Metal halide lamps offer the best light output for growing plants!

MH lamps (metal halide), also called halogen metal halide lamp belong together with the sodium vapor lamps (HPS) to the classics of indoor growing. To this day, metal halide lamps are popular light sources with high luminosity and good depth effect. In addition, they are inexpensive to purchase, which is why price-conscious growers and beginners like to resort to them.

The white-blue color spectrum makes them ideal for the growth phase as well as for seedlings and the raising of young plants. For the flowering phase, a different light source with a red-yellow component (e.g. HPS) must be used.

MH lamps are available in various sizes and wattages. From 150 watts for growing, to 400 watts for a small grow space, to 1,000 watts for larger indoor grows, you'll always find the right bulb for your preferences. The base is standard E40 and fits all common reflectors and holders. To operate an MH lamp, a ballast of appropriate wattage is always required. The life of metal halide fixtures varies from 10,000 to 30,000 hours. Most indoor growers use their MH grow bulbs for about a year before replacing them.

In recent years, the technology of plant lighting in general and metal halide bulbs in particular has advanced significantly. All our manufacturers (GIB Lighting, Sunmaster, Philips, Lumatek, Sylvania and Elektrox) are up to date with the latest technology and have optimized their MH lamps in terms of lifetime, luminous efficacy and color spectrum.

Tips for metal halide lamps

1. Never touch the glass of the lamp with your bare hands! The body fat on the skin can possibly affect the life and luminosity of the bulb.
2. Since MH lamps can generate a lot of heat, the grower should ensure sufficient distance from the plants - otherwise the tips can burn. For cuttings in the cultivation 150 watt bulbs are particularly suitable.
3. Metal halide lamps should be not dimmed if possible, because the MH lamps lose considerable power!