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If you’re aiming for potent and powerful buds, then there are few things more important than having the right HPS hood. A High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) hood supercharges your grow lights, creating a more intense light source that leads to quicker growth and bigger yields. It’s kinda like having your own personal sun.
But not all light reflectors are created equal. To help you find the best HPS hood for your indoor operation, below are our top five recommendations.
Our top picks
HPS hoods can give your crops a crazy boost—but only if they’re made of high-quality material and optimally designed. Our top picks have proven to be the very best in the business, boasting excellent performance and unbeatable reflectivity.
1. BEST OVERALL: iPower 1000W HPS Digital Dimmable Ballast Grow Light
Put the power of the sun in your hands with this automated grow light system.
Product Specs
- Reflectivity: This hood has a 95% reflectivity rate.
- Size: This hood is 6 inches.
- Type: This is an air-cooled hood.
If you already have a solid lighting system in place, this kit from iPower might have you feigning for an upgrade. It has all of the essentials: two 1000-watt bulbs (one HPS and one MH) with a digital dimmable ballast, a hanger system, and an air-cooled hood reflector. Pretty much everything you need for a crazy-effective lighting situation.
But let’s talk about the real star of this kit—the reflector. Made out of textured German aluminum, this hood offers a whopping 95% reflectivity rate, which effectively amplifies the power of your grow light system. It’s also designed with holes for ducting and inline fans, and a glass pane that blocks out excess heat.
Reviewers love not only how easy this kit is to set up but also how easy it is to maintain, thanks to the glass panel. One customer noted that changing bulbs “couldn’t be easier.”
Pros
- Fully equipped lighting system
- Optimal reflectivity rate for growth
- User-friendly features for changing bulbs
Cons
- Priced higher than other models
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Apollo Horticulture 19″ Gull Wing Reflector
This no-nonsense hood is ideal for budget-minded growers looking for a reliable reflector.
Product Specs
- Reflectivity: This hood’s reflectivity rate is unclear.
- Size: This hood is 19 inches.
- Type: This is a wing-style reflector.
If you want the benefits of an HPS hood without breaking the bank, then Apollo Horticulture’s Gull Wing Reflector is your new best friend. It has just the basics (a pair of V-hooks and a 15-foot power cord) but is made with the same highly reflective German aluminum material as more expensive hoods.
This 19″ wingspan model is ideal for indoor grow rooms of all sizes, but especially larger operations, as the wing design allows for more light dispersion. Just be wary of where you place your plants. This hood doesn’t offer any heat protection, so keep those little buds far enough away and provide plenty of ventilation.
Despite that, users say this hood is “a great upgrade for your setup” without spending a lot of dough. However, multiple people reported that they were missing screws but said that customer service was prompt in sending replacements.
Pros
- Ideal for larger grow rooms
- Has an affordable price tag
Cons
- No heat protection included
- May arrive with missing parts
3. BEST WING: iPower Wing Reflector Hood Set
Large grow room gardeners will rejoice at the size—and performance—of this iPower lighting kit.
Product Specs
- Reflectivity: This hood has a 95% reflectivity rate.
- Size: This hood is 19 inches.
- Type: This is a wing-style reflector.
If you’ve got a ton of plants, then the iPower Wing Reflector Hood is your hallelujah moment. This hulking 19-inch winged reflector can cover a 4×4 grow area with ease, thanks to its highly reflective German aluminum interior and optimized design.
But it’s not just about size. This hanger system comes with an adjustable 600-watt ballast that offers dimming capabilities and a universal ceramic mogul socket for HPS/MH bulbs, so you can easily switch between lights. It also comes with a 2100K HPS bulb, a 24-hour timer, and a pair of adjustable ratchet clips to help you adjust the light height as needed.
Fans of this set say that it’s well-built, easy to use, and installed in no time. One grower noted that it even doubled their harvest and that the bulbs are “like looking at the freakin’ sun and not as hot” as they might have suspected.
Pros
- Made with highly reflective material
- Great for large grow rooms
- Comes with lights and accessories
Cons
- No heat protection included
- Not ideal for small operations
4. BEST COOLTUBE: iPower 8 Inch Hydroponics Cool Tube
Keep your cannabis breezy and cool with this hood designed for maximum airflow.
Product Specs
- Reflectivity: This hood has a 95% reflectivity rate.
