7 Types of Commercial Grow Equipment for New Grow Room Project
The commercial grow equipment in this blog refers to the various tools and systems for indoor cannabis growing on a large scale. Commercial growers need to build an optimal growing environment to increase the yield and quality of crops. All the types of commercial grow equipment are integrated to be a uniform system, creating a controlled perfect environment for cannabis growth. They play a critical role in the success of commercial farming operations.
Each type of commercial grow equipment is designed to perform specific functions. For example, lighting systems are used to provide artificial light. And irrigation systems are used to deliver water and nutrients. Hydroponic systems are also commonly used to create a soil-free environment for plants, with nutrients delivered directly to the roots. And climate control system will provide air conditioning, dehumidifying, and ventilation in order to stably regulate temperature and humidity levels in grow rooms.
The advantages of using commercial grow equipment are numerous. It can create an optimal growing environment to increase yield and quality, which brings higher profits. Meanwhile, automated systems require minimal human intervention, which reduces labor costs and increases productivity. Stable operation will improve plant health, leading to a more robust crop. So more and more new commercial growing projects invest much more than before in commercial grow equipment in order to maximize the potential and achieve long-term success.
And now let's dive into the 9 types of Commercial Grow Equipment one by one to have a new understanding of modern grow room projects.
Commercial Grow Equipment: Lighting systems
Lighting systems are the necessary commercial grow equipment for most indoor cultivation projects. The popular types of grow lights include LED, HPS, and CMH. LED means Light-Emitting Diode, HPS means High-Pressure Sodium and CMH means Ceramic Metal Halide. Both LED and HPS lights are the most commonly utilized sources now, but CMH also is becoming more and more popular.
Understanding LED lights
LED lights work by passing an electric current through a semiconductor, which emits light energy in the form of photons. Then produce light without generating significantly more heat via electroluminescence, which is great for indoor growing environments.
Compared to HPS and CMH lights, LED lights consume less energy while producing the same amount of light. This benefits the environment and lowers electricity bills. LED lights can last up to 50,000 hours, compared to 20,000 hours for CMH lights.
LED lights can be used well from seed starting to flowering. LED lights produce a complete spectrum of light, including UV and infrared, making them ideal for cannabis grow
The shortage of LED lights is more expensive to purchase initially. But they offer a greater return on investment over time due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. Overall, LED lights are a versatile and efficient option for indoor growers.
Understanding HPS lights
A HPS light is a type of high-intensity discharge light commonly used in horticulture. Through an electric current, the mixture of gases and sodium vapor produces a bright yellow-orange light. The price of HPS lights are relatively cheap. But there is a limited spectrum, with only around 3% blue light, which can limit their effectiveness in promoting plant growth. And its lifespan is about 20,000~24,000 hours, only half of the LED lights.
HPS lights are commonly used in indoor gardening, horticulture, and street lighting applications. They are particularly effective for promoting flowering and fruiting in plants, which require more yellow and red light than blue light. HPS lights are also used in street lighting because of their high efficiency and cheaper price. However, due to their limited spectrum, HPS lights may not be the best option for cannabis grow.
Understanding CMH lights
CMH lights are becoming increasingly popular among indoor growers. They produce light by passing electric current through a gas-filled tube. Ceramic arc tubes emit both blue and red wavelengths, which are essential for plant growth.
CMH lights are a great option for indoor gardening, as they provide a more natural light spectrum that mimics sunlight, resulting in healthier and more robust plant growth.
The main advantage is their wider spectrum of light over LED and HPS lights. This wider spectrum allows for better and more even coverage of plants, resulting in fuller and taller flower strains. CMH grow lights have been found to produce bigger, denser buds and offer a richer spectrum of light, which can lead to better plant growth and development. The cost of CMH lights is higher than that of HPS lights, but it is much cheaper than the cost of LED lights.
They are suitable for indoor gardening, agriculture, and horticulture. The lights are especially useful when growing plants that require a lot of light, like cannabis. CMH lights offer excellent cost-effectiveness and versatility.
Before making the choice of the lighting system, we need to consider growing space, energy efficiency, lifespan, upfront cost, performance, yield, etc. factors.
First, the lights' size, wattage, and amount needed depend on the growing space.
Second, LED grow lights are the clear winners in energy efficiency. Less heat produces less energy, saving on cooling.
Third, CMH grow lights can also produce bigger, denser buds and have a broader spectrum of light, which can lead to better plant growth. AndLED grow lights have been found to produce comparable yields while using less energy and producing less heat.
Fourth, in terms of lifespan and upfront cost. LED has a much longer lifespan than CMH and HPS, which means less frequent replacements and a more sustainable option. But the LED price is the highest, and CMH is the middle one, and HPS is the cheapest.
