Hydroponics uses several different types of lights for optimum plant growth. While using different grow lights, it is important to invest in a specialized digital ballast, which is a necessary component of any lighting circuit. Simply put, a ballast is an electronic component in a lighting system that controls the amount of current in a circuit. Without it, a grow light would fail to work.
Why Digital Ballasts
Earlier ballasts consisted of resistors, which is an inefficient way to control current, as it leads to loss of electricity. Modern digital ballasts limit current flow without wasting electricity. They also help to extend the lifespan of grow lights. Moreover, they help to reduce flickering, a common feature in older ballasts. Also, the performance of most conventional magnetic ballasts worsens after few years of operation, while digital ballasts provide a consistent lumen output and efficiency over its lifetime. As a bonus, digital ballasts offer noise-free operation and less startup time, or the time required to achieve full brightness.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Digital Ballast
The most important factor to consider is efficacy, which is measured in Watts / Light output. Another important factor in hydroponics is heating. A ballast that emits a lot of heat will affect the temperature of your growing environment. Some ballasts may include a fan for cooling, but these are known to have a high failure rate. A good ballast should also switch off automatically in case of a short circuit. For best performance, always opt for known and tested products for your indoor growing environment.
Ballasts for Indoor Gardening
If you are growing plants the hydroponic way, you will often use either metal halide (MH) or high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or both. Consider buying a ballast that is versatile enough to power both types, such as the Dual ballast by Lumatek. Lumatek digital ballasts are well-known in the hydroponics industry for their efficient performance. Other well-known brands include Maverick and Xtrasun
