Want to set up a grow light system? Many indoor growers prefer a combination metal halide bulbs (MH) and high pressure sodium (HPS) light system, as this light combination can produce healthy plants and high crop yield. Learn more about what you will need to begin, and a simple primer on how to set it all up.

1. Setting Up an Indoor Grow Light System
Want to set up a grow light system? Many
indoor growers prefer a combination metal
halide bulbs (MH) and high pressure sodium
(HPS) light system, as this light combination
can produce healthy plants and high crop
yield. Learn more about what you will need
to begin, and a simple primer on how to set it
all up.
To set up a complete MH/HPS system, you will need the following items:
MH and HPS bulbs
Metal halide bulbs provide the blue and white light that is required during the vegetative stage of
the growth cycle. High pressure sodium bulbs offer the red/orange light that is beneficial for the
flowering stage of your plants. These bulbs cannot be plugged into a regular light socket; they
require a compatible grow hood and ballast.
A Grow Lights Ballast
Ballast regulate the power source to your indoor grow lights, controlling the amount of voltage
and current that goes to the bulb. A 1000 watt ballast is the most commonly used and will fit
most budgets and growers’ needs, but there a wide variety to choose from, including ones that
power MH/HPS or both, and operate at multiple dim levels.
A Grow Hood
Uniform, consistent and adequate illumination is crucial for proper plant growth. Indoor growing
light reflector hoods work in combination with your bulbs to maximize your production by
reflecting the light from the bulbs down onto your plants. A quality grow light reflector will
spread light evenly over a large area, provide access to ducting, and be made of quality materials
such as enhanced aluminum, pre-galvanized steel, and high-temperature tempered glass.
A Cooling System
Such as ducting and a fan. While this is optional, it will likely be necessary in smaller indoor
grow spaces, as the heat generated by the MH and HPS lights will need to be properly vented for
optimal temperature for your plant growth.
How you set up your indoor garden will vary depending on your plant type, where your space is
located, and how much room you have. Generally, this is how you would set up your grow room
and grow light:

2. 1. Choose your space properly. A typical 1000W system will cover a grow area that is 8 x 8
feet. You will need additional space for the hydroponics trays, PH and nutrient monitors, fans,
timers etc.
2. Make sure that the bulbs, ballast and hood are all compatible. You can do this by
matching the wattage and ANSI code (ex: S52, M47) of the the bulbs and ballasts, or buying
from a trusted source like Gro-Kart.com, where all the required elements are guaranteed to be
compatible.
3. Get your grow hood situated by hanging it from the ceiling above your plants. You can
chain hoods together to create a larger illuminated space as needed. Where you hang it will
depend on whether you are using a duct and a fan to help cool the system, and how large your
growing space is among other factors. Make sure you do not put the hood too close to your plant
to avoid burning the plant (1000W hood should be placed 2 – 6 feet above the plant as a rule of
thumb).
4. Screw your grow light bulbs into the hood Before installing though, clean your bulbs to
make sure it is free of fingerprints and debris. Wear a glove and avoid touching the glass surface
of the bulb. Make sure the bulb is fully screwed into the base and the bulb does not wobble in the
socket.
5. Plug your ballast into the wall. If you are using a timer to insure your plants get the proper
light and darkness you will want to plug the timer into the wall first, and then the ballast into the
timer. Be sure to follow all electrical safety rules and use your common sense as the grow lights
run at high voltages and are very very bright (too bright to look directly at the bulb). Also consult
an electrician to make sure your circuit breakers can handle the load you are going to be pulling
with the lights.
6. Frequently check the output of your bulbs. Metal Halide and HPS bulbs need to be changed
out every 12-18 months depending on how many hours you leave them on per day. It is best to
check the light level using a PAR meter and replace the bulb when you have gone below the
recommended PAR level for your plant.
Happy growing!