BEST GROW LIGHT BALLASTS REVIEWED 2019 What is a Ballast?
A ballast is essentially a regulator that maintains current at a preset level. It is important because plugging a 1000 watt light bulb right into the power source is likely to pop the bulb immediately. Fluctuations in power would hit the bulb directly without any mitigation. All high intensity bulbs, the kind you need to use in a grow room to support your plants, require the use of a ballast. There are three kinds of ballast: magnetic, electronic, and digital. Digital versions are the most advanced and are what we’ll be covering here. However, stick around after the product reviews to learn a little bit about each type and how they differ.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT KINDS OF BALLAST?
Digital – also known as electronic ballast. This kind is used by fluorescent T8s and 4-pin CFLs. This is the latest technology of a ballast. It deletes flickering (Yup! The one that makes every horror scenes scarier), and the buzzing sound of light bulbs. Magnetic ballast– used by T12 linears and 2-pin CFLs; this is the original form of ballast. The process of supervising the flow of electricity is done little by little; hence, it produces the noise.
Features of Digital Ballasts
Pay close attention to the features available on your digital ballast to make sure it will do everything you need it to. Some ballasts emit high radio frequencies that tend to disrupt wifi signals, so you also want to verify that your choice isn’t going to do things you don’twant it to do! You will find that some ballasts are able to adjust the intensity of your grow light as necessary. Others have a super lumen feature which equips them to push bulbs to utilize 15% more power than they would otherwise. Weight and shape will also vary quite a bit across digital ballast brands. Some models are very heavy and must be mounted on the ground, while others are slim and light and can go pretty much anywhere in the room.
3 Best Grow Light Ballasts
ECO FARM 600 WATT DIGITAL DIMMABLE ELECTRONIC BALLAST
FULLY COMPATIBLE FOR METAL HALIDE AND HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM BULBS
*THE BUILT-IN FUSE, COOLING FAN AND GRADUATING FIN DESIGN RESULTING IN 15% COOLER OPERATION *REDUCE WASTAGE AND IMPROVE USABLE EFFICIENCY OF POWER SUPPLY EQUIPMENT CAPABILITY. *OPEN/SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION UNDER INPUT TERMINAL/INTERNAL HEAT AND RADIO FREQUENCY FOR CRITICAL COMPONENTS
Microprocessor Perhaps setting this equipment from the others is the microprocessor. This distinguishes the MH and HPS lamps to determine the right amounts of power to discharge. It subsequently eliminates the need for an extra ballast switch.
Seamless Compatibility It is possible for you to mount this ballast just about anywhere; while hanging, in the horizontal or the vertical position, respectively. Thanks to this arrangement, you will get to enjoy the benefit of maximum convenience as you go about the business of using this machine.
Powder-coated Aluminum Casing Encircling the entire appliance is the powder-coated Aluminum casing. This casing is also finned in such a way as to maximize the dissipation of heat. You will thus experience more balanced outcomes and greatly minimized wastage of heat.
Pros
Stays on at maximum power for longer without overheating Detects individual input voltage and discharges the proper amps accordingly Generator ready just in case of a power failure Shielded from moisture and foreign contaminants infestations Changes the desired power levels automatically
Cons
Limited range due to 8 feet power cable Does not have some vital features May not yield some reliable outcomes in the long run
Quantum 1000W Digital Ballast
If you have a greenhouse where there is a lot of humidity, you tend to experience ballast breakdown especially if they have no shields. One way you could go around high humidity is by owning a Quantum 1000W Digital Ballast. It is compatible with both metal halide and high-pressure bulbs. You can also configure 120v and 240v on your own because cables are included. If you want to extend voltage, you will have to seek an electrician to do it for you. In addition to that, Quantum 1000 watt digital ballast provides the most stable power output and it has a cooling mechanism. As compared to other ballast, I love this unit because of its stable output frequency. It is also 15 percent cooler as compared to other digital ballasts you will find today. This quantum ballast 1000w unit also has a higher output of lumen, unlike other magnetic ballasts. This makes it run well on generators without any problems. Additionally,1000 watt ballast digita it has a circuit board sealed with resin for easy installation in areas with high humidity. You can use it with flip boxes and lighting controllers.
