In this article, we are going to list down the top five best HPS bulbs that your garden should definitely have and all their pros and cons. Moreover, we will find out together what exactly these bulbs are and how they work so well for our plants. After that, I’ll walk you through on which bulb to choose and the right wattage your garden needs. No, with no further introduction, let’s get direct;y to our top five best HPS bulbs.
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Rating |
Image |
Products |
Score |
Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 Best |  |
EyeHortilux 1000-Watt Super HPS Grow Bulb Editor’s Choice | CHECK PRICES | |
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2 |  | 95/100 | CHECK PRICES | |
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3 |  | 93/100 | CHECK PRICES | |
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4 |  | 92/100 | CHECK PRICES | |
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5 |  |
VIVOSUN Hydroponic One Pack of 600 Watt Flowering High Pressure Sodium HPS Grow Light Bulb Lamp | 90/100 | CHECK PRICES |
Gardeners often wish for a better harvest and abundant yields. Also, we often worry if our plants are getting the right amount of sunlight that they need. Luckily, with the HPS bulbs, we don’t have to worry about our plants getting less light anymore. In this way, HPS bulbs can be used in indoor gardens and greenhouses in order to give plants the light that they need and make our job much easier.
What Is The HPS Bulb And How Does It Work?
High pressure sodium bulbs were invented in 1964 and they were used to help indoor plants to grow. The HPS lamp consists of a narrow arc tube supported by a frame in a bulb. Also, the arc tube has a high pressure inside for higher efficiency. Another important detail is that sodium, mercury and xenon are usually used inside the arc tube. These chemicals make the bulbs brighter when they are in use
Moreover, the arc tube is made of aluminum oxide ceramic which is resistant to the corrosive effects of alkalis like sodium. .
- Also Read: Best 1000w HPS Bulb for Flowering
When it come to how they actually function, it can sound a bit complicated if you are not a specialist. However, I will try to make it sound as easy as possible. So, the bulb starts with a pulse which is created in the arc. Then, with the help of xenon gas, the bulb lights up with a light blue color. Once the arc heats up, mercury lights up the bulb with a vivid blue light. Finally, the light turns white when the sodium gas vaporizes and when the heat reaches 450 degrees Fahrenheit (250 degrees Celsius).
Top 5 Best HPS Bulbs That You Should Check Out
If you wish to acquire these bulbs for your garden, here are some of best HPS bulbs that you must check out on your next visit to the garden depot. You will find every detail you need in order to make the most suitable purchasing decision for you and your green friends. However, if you need further information, do not hesitate to ask anything in the comments section.
Do not forget: Choosing the right bulb for hydroponics will help you grow more plants! So, take your time and research a little before go and buy the firts garden lights you see on the market.
#1 EyeHortilux Super HPS Spectrum Grow Bulb
EyeHortilux is one of the most durable lights. It can produce up to 90 000 lumen per watt. Also, it is my all time favorite!
See prices for: 250w | 400w | 600w | 1000w Eye Hortilux bulbs
This bulb is one of the best HPS bulbs for grow light system. It is a spectrum bulb and it can reach the highest peak of the red spectrum. Moreover, it is more durable compared to other brands. So, you can extend its usage beyond the growing season. Not to mention, it contains less mercury and is lead-free, which makes it good and healthier for your plants.
Pros
- The bulbs are durable and long lasting.
- They emit the brightest lights.
- These bulbs are cheaper compared to other brands.
Cons
- Bulb scratches upon purchase. Make sure that you purchase them from a reputable seller.
#2 iPower High Pressure Sodium Super HPS Grow Light Lamp Bulb Fully Spectrum
See prices for: 400w | 600w | 1000w iPower bulbs
This 4-star grow bulb is considered one of the best HPS bulbs for digital and magnetic reflectors. It can produce up to 1400 lumens and 2100 red and orange spectrum. Also, it has a high PAR which can help stimulate flowering and fruiting plants. Something to keep in mind is that this bulb is specifically designed for hydroponics. So, it has a low power consumption and can last up to 5,000 hours of high lumen output.
Pros
- It is a durable grow light bulb. It can last longer than the growing season.
- The bulb has a low-lumen depreciation compared to other brands.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
- It is cheaper compared to other brands.
Cons
- Some sellers would sell defective bulbs. It is best to get them from a reputable seller.
- You need to check if it works with your magnetic reflector to avoid bulb problems.
