Lighting and cannabis, a basic aspect in cultivation
Light is the driving force behind growth in any plant, and in the case of cannabis, choosing the right lighting system for your indoor grow will make a huge difference in key aspects such as production, quality, and the health of your plants. In indoor growing, reproducing natural lighting conditions allows you to control the light spectrum and photoperiod, optimize photosynthesis, and adapt the environment to each phase of the crop. All of this will allow you to provide your plants with the conditions they need for explosive flowering.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert grower, you need a lighting system that fits your goals, space, and budget. In this category, we help you understand each type of technology and choose the perfect lighting equipment so you can take full advantage of your plants' potential, both in terms of quality and performance. Rest assured, your lighting system is the best investment you can make to achieve exceptional results from your grow.
LED panels for maximum efficiency and performance
LED panels for cannabis cultivation have revolutionized the sector thanks to their energy efficiency, low heat output, and optimized light spectrums for each growing stage. These systems allow for savings on electricity bills, maintain stable temperatures, and achieve abundant harvests with more intense colors, aromas, and resins. This type of lighting system has changed considerably since its first appearance on the market, with an evolution that has truly revolutionized the field of artificial lighting for agricultural use.
The LED lamps you can purchase today have greater power, efficiency, and light penetration, in addition to producing full light spectrums that offer the best results in both the growth and flowering phases. In addition, small LED lamps or bars can also be found to complement the lighting in growing areas where necessary, such as the corners of rooms or grow cabinets, or the lower parts of plants. Don't think twice; if you want to take a step forward as a cannabis grower, LED panels are one of the first options you should consider to achieve superior results.
At Alchimia, we offer models from the best brands on the market, including:
- Lumatek: Recognized for its innovation in horticultural lighting systems, Lumatek offers high-quality, efficient, and high-performance equipment. Its luminaires provide uniform, full-spectrum light distribution, ideal for maximizing yield in growing spaces up to 1.5m x 1.5m. One of the best-selling brands in our store, the Lumatek Zeus 600w Pro LED is one of the most popular panels.
- Pure LED: Offers a wide range of LED luminaires designed to adapt to diverse needs and growing spaces. Pure LED models stand out for their efficiency and versatility, making them suitable for all phases of growing. For example, the Pure LED Max 660W is a high-performance luminaire designed for spaces up to 150cm x 150cm, with six LED bars that distribute light evenly throughout the crop.
- Farming Monkey: Specializes in professional LED equipment focused on the horticultural industry and indoor growing. Its products incorporate the latest technologies, ideal for all stages of cultivation. One example is the Slim LED SMD 35w Resinator , which provides an extra boost of UVA light, ideal for improving cannabinoid and terpene production and helping to combat fungus.
- Sanlight: Sanlight is a trusted European brand in LED grow technology, known for its high-quality lighting solutions that maximize yields and efficiency. Sanlight products are designed to offer even full-spectrum light distribution, adapting to different growing sizes and needs. Panels like the Sanlight EVO 100 Set are ideal for 1m² grow tents.
- Mars Hydro: Mars Hydro offers full-spectrum LED luminaires, ideal for all stages of growing. Their products are known for their energy efficiency and ability to improve the quality and quantity of crops. For example, the Mars Hydro LED TS Series is one of their best-selling luminaires for home use, providing perfect lighting solutions for small spaces where maximum yield is desired.
- Lumii: LUMii focuses on providing efficient and affordable LED lighting solutions for indoor growers. Its products are designed to be easy to use and adaptable to different growing setups. One example is the LUMii LED Switch Blade 150W, a dimmable fixture suitable for 60x60cm and 80x80cm grow spaces or grow tents, with specific spectra for growth and flowering periods.
Available in different powers and formats, these LED panels are ideal for both small cabinets and professional rooms, also having the possibility of connecting several devices in line and controlling them all from a single device, as is the case of Pure LED with its Pure Led 2.0 intelligent Controller or Lumatek with its Lumatek LED Controller.
Discharge lamps: HPS, HM, and CMH
Although LED panels have gained significant popularity in recent years, many growers still rely on discharge lamps for their excellent cost-performance ratio. HPS (High Pressure Sodium) bulbs are ideal for flowering due to their reddish spectrum, although you can also find mixed ones, while MH (Metal Halide) bulbs are primarily used for the growth stage. CMH or LEC ( Ceramic Metal Halide or Light Emitting Ceramic ) offers a very complete and natural mixed spectrum, with excellent results.
Among the featured brands you'll find at Alchimia are:
- Philips: Philips is a leading lighting brand that has developed advanced technologies for plant cultivation. Its CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) bulbs, such as the Philips Master 315W, offer a more complete and efficient light spectrum, covering everything from UV to far red. These bulbs are ideal for LEC lighting systems, providing more abundant and higher-quality harvests compared to traditional HPS/HM lamps.