- Size: This hood is 36 inches by 32 inches by 10 inches.
- Type: This is a cooltube reflector.
If you want to stop your plants from burning under the stifling heat that comes with a standard HPS hood, then turn to this cooltube from iPower. It may not come with all the extras, but it is made with the same highly reflective German aluminum material as other models, and its unique design offers some special features—like 8-inch air ducts on both sides of the hood.
This special setup allows more air to pass through, reduces the temperature, and prevents your grow room from turning into a hothouse. Growers give this hood two thumbs up for its ease of use and cooling performance. One reviewer claimed that it “virtually ELIMINATED the heat generated by the ballast itself.”
Pros
- Offers maximum airflow and cooling
- Covers 6 x 6 feet area
- Made with highly reflective material
Cons
- Comes with no additional accessories
- Not ideal for small operations
5. BEST AIR-COOLED: VIVOSUN Hydroponic Air Cooled Reflector Kit
Your crop will enjoy maximum reflectivity (and minimum hot spots) thanks to this hood’s rare Italian aluminum.
Product Specs
- Reflectivity: This hood has a reflectivity rate of 98%.
- Size: This hood is 6 inches.
- Type: This is an air-cooled reflector.
The VIVOSUN Hydroponic Air Cooled Reflector Kit is the perfect solution for growers who want to keep their lights cool without sacrificing reflectivity. Most hoods today are made out of durable and effective German aluminum—but this one takes things a step further with its Italian aluminum that offers a whopping 98% reflexivity.
In addition to the high-performance material, this hood also comes with an internal fan that cools the ballast by 25% and prevents hot spots from forming on top of your indoor garden. Reviewers love how it keeps temperatures low without compromising performance and how easy it is to install. The price is higher than other options, but you’ll get all the necessary accessories (including a 600-watt HPS light) in one neat package.
Pros
- Made with rare Italian aluminum
- Comes with an internal fan
- Includes all necessary accessories
Cons
- Complaints of broken parts
- More expensive than other models
Our verdict
While all of the options on our list will encourage healthy blooms, the iPower 1000W HPS Digital Dimmable Ballast Grow Light and the VIVOSUN Hydroponic Air Cooled Reflector Kit are by far the best. Both offer high reflectivity and cooling power, along with accessories that make indoor gardening a breeze.
Our recommendations
| # | Preview | Product | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
BEST OVERALL: iPower 1000W HPS Digital Dimmable Ballast Grow Light | View on Amazon |
| 2. |  |
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Apollo Horticulture 19″ Gull Wing Reflector | View on Amazon |
| 3. |  |
BEST WING: iPower Wing Reflector Hood Set | View on Amazon |
| 4. |  |
BEST COOLTUBE: iPower 8 Inch Hydroponics Cool Tube | View on Amazon |
| 5. |  |
BEST AIR-COOLED: VIVOSUN Hydroponic Air Cooled Reflector Kit | View on Amazon |
How we chose the best reflector hoods
Reflectivity is the most reliable way to measure the quality of an HPS hood. So we only included options with at least a 95% reflectivity rate. Beyond that, we wanted to showcase models with high-quality materials and designs as they were more likely to offer cooling capabilities. It’s all too easy for plants to burn under the heat of a standard HPS hood, so we gave preference to models with air ducts, exhaust fan systems, and other cooling features.
Cost and customer satisfaction were our final criteria. We wanted options that were affordable and overflowing with consistent, positive reviews.
Who this grow hood is for
Every indoor gardener—no matter their skill level—can benefit from an HPS hood. It’s an easy and effective way to ensure your plants get the light they need while keeping temperatures in check. However, if you have a smaller space or your plants are particularly sensitive to heat, it might be best to opt for LED grow lights instead. They generate far less heat and require no additional cooling equipment.
What to know before you buy a grow hood
Maximizing light is a no-brainer when it comes to cannabis cultivation. HPS hoods are designed to optimize and direct the light from your lamp, reducing loss and providing an even distribution around your growing area. But because variables like size, reflectivity, and type can seriously affect your crop, it’s good to familiarize yourself with what’s available. Below are the most important features to consider when shopping for an HPS hood.
Types of grow light reflectors
You can’t add a light reflector to your setup without first understanding the different types you’ll find on the market. HPS hoods come in a few basic shapes and designs, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s an overview of the most popular grow light reflector models out today.