Cost, energy efficiency, and yield will ultimately determine whether to choose HPS, LED, or CMH grow lights. CMH grow lights may be a more affordable option, but LED grow lights are fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial cultivators because of their energy efficiency, longer lifespan, full spectrum, and less heat generation.
Fluence LED lights now are respected to be the top choice for many big commercial growers .
Commercial Grow Equipment: Climate control systems
Climate control systems play an essential role in commercial grow equipment. Keeping temperature, humidity, and lighting levels consistent is essential for cannabis growth. By creating the right climate, crops will yield higher yields and be of higher quality. A good climate control system can also help mitigate the risks associated with environmental factors such as pests and disease.
There are different choices of climate control systems used in commercial grow operations, including normal split-type air conditioners, self-contained dehumidifiers, and all-in-one grow room hvac systems. These systems are designed to regulate temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide dosing, misting, fogging, and grow lighting. Additionally, some systems can be controlled remotely, allowing growers to monitor and adjust the environment from anywhere. More and more commercial cannabis growers have chosen the latest technology grow room hvac system to realize the above functions. If you have any interest, you can visit the following brands.
1, Surna
2, Altaqua
3, AgronomicIQ
Using the right climate control systems can provide a lot of benefits for commercial growers.
First, it can create an environment that maximizes plant growth and yield.
Second, it can help reduce labor costs and lower energy consumption.
Third, it helps growers produce crops year-round, regardless of the season or weather conditions, producing high-quality crops consistently and efficiently.
Commercial Grow Equipment: Hydroponic systems
Hydroponics is a soil-less growing system that is becoming increasingly popular for cultivating cannabis plants due to their efficient use of resources and ability to maximize space. This method involves growing plants in water and nutrients rather than in traditional soil. They optimize space, requiring less space than soil-based growing methods, which allows for more plants to be grown in less space. Furthermore, hydroponic systems are more efficient, less prone to disease and pest infestations, and offer faster growth.
The hydroponic systems commonly used in commercial grow projects include DWC, NFT, Ebb and Flow systems, Wick systems, Aeroponic systems, and Drip irrigation systems. Each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice will depend on factors such as the grow space, desired yield, and growers' experience
DWC system means Deep Water Culture, which involves suspending the plants' roots in a nutrient-rich water bath. It is simple yet effective, making it a popular choice for both novice and experienced growers. DWC produces strong roots and fast growth and becomes a great option for maximizing yield.
Ebb and Flow system, also known as Flood and Drain systems, flood the roots of plants with nutrient-rich water and then drain it away, allowing for a cycle of wet and dry conditions. It can be used with multiple growing mediums and is easily automated. High yields, simplicity, and ease of use make it popular.
NFT system means Nutrient Film Technique, and it involves a continuous flow of nutrient-rich water over the plant's roots, which are suspended in a channel or tube. High yields can be achieved quickly. Even though it requires more attention and maintenance than other hydroponic systems, it can be a great option for experienced growers.
Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. When we choose the hydroponic system, we need consider the following factors;
1, Cost and maintenance required,
2, Crops yield and quality
3, Ease of use and the learning
Ultimately, the best hydroponic system for cannabis growth will depend on individual needs and preferences, to find the balance point amount cost, maintenance, yield, and ease of use. By carefully considering these factors, commercial growers can choose the best hydroponic system for their specific needs and maximize their plant growth and yield.
Commercial Grow Equipment: CO2 enrichment systems
CO2 enrichment systems are also an essential component of commercial grow equipment. A green plant's growth depends on CO2, which is crucial for photosynthesis. Using it properly can increase cannabis plant growth and yields significantly.
CO2 enrichment in grow room allows crops to meet their photosynthesis potential, resulting in improved plant growth.
Commercial grow rooms normally use these kinds of CO2 enrichment systems, including compressed liquid gas and combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas and propane. CO2 system can be equipped with a user-friendly programmable timers control or integrated with grow room hvac system to enrich and supplement carbon dioxide levels to an ideal level for grow rooms. Especially, It works best in a sealed grow room where there is no air exchange with the outside environment.
The benefits of using the right CO2 enrichment systems in commercial grow operations are numerous. It is a powerful tool for enhancing crop yield, health and boosting the number of annual harvesting opportunities, especially during the flowering stage. Biologists and plant physiologists have long recognized the benefits of higher CO2 content in the air for plant growth, making CO2 enrichment an essential component of commercial grow equipment.