Pros
Does not flicker Dimming of up to 100% It can last for many years
It can configure a wide range of voltage. Has a resin-sealed board that protects it from high humidity
Cons
It is only compatible with MH and HP bulbs
APOLLO HORTICULTURE APL1000 HYDROPONIC 1000 – WATT
Are you a horticulturalist? You might find this digital ballast quite vital to your needs. As you are about to note, the ballast contains some features and technical specifications which are great for enhancing the growth of flowers and fresh produce. Built-in Cooling Fan The ballast comprises some built-in cooling fan. Courtesy of this fan, it has the ability to stabilize the heat output and keep it stable. In the
course of so doing, it minimizes wide fluctuations which might hamper the proper growth of the plants. Short Circuit Protection With this ballast, you are secured against the dangers of short-circuiting. A short circuit protection feature exists to make this a reality. It basically operates via a power shut-off which automatically disables the power when a particular threshold is exceeded. Stable Light Output Throughout the entire duration of use, you will enjoy some stable light output. The constant light voltage feature makes this a reality. It basically sees to it that the lumens are more or less the same at all times. This way, your plants get to grow uniformly. Pros
Generates over 30% extra lumens compared to the magnetic ballasts Compatible with both the both MH and HPS bulbs High-frequency output results in reduced power loss Faster lamp ignition (lights the bulb within 1-2 minutes maximum) Lamps are generally flicker-free
Cons
High power consumption More operational costs Suitable only for the flowers and horticultural crops
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING BEST DIGITAL BALLASTS DIMMING
When buying a ballast, you should consider its dimming capabilities. Dimming enables you to save power sometimes by turning your light at a lower voltage. The best ballast can allow up to 50% dimming of power whereas there are more advanced ballasts that can adjust even lower than that. A digital ballast does the dimming digitally while
other ballasts do it manually. So depending on the rate at which you want to save power you choose the best dimmer.
BULB PROTECTION
Apart from dimming, you may also consider a ballast that can protect your bulbs from burning out. The best ballasts have their own added bulb protection features. These features may include line quality and ignition voltage control
DURABILITY
Besides dimming and bulb protection, you may think of how long you plan to use the ballast. In short, it's durability. Well, for a ballast to be durable it has to be of the best quality. How you have done your electrical connections also matter in this case. You don't want to get a ballast that will be defective in a short time. Note that, high-quality ballast last even a decade if you have good electrical connections.
ACCOMPANIMENTS
Depending on the brand, some heaters come with added accompaniments. Why would you spend extra on a shower or a house when you can get that all at a go? Some useful water heaters accompaniments include a hose, a temperature gauge, a shower head a dual function heating system such as a gas burner.
SHIELDING
To stay safe from being tracked down just because your ballast had a radio frequency mix up, you need to consider selecting a ballast that has the best radio frequency shielding. If it is not well covered, depending on how they work, they create radio frequency interference. Other electronic devices you may have around may begin to shutter and you may be sued for that.
FLEXIBILITY
Another thing you may consider is the flexibility of your ballast. A flexible ballast will simplify your gardening. This means you will be able to use it under several situations like lighting a number of bulbs, using different bulbs that utilize different voltages, supporting double end bulbs and boosting the power output of your garden bulbs.
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
Having your entire hydroponics equipment running together with the lit bulbs, it means your chamber will begin to rise in temperature. High temperatures could be good for Cold months but somehow it affects the transpiration of your plants by increasing it. If you are planning to
buy a digital ballast, find one that when it heats it doesn't become hot because it will be challenging to switch off. Besides your plants will lose so much water.
NOISE
A good ballast is quiet. Only the cooling fan may make some noise but the best ballast produces 100% no noise. Since most ballasts are designed to be super silent, this consideration may not give you a hard time. If it makes noise, it has lost its radio frequency, has some loose screws or any other problem.
FINAL VERDICT
There is one big lesson for you in this best ballast or digital ballast review. It is that digital ballasts are the best over other types of ballasts. Not only that but also you can get here best digital ballast 2017. At the rate at which people are getting involved in Hydroponic gardening, it means that the operations are becoming more advanced each minute. For your kind info. among the above reviews you get a watt option of 400 watt that is it's also a best 400 watt digital ballast for you if needed.If you want to reach vast knowledge about lawn & garden then you can visit our other popular reviews like, lawn sweepers, magnetic sweeper and garden hoe, it should be open your third eye regarding lawn and garden no doubt. Depending on your size of operation, you will get one of the above ballasts that will suit you. When buying the ballast of your choice also choose a Bulb Planters for perfect gardening, make sure it will fulfil all your requirements and it fits your garden. All these ballasts are excellent and have many extra-benefits for you. If you like them, share this information with friends. Have fun gardening digitally!