#3 Apollo Horticulture High Pressure Sodium HPS Grow Light Bulb Lamp
See prices for: 400-Watt | 600-Watt | 1000-Watt Apollo Horticulture bulbs
Apollo Horticulture is one the best HPS bulbs for electronic and magnetic ballast. It can produce up to 140,000 lumens, which is pretty amazing! Also, this bulb helps enhance flower growth and fruiting, as it is designed for Hydroponic Plant cultivation.
Furthermore, it can reach the 2000K red-orange spectrum and last more than 24,000 hours at low power consumption. Not to mention that it runs up to 110V.
Pros
- It is durable.
- Has a lower lumen depreciation.
- It has a faster startup time
- Consumes less power compared to other bulbs.
Cons
- The warranty only lasts for 3 months.
- It emits too much heat.
#4 VIVOSUN Hydroponic HPS MH Grow Light Bulb
See prices for: 400-Watt | 600-Watt | 1000-Watt VIVOSUN bulbs
This 4-star HPS bulb operates on 120 to 240 volts. Also, it can produce 90,000 lumens and can be dimmed up to 250 watts. What is new about this product is that it comes with a ballast and reflector. The reflector is made from the best German aluminum and it also has a digital timer that helps control lighting and ventilation simultaneously.
Pros
- Adjustable ballast.
- Comes in with a digital ballast, metal reflector and digital timer.
- The digital timer helps control the ventilation and light emitted towards the pants.
- The ballast comes with a 3-year warranty and the reflector is durable.
Cons
- The digital ballast rattles when you adjust the light.
- Problems with the seller. It is best to get them from a reputable buyer.
#5 VIVOSUN Hydroponic Flowering High Pressure Sodium HPS Grow Light Bulb Lamp
See prices for: 400W | 600W | 1000W VIVOSUN Hydroponic bulbs
The VIVOSUN Hydroponic One is considered one of the best HPS bulbs because of its compatibility. It is compatible with magnetic and electronic ballast. Not to mention it can produce 90 0000 Lumens. Also, it has a high PAR emission which can help flower growth and enhance fruiting on fruit-bearing plants and it is durable. When it comes to time length, it can last up to 24 000 hours even with high lumen output.
Pros
- It has a low lumen depreciation.
- The product has a short start time. So, you don’t have to wait long to use the HPS lights.
- It is affordable.
- The VIVOSUN Hydronponic One produces a really bright light.
Cons
- Has severe hot spots.
- It burns out easily.
- The bulbs rattle a bit.
Why Do We Need a Ballast and Reflector?
Having the right light ballast is very important when you plan to have a grow light system. The ballast controls and balances the light discharges which are emitted from the HPS light.
Also, the light ballast contains a negative resistance and carries the current throughout them. It uses a reflector to help even out the distribution of heat emitted from the HPS bulbs.
Without these two, your indoor plants will suffer from severe heat and less distribution of light. So, it is important that you get the right light ballast and reflector to ensure health and abundance for your plants.
Why Do We Need The HPA Bulbs In The Garden?
Because of the advancement of technology, many gardeners have started using HPS bulbs for the indoor gardens. Although, the grow light system is often used for indoor flowering plants. This happens because the system allows the indoor plants to get the right amount of lighting that they need.
Furthermore, HPS bulbs are often used in grow light system because they have more energy in the red part of the spectrum, which has a positive inpact on your plants. These bulbs have an impressive lumen output of 80-160 lumens per watt and because of this, they can help promote flowering and fruiting of indoor plants. Most of the plants that grow under the grow light system are elongated. However, this can be tweaked with the use of blue light bulbs.
HPS bulbs helps promote plant growth as well as improve plant health. Why?
What you probably didn’t already know is that these bulbs have a better PAR efficiency compared to other kinds of bulbs. They are also cheaper and more reliable than others.
On the other hand, if not correctly installed, HPS bulbs often heat up and can cause harm to the plants and flowers. So, when setting up growing light system, it is very important that you see a professional who can help you adjust the heating of your greenhouse or indoor garden.
What is The Right Wattage for Your Garden?
The wattage of your HPS bulb differs depending on the size of your garden. So, it is important to find out the exact measurements of your garden tent or greenhouse in order to get the best HPS bulb for your garden needs.
