feet) | Suitable for Number of Plants | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Small Grow Tent | 2x2 | 1 | Perfect for beginners or limited space |
Small Grow Tent | 2x4 | 2 | Also a good option |
Small Grow Tent | 3x3 | 2-3 | Can accommodate two fruit trees and flowering plants |
Medium Grow Tent | 4x4 | 4 | Humidifier/dehumidifier adjustable in the middle |
Medium Grow Tent | 5x5 | 6 | Ideal for small spaces or starting a small business |
Large Grow Tent | 6x6 | 9 | Suitable for home-based small business growers |
Large Grow Tent | 4x8 | 8 | High yield, suitable for additional space |
Extra-Large Grow Tent | >8x4 or >6x6 | 10 | For commercial growers who don't want to convert rooms or basements |
Extra-Large Grow Tent | 10x10 | 12-18 | Can use multiple tents if space permits |
Characteristic | Long-Day Plants | Short-Day Plants |
---|---|---|
Definition | Require more than a critical daylength (usually 14-17 hours) of light to flower. | Require less than a critical daylength (usually less than 12 hours) of light to flower. |
Flowering Inhibition | Flowering is inhibited if daylength is insufficient. | May only vegetate and not flower under long days. |
Distribution | Primarily found in higher latitudes where summer days are long. | Distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate spring/autumn regions. |
Examples | Winter wheat, barley, oilseed rape, radish. | Soybeans, corn, rice, viola. |
Photosynthesis & Growth | Accelerated photosynthesis and growth with sufficient light. | Sensitive to daylength changes that trigger flowering. |
Physiological Mechanisms | Internal metabolic regulation triggered by daylength changes. | Flowering-related gene expression promoted by short days. |
Cultivation Applications | Artificial lighting can simulate long days to accelerate growth and flowering. | Shading or shortened daylength can promote flowering. |
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