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Lighting products can appear very intimidating and complex when beginning using hydroponics, but these articles have been published to simplify and explain the various lighting forms used in hydroponics. The idea of hydroponics (cultivating plants without the use of soil) is hardly a new phenomenon. It is thought that one of several wonders of the world The Hanging Gardens of Babylon were developed by implementing hydroponic techniques. However the use of synthetic light has just been around a fairly short time and now is readily available in a cheap format by the increase of systems and expertise in this field. <br />
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Apparatus<br />
To use manufactured light in hydroponics involves a few pieces of equipment<br />
Ballast designed to control the current to the lamp fixture.<br />
A shade / reflector this reflects the light to where you want it to go.<br />
Lamp holder / socket generally accompanies the shade or reflector you buy.<br />
A timer this turns the lamp off and on and manages the quantity of light the crops get.<br />
A bulb or lamp<br />
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These pieces of hardware are essential regardless of what variety of bulb you are working with. There are several ones out there from budget to deluxe versions. The one you purchase is determined by what you want to grow and what space you are employing as your hydroponic garden. Light intensity reduces with distance and as a result if you have a large area for cultivation then you will more than likely require an increased wattage of lamp to facilitate light to get to the plant. However with a higher powered lamp you have additional heat generated which may be difficult to manage. That is why some people prefer to use a lower powered lamp which will produce less heat and can be controlled easier but used in a smaller area. All this is determined by preference and what you are used to. There are lots of articles and resources that discuss the benefits and drawbacks of higher and lower powered lights. Nonetheless again, it all boils down to user preference, open area and the type of fruit/vegetable you are attempting to grow.<br />
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Types of Lamp<br />
There are three main types of bulbs used in hydroponics. They are the following:<br />
Metal Halide<br />
High Pressure Sodium<br />
Fluorescent<br />
These articles will lead you through each and describe how they work and why they are employed, in simple, uncomplicated terminology.<br />
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LED (Light Emitting Diode)<br />
You could be wondering why LED lights are not discussed as these are also readily available to buy and to employ in hydroponic gardens. LED lights claim to be more energy efficient and supply less heat in comparison with other hydroponic lamps. But, they remain a fairly new technology and as a result have some problems that need attention. Lots of people have had difficulties getting similar penetration of light with LEDs that other lamps can supply and as a result I have decided not to discuss this equipment in these publications.<br />
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Check out Part 2 to carry on reading about other light choices. <br />