150 Watt HPS Bulbs
Many 150 watt HPS bulbs come with a built-in ballast and reflector. Unlike the other bulb wattage, the 150 watt HPS bulbs don’t usually heat up because their little amount of power. So, it is also the least efficient among the bulb sizes. This bulb can light up at least 1.5’ x 1.5’ or 0.45m x 0.45m. Anyhow, make sure that your plants are at least 6’’ or 15cm away from your canopy.
- Check out the best 150-Watt on Amazon
250 Watt HPS Bulbs
Just like 150 watts HPS bulbs, 250 watts HPS bulbs also come with their own reflector and ballast. 250 watts HPS bulbs can be really difficult to find in hardware and garden depots. Compared to the 150 watts HPS bulbs, the 250 watters can heat up easily. It is very important that you seek a professional to install some cooling equipment to ensure that your plants will not wilt down from too much heat.
250 watters are the best HPS bulbs for gardens that have the sizes of 2.5’ x 2.5’ or 0.75m x 0.75m. Make sure that plants are placed 10 inches or 24 centimeters away from the canopy. This is surely one of the most efficient HPS bulbs for greenhouses and gardens.
- Check out the best 250-Watt on Amazon
400 Watt HPS Bulbs
400 watts HPS bulbs are more productive compared to the lower wattages. These are the most common HPS bulbs sold in the market. They are also considered the best HPS bulbs because they emit more heat and provide a bigger amount of PAR compared to the other wattages.
On the other hand, 400 watts HPS bulbs are sold separately from the ballast and reflector. However, you don’t have to worry about the price. The bulb is sold for a very affordable price. Also, the 400 watts HPS bulbs are sold in an all-in-one grow lights fixture.
- Check out the best 400-Watt on Amazon
600 Watt HPS Bulbs
A 600 watts HPS bulb is considered the most effective HPS bulb for gardening. This bulb can produce up to 90,000 lumens or 150 lumens per watt and this wattage can convert a very big amount of electricity into usable light.
Aside from being the best HPS bulb size, it also has the least heat waste compared to the others. So, it can light up to 4.5’ x 4.5’ or 1.4m x 1.4m. However, the plants should be 18 inches away from the canopy. Make sure that the plant distance is well implemented to make sure your plants receive an equal amount of light.
- Check out the best 600-Watt on Amazon
1000 Watt HPS Bulbs
1000 watts bulbs are more efficient than 400 watts bulbs but are less effective compared to 600 watts. Although they have a bigger lamp, they also produce more hea and the heat can put your plant to a major risk. Gardeners have recommended using two 600 watts bulbs before using 1000 watts lamps. So, in this way, you will help your plants to adapt with the heat before changing to a higher wattage.
A 1000 watts bulb is the best HPS bulb size for people who have a 6’ x 6’ or 1.8m x 1.8m-garden. Plants should maintain a distance of 24 inches away from the hydroponic tent.
- Check out the best 1000-Watt on Amazon
Double-ended Hps Bulb
Double-ended HPS bulbs are the state of art bulbs that are most recommended by many growers. This is the best HPS bulb if you want better yields and more fruits for your indoor garden. The DE HPS bulbs have a 10% more PAR output compared to others.
iPower 1000 Watt Double Ended Enhanced Performance High Pressure Sodium HPS Lamp Bulb 2 Pack 2000K.
See prices for: 2000K-1Pack and 2000K-2Pack
It is also cheaper and more cost-effective compared to other HPS bulbs. This bulb has larger peaks on the red spectrum. It can also emit more infrared light ad UV lights compared to standard HPS bulbs.
Although, DE HPS bulbs are considered as one of the best HPS bulbs, this can cause more problems for your plants. It easily heats up, and it can also attract pests due to the heat emitted by the bulbs.
What Is The Best HPS Bulb For Your Garden?
Finally, we learned how HPS bulbs can help us make the most for our indoor gardens. Now we know that when choosing the bulbs for our garden, it is best that we consider the length of the garden and the kind of plants that we want to keep. Last but not least, we should always consider professional advice to help us plan out our grow light system.
Also, the HPS bulbs we reviewed in this article are only a few that are available on the market. There are definitely other brands out there, but these 5 are the ones that make it on our list. So, go and make your own research before improving the quality of your lighting system.
In addition, please share your suggestions and experiences with us in the comments section. We are all super excited to find out how the article influenced your purchasing decision and what should we consider to write about in the future. Thanks for reading!
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