Double-ended grow lights are gas-filled tubular lamps equipped with connectors on both sides, which snap the bulb into place on the fixture. Double-ended or DE lighting systems give a more even lighting distribution for the plants, which is a plus for plant growth. Compared to single-ended lights, DE grows lights degrade slower, which is ideal for the maximum yield of plants.
Double-ended lights are regarded as high-pressure sodium globes. These globes function when an electrical current is produced and regulated from ballasts and flows between the electrodes. This process makes the sodium and mercury vaporize within the glass tube and turn into gas that gives off heat and intense light.
What Makes Double-Ended Grow Lights Ideal For Growers?
When artificial lighting is your primary light source for growing lighting, you may find DE grow lights ideal for maximum yield. Many commercial growers prefer DE grow light systems for hydroponic gardening and interior gardening due to their intensity - it means more ultra-violet lighting for the plants, which is crucial for photosynthesis.
How Intense Are Double-Ended Grow Lights?
DE grow lights are high-intensity lamps that can produce around 1000 watts of power. DE lighting is also considered more stable by many growers - compared to traditional, single-ended bulbs, DE grows lights have 10 percent more light intensity and PAR output.
Double-ended grow lights are also more long-lasting and efficient. They can be assembled easily into rows running along a single wiring strand.
What Is The Difference Between Double-Ended Grow Lights and Single-Ended Lights?
The main difference between double-ended grow lights, and single-ended bulbs is construction and output.
How Single-Ended Lights Work
Because single-ended grow lights are based on the same technology used on the first gas-powered lamps, they are considered the most old-fashioned form of high-pressure sodium and metal halide systems. When one says "single-ended," the light bulb screws and gets attached on just one side, just like what you see on a traditional light bulb.
It doesn't mean that single grow lights are all bad - they are perfect for beginners since the lights are easy to install. This makes them the ideal light kits for hobby growers.
Why Single Ended Grow Lights Are Ideal For Beginners
If you're a hobby grower, it's better to start with single-ended grow lights first. They are simple to install and operate, which is what you need if you're a first-time grower and only plan to grow plants here and there.
It's also easier to manage to grow room heat in this case because single-ended light kits operate at cool temperatures.
You can place your single-ended light kit closer to the canopy (which you can't do with a DE light kit, which should be mounted several feet away or above your plants). Single-ended lights are just suitable for small or low-budget grow rooms.
Why Double Ended Grow Lights Are Best For Serious Growers
Without a doubt, double-ended grow lights are the better choice for commercial growers. DE grow light systems are more powerful, and light gets distributed more evenly. Compared to their single-ended counterparts, double-ended DE produces up to 30 percent more intense light, with a better spectrum.
You get more infrared and ultraviolet light by using double-ended DE lights, which is very important because these lights increase terpenes along with potency. This is essential for plant growth.
Efficiency is also a big plus. Double-ended DE lights provide the lighting closer to the sun, and they also use less energy, which means lower electric bills for you. You save money on replacement light bulbs as well.
Of course, you will have to spend more on double-ended lighting. They are more expensive than single-ended lights, but you can be sure that you will get your money's worth when you go for DE lighting.
With double-ended grow light systems lasting several thousand hours of growing, plus they still produce output until they have completely burned out, your double-ended lights are a worthy investment as a serious grower.
How Double Ended Grow Light Increases Plant Yields
Of course, you would want to know how exactly DE grow lights can affect the growth of your plants. Using double-ended HPS lights can increase plant yields from 20 percent to 50 percent. Your yields can also double when you swap a fixture for a picture of side-by-side growth.
How is this possible when you will use the same amount of input power, you ask. The increased micromole output of the lights per watt means that there will be an increase in footprints. For example, the industry standard of a 4x4 foot grid per 1,000W light can be increased easily to at least 6x5 feet.
Do take note that the style and design of your reflector will influence the shape of the footprint. Some growers use air conditioning and an open-hood design, assuming that there is enough space for that setup. Air-cooled models are proven suitable for basements and other low-ceiling situations.
How To Tell The Difference Between Double Ended Grow Lights And Single-Ended Lights
There are easy ways to distinguish between double and single grow lights if you're uncertain what kind of light you're searching for. The most obvious is the bulb - double ended grow lights tend to have smaller bulbs since they don't have to house an arc tube plus its elements. A DE grow light is skinnier and will not screw into a socket.
In comparison, a single ended grow light usually comes with a long metal frame that houses the arc tube and other materials needed for the light to function. The frame usually travels from the base to the end of the light bulb.
