We are often asked questions about replacing lamps for indoor gardens. In this post we wanted touch down on that topic.
When growing indoors, spectrum and light intensity are very important. The quality and quantity of light are one of the most important factors that can affect plant growth and yield. Without adequate lighting or incorrect light spectrum, plants can suffer and yields will be reduced .
When walking into an indoor garden the human eye is often blinded by the brightness of the lights and can’t often notice a shift in spectrum or intensity diminished but the plants can and do. Lamps that burn 12 hours a day for long periods of time will weaken in spectrum and intensity over time. This happens in all HID lamps . The chemical reaction within the arc tube will deteriorate over time and affect the output of the bulb. Unfortunately lamps are not like our sun, they do need to be replaced. Imagine growing under cloudy conditions, after awhile its bright enough for humans but plant growth will be become weak.
To maintain full growth, large flowers and abundant yields, lamps need to replaced on a regular schedule. Burning a 1000 watt lamp that only puts out half the output it should is burning the full amount of electricity but only giving you half the results.
People always ask us how long should we keep our bulbs burning for? Typically an High Pressure Sodium lamp will last longer then a metal halide lamp. HPS lamps are usually good for approx 10 months. Metal Halide 6-8 months and its time to replace. This is for Optimal growth. Most growers use the HPS for no longer then 1 year and the MH no longer then 6 months. For the price of a new lamp, the yield that is lost out weighs the cost in most cases.
The lamps usually have a monthly an annual calendar on the socket base theat you can scratch off the month and year you purchased so that way you can know how long the lamp has been running. Its a quick and easy way to mark the lamp. This way if you ever switch it out or mix it up you’ll always know how long it has been used.
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