Nowadays, more and more indoor growers are using grow lights to compensate for the lack of natural light. Whether it’s for small-scale home growing or large-scale greenhouse cultivation, choosing the right LED grow light not only promotes plant growth but can also improve the yield and quality of the plants.
But with so many options on the market, how do you know which LED grow light is the best choice in South Africa?
1.Advantages of LED Grow Lights
- Higher light output and energy efficiency
- Generates less heat compared to HPS lights
- More durable than HPS and CFL lights
- Lifespan of up to 50,000 hours
2.How to Choose the Best LED Grow Light
Now, let's discuss how to choose the right LED grow light for your grow room. Below are some key factors to consider when selecting grow lights.
1). PPF and PPFD
When purchasing grow lights, you’ll often see specifications that include PPF (Photosynthetic Photon Flux) and PPFD (Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density). These are important parameters that measure the effectiveness of grow lights.
PPF indicates the total number of photons emitted by the LED light per second, measured in μmol/s. The higher the number, the more photons the light emits. PPFD represents the number of photons actually received in a specific area, measured in μmol/m²/s.
Before selecting a grow light, you should first understand the PPFD values that your plants need. For example, cannabis in the vegetative stage requires a PPFD value of around 800 μmol/m²/s, while in the flowering stage, it requires around 1100 μmol/m²/s.
2). Spectrum
The sun provides plants with a full spectrum of light, including visible light, UV, and infrared, which is essential for rapid and healthy plant growth.
Make sure the grow light you choose provides the necessary spectrum for your plants.
For example, the 1200W full spectrum LED grow light from TheOneGrow provides cannabis with the full spectrum needed from the vegetative to the flowering stage, ensuring healthy and rapid growth at every phase.
3). Coverage Area
Before purchasing a grow light, determine how many plants you want to grow and the approximate size of the area.
The light’s specifications usually mention the coverage area. For instance, a 1200W grow light can cover 3m²-4m². If you're growing on a larger scale in a greenhouse, ask the seller to calculate how many lights you will need.
4). Other Features
In addition to the three key factors mentioned above, consider features such as dimming capabilities, waterproof design, etc., when choosing a grow light. Also, choose a product with a good reputation and local after-sales service to avoid the hassle of replacements and ensure fast repairs.
3.Recommended LED Grow Lights in South Africa
1)600 Watt Grow Light in South Africa
The Octopus 640W Full Spectrum LED Light uses 2232 Osram LED chips, with a light efficiency of up to 2.9 μmol/J and a PPE of up to 1856 μmol/s. It covers a growing area of 2m²-3m².
The full spectrum design with a 120° beam angle ensures that each plant gets the best lighting at every growth stage. It is suitable for a 150*150cm grow tent or greenhouse cultivation.
2)200W LED Grow Lights in South Africa
The Octopus 200W LED Grow Light uses 744 Osram LED chips and provides a light output of 580 μmol/s, with an efficacy of 2.9 μmol/J.
Its full spectrum plus 660nm red light design ensures that plants grow healthily and quickly at every stage. It is suitable for a 90*90cm grow tent or greenhouse cultivation.
FAQs:
1. Where can I buy grow lights in South Africa?
You can order from TheOneGrow's website. They have a warehouse in South Africa and offer fast after-sales service with free shipping. Orders are typically delivered within 1-4 days, or you can pick them up yourself. Contact us at: +27 63 153 5277.
2. Do full spectrum LED grow lights work?
Full spectrum LED grow lights simulate natural sunlight, providing a complete spectrum of 400nm-700nm. They provide the necessary light at every stage of a plant’s growth and are indeed effective compared to regular bulbs or fluorescent lights for growing plants.