Double ended grow lights also have two connection points while single ended grow lights have only one.
DE grow lights are usually more expensive compared to single grow light kits, but the former is considered a better investment due to its longevity and efficiency.
How To Use Double Ended Grow Lights Properly
There are a few tricks you should keep in mind when using double ended lights so that your plants can grow at their best and also safeguard your own health. Use gloves or paper towels when installing the globes. Do so in a gentle manner and remember to avoid leaving fingerprints or oily residues on the bulb's glass. This will ensure that your light quality will be at its maximum and avoid weak spots after using the lights for a while.
Refer to your product's manufacturer for recommendations on the ideal height of your grow lights above the plant canopy. This applies to different reflectors, particularly those with 1,000-W DE globes. Your plants can get seriously damaged if the lights are not far away or above your crop.
You should also consider using light movers and observing appropriate ventilation. If your lights come with digital ballast dimming options, then maximize the use of those, especially with younger plants.
Remember that mounting the globes horizontally is actually more efficient for horticultural reflectors. This should counter any concerns about not being to bare-hung DE lights vertically or placed in tube-style reflectors.
You will need fewer fixtures when using double ended lighting since they give off more usable light per lamp. If you're particularly worried about high temperatures, you can check out reflector options with ventilation ports already installed.
Last but not the least, always make sure that the globe, ballast, and reflector of your de grow light is functioning properly and efficiently together. Your ballasts should work at frequencies more than 100 kHz in order to produce a smooth and crisp light for your plants.
If you have any doubts, you can always check your store to ensure that you get only the most effective and compatible lighting for your growing needs.
Why Should You Use Grow Light Reflectors With Your DE Lights
A grow light reflector can help you get the most out of your double ended grow lights. Reflectors are often made of smooth or textured aluminum and are used to reflect and increase the intensity of light for your plants. The angled sides of the reflector's shield help provide even lighting for your plants.
There are various styles of reflectors to choose from, including air-cooled hoods and those with adjustable wings. If you are unsure which reflector to get with your DE lights, don't hesitate to ask your store for assistance.
When Should You Replace Your Double Ended HPS Lamps?
If you are already using DE lights for your plants, it's also essential to know when to look for a replacement. It's all too easy to overlook the lights in your indoor garden, mainly if they are still functioning normally.
Remember that inconsistent lighting can result in a noticeable drop in yield. Granted, other factors are in play, such as room temperature, humidity, and nutrients. But it could be that your lights are already in serious need of replacement.
The right time for replacement will depend on manufacturer recommendations. Still, DE HPS lights have to be replaced once every 12 months to maintain the consistency of your yields from crop to crop.
While it's true that there are lamps that can last for a maximum of two years, you should still check your lights regularly and be mindful of the effective growing window. Many growers observe the 12 hours on,-12 hours off, and 12 months to replace cycles.
Your DE HPS lights may still look as bright as usual to your naked eye, but when you notice lower yields in your plants, the overall amount of lighting that your plants are getting and the quality of the spectrum available are the culprits.
When you are already experiencing lower yields, it's time to replace your DE HPS lights.
How To Know If Double Ended Grow Lights Are Best For Your Grow Room
While we have already established that double-ended light bulbs perform better and function more efficiently than single ones, it doesn't mean it's automatically the best option for your growing setup. So how do you know which one to go for?
The best rule of thumb: You should invest in DE grow lights if you're serious about growing or if you are a commercial grower. If you're just a casual grower or a hobbyist, it's best to stick to single light kit systems.
You can get more light out of DE grow lights, but if you only have smaller ones, too much light can prove overpowering for your plants. It's certainly not beneficial for plant growth - you will stress out your plants and drive up your energy bill. There's no point getting double-ended grow lights if you have just four plants to work with.
So before making that purchase, consider your growing goals first. If you plan to go beyond a small grow setting, then, by all means, buy double-ended grow lights with excellent quality and brands you can trust.
Get The Best Deal On Double Ended Grow Lights at Canada Grow Supplies
At Canada Grow Supplies, you can be sure that you will get a good deal on double-ended to grow lights in terms of quality and affordability. Our store focuses on quality over quantity, and we are proud to offer growing kits designed by the best professionals in the growing industry.
You can count on our superior customer service, not just on getting the right products for your needs but also on after-sales issues. We don't rest until your concern is resolved to your satisfaction.
You can count on our prices to be among the best in the industry. What's more, we also offer free shipping for Canada-wide orders over $199. Visit our online shop and find the best double-ended grow lights for your plants at the lowest prices.