- Lumatek: Lumatek is recognized for its high-quality lighting solutions for indoor growing. They offer HPS (High Pressure Sodium), MH (Metal Halide), and CMH (Ceramic Metal Halide) bulbs, highlighting the Lumatek HPS 600w PRO 400V, designed for the flowering phase and compatible with electronic and magnetic ballasts. These bulbs provide an optimal light spectrum to maximize plant performance.
- Sylvania: Sylvania is known for its commitment to quality horticultural lighting. Its Sylvania Grolux 600W HPS bulb is a mixed high-pressure sodium lamp, suitable for both growth and flowering. It offers enhanced blue color and 20% more red color than other conventional lamps, promoting abundant flowering.
- Xtrasun: Xtrasun offers high-quality HPS bulbs at competitive prices. The Xtrasun HPS 400W and 600W are ideal for flowering, but are also suitable for growth. These lamps deliver 125 lumens per watt and have a lifespan of approximately 32,000 hours, making them efficient and versatile for growers looking for an economical option without sacrificing performance.
These are proven lighting systems that have been used for decades in horticultural lighting and remain an excellent option for those seeking large yields without making the switch to LEDs.
Ballasts and reflectors, complete your HPS, HM, or CMH discharge kit
To get the most out of your discharge lamps (HPS, HM, or CMH), it's essential to combine them with appropriate ballasts and reflectors. These components not only ensure safe and stable operation but also optimize the efficiency of the light emitted, allowing your plants to make the most of every watt.
Dimmable electronic ballasts are a high-end option for demanding growers. They allow you to adjust the output power (dimmer), giving you complete control over light intensity at every stage of the grow process. They are quiet, efficient, and feature thermal safety systems, protecting both your equipment and your plants. Their compatibility with high-pressure and CMH lamps makes them a long-term investment. On the other hand, a magnetic ballast is a device that regulates the electrical current reaching discharge bulbs (HPS, HM, or CMH), preventing overloads and ensuring safe ignition. It works using coils and electromagnetic components, and although it generates more heat and noise than electronic ballasts, it is robust, economical, and very reliable, especially for growers looking for simple and long-lasting solutions.
A reflector is an essential accessory in indoor growing lighting systems. Its main function is to direct and distribute the light emitted by the bulbs toward the plants, avoiding dispersion losses and maximizing light efficiency. Thanks to its reflective design, it improves light penetration into the growing canopy, resulting in greater growth and production. There are different types, from the most basic wing-type reflectors to professional models like Adjust-A-Wings, which allow for adjustable aperture and adapt to different spaces and power levels.
So, if you opt for a discharge system, you'll need a bulb, a ballast, and a reflector for your lighting system to work properly. As you can see, at Alchimia, you have many options to choose from!
Timers and accessories: automate your lighting system
Having good lighting equipment isn't everything: for optimal, automated operation, you need the right accessories. From timers to control the photoperiod to pulleys and light intensity meters, these accessories not only make growing easier and your life simpler, but they also help improve yield, safety, and comfort.
A timer allows you to precisely control your plants' light cycle, simulating day and night periods. During the growth phase, an 18/6 hour photoperiod (light/dark) is typically used, while during flowering, a 12/12 cycle is common. At Alchimia, you'll find easy-to-use and affordable analog timers, as well as digital timers or contactor timers (recommended for controlling powerful equipment without the risk of overheating).
But in addition to timers, many other lighting accessories optimize your grow:
- Adjustable pulleys for hanging and adjusting the height of your lamps easily and safely.
- Replacement sockets and wires, ideal for adapting bulbs and custom assemblies.
- Power controllers (dimmers), which allow you to reduce or increase light intensity if your system allows it.
- Grow light glasses that protect your eyesight and allow you to see the actual status of your plants under grow lights.
- PAR meters and lux meters: to monitor the intensity and actual distribution of light on your crop, excellent for determining the correct distance between the light source and the plant canopy.
These small components make the difference in an efficient and professional grow, helping you keep everything under control and minimize errors.
Frequently asked questions about lighting for marijuana cultivation
How much does lighting influence final crop yield?
Lighting is one of the most determining factors in indoor cannabis cultivation. It directly affects flower development, size, resin production, and cannabinoid concentration. Quality, well-distributed light can multiply the yield and quality of the harvest.
What type of lighting is best for growing marijuana indoors?
It depends on your goals. LEDs are more efficient and generate less heat, ideal for small spaces or discreet growing. HPS and CMH are still widely used for their power and good flowering results.
How many watts do I need for a 1m² closet?
As a general rule, 300 to 600W of power is recommended for that space. With quality LEDs, you can achieve optimal results with less power consumption.
