Take Einstein's conceptualization of the proton compounded with the innovations of Nikola Tesla, add the desire to cultivate some agricultural products (I MEAN WEED), and you get induction grow lighting.
Because of the long-lasting bulbs, consistent light spectrum, and low fluctuations in light intensity, induction grow lighting has been adopted into the cannabis cultivation fold.
It turns out, the combined existence of quantum theory and cannabis cultivation has helped to identify the spectrum of light best suited to feed baby buds until they’re flowering adults.
Table of Contents
While growing your own weed is an easy thing to do, doing it well requires:
(a) Time: Be warned – Growing weed is time consuming.
(b) Money: Technology can be pricey and so can electricity.
(c) Research: Learn about the pros and cons of techniques/technology.
(d) Decisions: Mid-grow adjustments are just as important as preliminary decisions.
How Induction Grow Lighting Works
The technology for induction lighting was introduced to the public for the first time in 1893 by Nikola Tesla, though it was not successfully adopted into a consumer product. Tesla failed to produce a reliable induction lamp, and it wouldn't be until the 1960s that a similar – albeit unique – lamp design would be shown to the world again.
Today, induction grow lighting maintains a supportive, dedicated community of growers. And while the reasoning is contestable, there are three major differences in how induction grow lighting works as compared to LED and fluorescent lighting.
- Induction grow lights are electrodeless
- Induction grow lighting lasts up to 100,000 hours per bulb
- Light intensity remains throughout bulb lifetime, requiring little maintenance
Types of Induction Grow Lighting
These shorty descriptions will help you decide what’s best for your grow.
Magnetic Vs Plasma
Much like how aeroponic is a sect of hydroponics, induction grow lights can be separated into two main subcategories: magnetic and plasma. While each of these two varieties may produce long-lasting, consistent lighting, the two types hold a few key differences.
Plasma Induction Lighting
By exciting sulfur particles through microwave radiation, plasma induction grow lights produce a bright light. The downside to this display of light energy is the spectrum of light is woefully calibrated, producing enough light, but not enough of the right light to suit vegetative marijuana growth. Thus, the cost of these lights remains high, as they haven't been strongly adopted into grower circles.
Magnetic Induction Grow Lights
Differing from their plasma cousin, magnetic induction lights work by charging a pressurized element through electromagnetism. While they can be fit to any shape or size, magnetic induction lights rival fluorescent lighting in light spectrum, making them much more viable for the vegetative, flowering stage when you cultivate your own weed. In addition to this, magnetic induction grow lighting can affect the plant with better light penetration than CFL or T5 lighting set ups.
Conclusions
While induction grow lighting possess several benefits, such as a 10-year life span, the cost of the equipment is a major impediment for many growers. At $250 or more per bulb, it requires little imagination to understand why someone would choose an alternative, such as fluorescent.
