Switching from HPS to LED Grow Lights: Helpful Tips for a Successful Transition
More and more home growers are switching from HPS lights to LED grow lights because of their significant advantages, such as lower energy consumption, longer lifespan, and reduced heat output. In this article, we share practical tips for a smooth transition and help you understand how to get the most out of your LED lighting. Many home growers are unsure whether LED can replace HPS. We discuss the key differences and offer insights for a successful transition.
1. Keep the Roots Warm
Well-developed roots ensure a healthy plant. LED grow lights emit less heat, so you need to keep the roots warm. Place your pots on an insulating mat or use a heating mat to keep the temperature stable.
2. Use 1 Lamp for Growth and Flowering
With LED combination lights like the Spectrabox , you can support both the growth and flowering phases of your plants without replacing the bulbs. This prevents disruptions to the growth process and ensures efficient lighting.
3. Extra Heating
Many growers switching from HPS to LED grow lights wonder if LEDs emit enough heat to warm their grow room. HPS growers are used to the light also serving as heating for the grow room, but that's obviously not the intention. The ideal temperature is 21 degrees Celsius with the lights off and 26-27 degrees Celsius with the lights on. Make sure your grow room doesn't get colder than 20-22 degrees Celsius and, if necessary, use a heater. With the LED light on and the exhaust fan set to LED mode, the grow room will then warm up to the ideal temperature.
4. Reduce the exhaust
LED grow lights produce less heat, so you need less exhaust ventilation. Reduce the exhaust flow from 300 m³/h to approximately 100 m³/h per m² of plant surface area to optimize airflow and save energy.
5. Give Less Water
LED lights reduce evaporation, meaning your plants need less water. Water about 50% of the amount you would with HPS lights to prevent root rot and maintain a healthy environment.
6. Protect your eyes
LED grow lights are powerful, and prolonged exposure to the light can be harmful to your eyes. Therefore, avoid looking directly into the lights to avoid eye problems.
With these tips, you can easily switch to LED grow lights and take full advantage of their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low heat output. Have any doubts or questions about switching? Contact us for personalized advice!