Along LED grow lights, there have been other devices that are used to influence faster plant growth. These tools may make use of high pressure sodium, metal halide, or a compact fluorescent lamp. High pressure sodium or HPSs are able to expose plants to a whole range of light spectrum, which is why some gardeners prefer such kind. But, the problem is that they easily burn out as sodium is very reactive, making it undergo several life cycles. This then decreases the lifetime of their ballast, which is the inductive component in HPS.
On the other hand, LEDs last as long as 35,000 - 50,000 hours. They can probably take a span of 7.5 years, with a daily usage of 18 hours. Like HPS lamps, the light from LEDs also suits different kinds of plants, from fruits to exotic flowers. This can save you space, since there wouldn't be any need to segregate your plants and buy separate lights for each group.
If you're considering using metal halide instead of LEDs, you have to be aware that a high-intensity discharge or HID's brightness does not necessarily lead to absorption. So, even if your eyes work best with a brighter surrounding, it may not be the same with your plant. In one study, it has been observed that the eyes are most sensitive to the yellow part of the light spectrum. Meanwhile, if you monitor the wavelength of the plants' photosynthetic response, it would show a weak reaction to that same part.
In comparison to HID, LED grow lights is consistent with the response rate of the chlorophyll found in plants. Thus, almost all of the light emitted by LEDs is absorbed. They are also low in consumption, as compared to HID lighting. So, you wouldn't have to feel guilty about contributing to the "energy crisis" just because you care for your plants. It would also mean a reduction on your electric bills as LEDs don't produce that much heat which would require you to counteract it with cooling devices to protect heat-sensitive plants, especially young, tender sprouts.
Fluorescent lights are also good contenders to plant growing purposes as they are considered efficient, having low energy consumption and a relatively long lifetime. But, their mercury component makes their disposal a problem for humans and the environment. However, LED grow lights have low toxicity levels that pose no real danger to your health or the environment. The only disadvantage that they have which can lead to disastrous outcomes are their sensitivity to voltage fluctuations, which can be easily remedied by connecting them to current regulators.
Now, when it comes to price,
LED grow lights were very expensive at first. But with the availability of smaller bulbs and kits, the cost has become more consumer-friendly. If you're already using HID and other sources of lighting, you can replace a few of them with some LEDs, just to reduce your power consumption and cost. Then little by little, you can completely replace them for optimal use of power that can render better results for your plants.