Wing Reflectors
When you start Googling “HPS hood,” wing reflectors are the first things that pop up—and for good reason. They’re relatively cheap and pretty efficient at reflecting light onto your crop. But their inability to not pummel your plants with unrelenting heat is a significant drawback.
Some gardeners can finagle a fan to help cool off the grow space, but for most horticulturalists, this isn’t an ideal option as it increases the risk of drying out your buds.
Cooltubes
Short on space? These small but mighty reflectors are perfect for tight growing areas. Plus, they’re designed with a glass bottom that works to reduce the amount of heat generated during use—which means less risk of burnt buds!
However, they’re less effective than their larger counterparts at bouncing light off the walls and into your crop, so only go for these if you really can’t fit anything bigger.
Air-Cooled Hoods
Air-cooled reflectors are a horticulturist’s dream come true. They feature the same glass-bottom design as cooltubes, and they come with built-in holes for hooking up exhaust fans.
The air-cooled design helps keep temperatures under control and allows you to get the most out of your lamp. The only downside is that these hoods can be pretty pricey, but they’re well worth the investment.
Size
Light reflectors come in two basic shapes: tall and narrow or short and wide. Most growers opt for the short and wide style as it spreads light more evenly, covers more ground, and lets you position it closer to your plants without burning them.
Tall and narrow hoods have their benefits too. They allow for deeper penetration in taller grow areas and fit in seamlessly with setups that place the light high above the plants. So before you start shopping, it’s a good idea to assess your grow room or area and figure out which shape best suits your crop.
Reflectivity
Here’s where things get a little science-y. Reflectivity is the measurement of how much light a material is able to reflect. Most HPS hoods will label their reflectivity rate on the product page, usually expressed in percentages. The higher the reflectivity, the more expensive the hood, but you’ll also get more bang for your buck in terms of light.
If you can swing it, 95% reflectivity is the way to go. But if you need to save a few dollars, anything in the 85%-90% range should do the trick.
User-Friendliness
As far as maintenance goes, the main task you’ll be responsible for is, of course, changing out your light bulb. You might not be thinking about this when you first install your HPS hood, but it will be far easier to switch out bulbs if you have a hood that can be opened up.
Look for a light reflector that has hinges or sliding glass. Typically, these are only found in cooltubes and air-cooled tubes. It may seem like a small detail, but trust us—it will save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Tips for using an HPS hood
The biggest issue with light reflectors is regulating the heat they generate. Obviously, opting for an air-cooled hood with fan compatibility can help mitigate this, but you’ll also want to find an additional route for the heat to escape. Windows, chimneys, and air vents are all great options, but if none of those are available, you can always set up an exhaust fan in the room to help keep temperatures down.
Placement is also key when using an HPS hood. Heat stress can be detrimental to your success, so you want to make sure that you’re not placing the reflector too close to your plants. Hold your hand just above the top of your crop and note the temperature. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s probably too hot for your plants.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more efficient lighting setup, consider adding supplemental LED lights. Mixing these energy-efficient bulbs with HPS lights can help you save on electricity costs and provide the perfect spectrum of light for your cannabis crop.
- Prevent heat buildup and ventilate the room properly by using a window or chimney.
- Do the hand test to check if the light is too close to your plants, and adjust accordingly.
- Add supplemental LED lights for a more efficient and cost-effective lighting setup.
FAQs
Indoor horticulture isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a lot of experimentation and trial-and-error involved, especially when it comes to choosing the right HPS hoods for your grow room. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of FAQs to answer some of the most common questions regarding these game-changing tools.
Q: Do reflectors help grow lights?
Yes—the bright white interior surface reflects more light to your plants, making them more efficient and providing better coverage for your crop.
Q: Do grow lights need to be directly above plants?
Yes—lights should mimic the direction natural sunlight comes from, so placing your light source above the plants is key for optimal growth.
Q: What do you use to reflect light in a grow room?
While aluminum foil and mirrors are great DIY options, the best method is to use an HPS hood. These specially-made products are designed with higher levels of reflectivity.
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Marquis *wants* to know how to keep happy and healthy plants, but had a hard time finding information that wasn't written by just another copywriter. After nearly losing one too many plants, it was time to take matters into her own hands. A team of plant scientists and nursery hands was brought together and The Indoor Nursery was born.