Commercial Grow Equipment: Ventilation systems
Ventilation systems are also the necessary commercial grow equipment. Its importance cannot be overstated, because good ventilation prevents fungus-related diseases, mold growth, and stagnant air. It promotes strong, healthy plants, which can lead to higher crop yields and better quality products.
Various types of ventilation systems are used for commercial grow rooms, including exhaust fans, intake fans, ducts, and pipes. These systems work together to maintain proper airflow, humidity, and temperature in the grow rooms. And some high-end cannabis cultivation even introduces the automated HVAC and dehumidification system, also called the grow room hvac system, that provides fresh air and CO2 enrichment with the perfect temperature and humidity control.
Using the right ventilation systems in commercial grow rooms also maintain a clean and safe environment for the workers, reducing the risk of respiratory issues and other health problems. Furthermore, automating commercial cannabis ventilation using smart technology can optimize crop development and take the guesswork out of indoor grow. All the investing in the right ventilation systems can significantly improve the success of the whole growing operation.
Commercial Grow Equipment: Pest control system
Taking a proactive approach to pest control is a critical aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive commercial grow room. Pest control is primarily concerned with preventing pests from damaging or killing plants, ultimately leading to higher yields and more profit.
Commercial grow rooms are commonly infested with aphids, caterpillars, fungus gnats, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. They can damage plants significantly and spread rapidly if not controlled. Pest infestations can also pose health risks to workers and consumers.
Chemical, mechanical, and biological pest control systems are the most common.
The biological control of insects and mites uses parasitoids, predators, and pathogens. Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites are common natural enemies introduced into growing rooms to control pests.
They are preferred over chemical systems as they are environmentally friendly and do not leave harmful residue on the crops.
Mechanical pest control systems involve physical barriers, traps, and other mechanical. They prevent pests from entering the grow room or capture and remove pests that are already present.
They often use sticky traps and pheromone traps, as well as air curtains, screens, and netting. The mechanical pest control system is often used in combination with other pest control methods
The use of pesticides to control pest populations is a chemical pest control system. However, they are only sometimes recommended due to their potential harm to crops. Choose products specifically formulated for use in grow rooms and follow all safety guidelines when using chemical pest control.
The most effective pest control system will depend on the crops' specific needs and the grower's preferences. In order to ensure crops' health and success, all options must be carefully evaluated.
1, Regular monitoring and inspections are essential for identifying and addressing pest problems early on. This allows for a more targeted and effective response, reducing the risk of crop damage and minimizing pesticide use.
2, Proper sanitation and cleaning protocols are critical for preventing pest infestations. Grow rooms should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily to eliminate potential breeding grounds for pests.
3, Introduce the Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is a holistic approach to managing pests in commercial grow rooms. It is recognized as the most effective approach to pest control in commercial grow rooms.
IPM combines preventing, identifying, monitoring and targeted controlling measures to manage pest infestations safely and economically. Setting action thresholds and regularly monitoring and identifying pests are key operations. Natural and organic pest control products, such as Trifecta Crop Control, can also contribute to IPM efforts.
Maintaining healthy plants and maximising yields requires effective pest control. Pest control systems for grow operations must be selected based on the specific needs of the operation.
Commercial Grow Equipment: Monitoring and control systems
Monitoring and control systems are essential components of commercial grow equipment. They help growers control various environmental factors, such as CO2 levels, temperature, irrigation, humidity, and grow lights. There are many monitoring and control systems available on the market that allow growers to closely monitor and control the various factors that affect plant growth and development.
1, Plant growth can be optimized and crop loss prevented using advanced monitoring and control systems, saving labor costs, reducing water and energy consumption, and reducing labor costs.
2, Real-time monitoring and tracking of cultivation activities can also help growers identify and address issues more quickly, improving efficiency and cost savings.
3, Remote monitoring and control system allow growers to track essential metrics such as CO2, temperature, and humidity, optimizing their growing conditions and maximizing yields and profits.
4, Monitoring and control systems can monitor water content and nutrient levels in the growing media, allowing growers to optimize plant growth and improve crop quality.
5, Monitoring and control systems can inspect plants regularly for potential pest infestation sources, and keeping the space around the grow room clean can help avoid attracting pests.
6, Monitoring and control systems can help cultivators comply with regulatory standards and requirements. Access control systems can also ensure that only authorized staff members can access grow rooms and dispensaries, helping to maintain compliance with local cannabis business regulations.
7, Monitoring and control systems can lower utility expenses by optimizing critical equipment and allowing remote access to the grow room. Using the most cost-effective lighting schedules and monitoring energy consumption will further reduce growers' operating costs.
The systems allow growers to automate various aspects of their operation, freeing up time for other critical activities. By monitoring and controlling their operations effectively, commercial growers can maximize profits and achieve long-term success.