CDM & Plasma Lights
Explore our range of CDM (Ceramic Discharge Metal Halide) grow lights, prized for delivering a natural, full-spectrum output closer to real sunlight than standard HPS or MH lighting. Stocking fixtures and bulbs from DimLux, LUMii, Maxibright, Luxx, and Philips, our CDM range suits growers wanting enhanced UV output and superior plant morphology across both vegetative and flowering stages.
Why choose CDM over standard HPS or MH?
CDM (also known as CMH, or Ceramic Metal Halide) lighting uses a ceramic arc tube rather than the quartz tube found in standard metal halide bulbs, allowing it to run at higher temperatures and produce a broader, more balanced spectrum. This spectrum sits closer to natural daylight than either HPS (heavily red/orange) or standard MH (heavily blue), giving CDM a reputation for improving essential oil, terpene, and overall plant quality — particularly valued during the vegetative-to-flower transition.
Single vs twin CDM fixtures
Our range includes both single-lamp fixtures (315W) and twin-lamp setups (2x315W, or "630W" combined output) like the LUMii Solar 630W Twin CDM Fixture. Twin fixtures give broader, more even coverage across a larger footprint, while single 315W units are well suited to smaller tents or as a supplemental light alongside HPS or LED.
GRO vs PRO bulb variants
Several of our CDM ranges (particularly LUMii's Solar line) offer a choice between a cooler "GRO" bulb, tuned for vegetative growth, and a warmer "PRO" bulb, suited to both vegetative and flowering use. Some fixtures are sold with both bulbs included, letting you switch spectrum as your plant moves through its life cycle without buying a second fixture.
Running cost and lifespan
CDM bulbs typically use less power and produce less heat than an equivalent-output HPS setup, making them a reasonable middle-ground for growers wanting better efficiency without moving fully to LED. Bulb lifespan is generally shorter than LED (expect gradual output decline over 10,000-20,000 hours) but longer-lasting spectral quality than standard HPS.
FAQ
Is CDM better than HPS for flowering?
CDM produces a more balanced, full spectrum than HPS's heavily red output, which many growers find improves essential oil and terpene development — though HPS still tends to win on raw yield/watt for pure flower bulk.
Can I run a CDM bulb on a standard HPS ballast?
No — CDM bulbs require a compatible CDM/CMH ballast (like the Maxibright Digilight Daylight 315W), not a standard HPS or MH ballast, due to different ignition and operating requirements.
Do CDM bulbs need a warm-up period?
Yes — like most HID lighting, CDM bulbs should run continuously for at least 15 minutes on first use to properly fuse and reach full, stable output.
