9 SF by 12SF - 400W

12 SF by 20 SF - 600W

20 SF by 40SF - 1000W

 

2. Determine what kind of light you need: For vegetative growth, metal halide (MH) provides the most energy to your plants.  For fruiting and flowering, high-pressure sodium (HPS) is the best choice.   Once you decide, choose the correct high intensity discharge )HID) ballast to power your lamp.  Magnetic models like the Sunleaves Pulsar and Luma 2.0 ballasts run either MH or HPS lamps, or you can select a "two-way" mixed model which allows you to switch between MH and HPS capablities.  Advanced electronic ballasts like the Future Brites can ignite both types of HID lamps.

 

3. Determine the reflector style you prefer: When choosing a reflector consider the area you would like to cover and the required light intensity of the plants you're growing.  Keep in mind that a deep reflector will concentrate the light source on your garden below.  A shallow reflector will disperse light over a wider area but it will be less intense where it falls.  Choose a system with vents and a tempered glass lens to eliminate heat build-up in your garden room.  A lens also protects the lamp from dust and water.

 

4. Choose the correct lamp: No matter what type of ballast you select, the lamp wattage must match that of the ballast (i.e. 400W ballasts - 400W lamp).  And remember, unless you purchase a two-way model or an electronic ballast (like the Future Brite), you cannot use a MH lamp in an HPS system or vice-versa.  To get HPS light from a MH system (or vice-versa), choose a conversion lamp of the appropriate wattage.