- The most efficient light source is a HPS
lamp in a horizontal reflector. No other
light source is needed. An HPS lamp
supplies all the spectrums of light
needed by the plant for normal growth.
Chapter 9
LIGHTING
ACCESSORIES
Both fluorescent fixtures and HID lamps
use a much higher voltage of electricity
than standard 110 volt house current.
Fluorescent fixtures contain a ballast or
transformer that converts electricity to its
proper voltage. HID lamps sometimes
come in a fixture containing the ballast, but
most of the units made for indoor gardens
are designed with the ballast remote
(separate, but connected by an electrical
cord) from the lamp and reflector.
HID’s with remote ballasts are much
more convenient than units with the ballasts
enclosed since they weigh less. 400 watt
ballasts weigh about 28 lbs. and 1000 watt
ballasts weigh about 40 lbs. It is much
harder to manipulate and secure a heavy
object like that overhead than it is to just
leave it near ground level attached to the
lamp by an electrical cord. The lamp is