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Description
cmh grow light bulb Growers Choice Horticultural Lighting 315W SE CMH Complete Fixture 3KGrower's Choice 315W CMH Grow Light Happy Hydro Full spectrum light that actually matches sunlight, at 315 watts The Grower's Choice GC 315 is a complete ceramic metal halide fixture with a built in digital ballast, open reflector, and your choice of lamp spectrum. CMH produces a broader, more balanced spectrum than HPS with a CRI up to 97, which means your plants see light closer to what they'd get outdoors. The fixture runs 120V 240V, dims without
Full-spectrum light that actually matches sunlight, at 315 watts
The Grower's Choice GC-315 is a complete ceramic metal halide fixture with a built-in digital ballast, open reflector, and your choice of lamp spectrum. CMH produces a broader, more balanced spectrum than HPS with a CRI up to 97, which means your plants see light closer to what they'd get outdoors. The fixture runs 120V/240V, dims without external controllers, and includes full circuit protection so you're not replacing ballasts after a power surge.
3-year warranty
120V/240V compatible
Controller compatible
Side by side
315W CMH vs. a standard 600W HPS
600W HPS
- Narrow spectrum, heavy in yellow/orange, almost no UV or blue
- 600W draw plus additional cooling costs
- Separate ballast, reflector, socket, and lamp to assemble
- Magnetic ballasts hum, flicker, and lose efficiency over time
- Bulbs degrade quickly, typically need replacement every 6 to 9 months
- No built-in dimming or fault protection
GC-315 CMH
- Full spectrum with UV, blue, red, and far-red, CRI up to 97
- 315W draw, nearly half the power for competitive PAR output
- All-in-one fixture: ballast, reflector, and lamp in one unit
- Digital square-wave ballast, no hum, no flicker, consistent output
- 15,000-hour rated lamp life, roughly double a standard HPS bulb
- Built-in dimming dial and full circuit protection against surges
What makes it different
Built for real grow rooms, not spec sheets
Closest spectrum to sunlight available in HID CRI up to 97
The 4K lamp scores a 97 CRI, meaning its spectral output is nearly identical to natural daylight. The 3K lamp sits at CRI 90 with enhanced red for flowering. Plants respond to this broader spectrum with tighter internodal spacing and more uniform growth.
Low-frequency square wave ballast
The digital ballast drives the lamp with a low-frequency square wave, which is up to 30% more efficient than magnetic ballasts and maintains that efficiency for the life of the unit. No internal fans needed because the case design acts as a passive heat sink.
Full circuit protection with 3-second self-test
On every ignition, the ballast runs a 3-second diagnostic. It protects against open circuit, short circuit, over-voltage, under-voltage, and over-temperature faults. If something is wrong, the ballast enters protection mode instead of damaging itself or the lamp.
Dimmable with Smart Step and Super Lumen modes
Turn the dial to reduce output when plants are young or temperatures are high. Super Lumen pushes the lamp past rated wattage for maximum PAR when you need peak intensity during late flower.
Runs cooler than HPS at comparable PAR
At 315W, this fixture produces significantly less radiant heat than a 600W HPS. In small tents or rooms without dedicated HVAC, that can be the difference between manageable temperatures and constant heat stress.
Compatible with Grower's Choice Master Controller
Daisy-chain up to 100 fixtures per zone using the optional Master Lighting Controller. Supports timed on/off, sunrise/sunset ramping, and dual thermal probe auto-dim shutdown for commercial setups.
Specs
Technical specifications
Wattage
315W
Input voltage
120V / 240V (50/60 Hz)
PAR output (3K lamp)
570 µmol/s initial
Coverage area
3' x 3' flower, 3.5' x 3.5' veg
Lamp life
15,000 hours rated
Input current
2.9A @ 120V, 1.5A @ 240V
Power factor
> 0.98
Warranty
3 years (Grower's Choice)
Setting up your GC-315
1
Hang the fixture
Use the included hanging hardware to mount the fixture from your tent crossbars or ceiling hooks. Adjust height to 18 to 24 inches above the canopy for flowering, 24 to 30 inches for veg.
2
Install the lamp
Insert the 315W CMH lamp into the built-in socket. The lamp seats horizontally in the open reflector. Handle by the base only, not the glass envelope.
3
Set the power level
Turn the ballast dial to your preferred output. Start lower for seedlings or clones, then step up to full power as plants mature. Use Super Lumen mode during peak flower if temperatures allow.
4
Plug in and grow
Connect to any standard 120V outlet (ships with a 120V plug). For 240V operation, swap the cord end or hardwire. The ballast auto-detects frequency and adjusts output to prevent flicker.
In the box
Everything you need to start growing
Included with every fixture
- GC-315W all-in-one fixture with integrated digital ballast
- One 315W CMH lamp (your choice of spectrum)
- Open reflector with horizontal lamp mount
- 120V power cord (pre-attached)
- Hanging hardware
- 3-year manufacturer warranty
Lamp options
- 3K-R (3,100K): Full spectrum optimized for bloom, enhanced red, CRI 90, 570 µmol/s
- 4K (4,200K): Veg-optimized with heavy blue output, CRI 97, promotes tight internodal spacing
- 10K MH Finishing: Metal halide finishing lamp for the final 2 weeks, boosts resin and aroma
- No Bulb: Fixture only, bring your own 315W SE CMH lamp
Not sure which lamp to pick? The 3K-R is the most popular choice for growers who want one lamp for the full cycle. If you run separate veg and flower spaces, pair the 4K for veg with the 3K-R for flower. Call or email us: 716-217-0353 / [email protected]
Questions
Frequently asked questions
The GC-315 flowers a 3x3 area effectively and vegs a 3.5x3.5 area. In a 4x4 tent, you'll get solid growth in the center but the corners will be noticeably dimmer. For full 4x4 coverage in flower, most growers either run two 315W fixtures or step up to a 630W CMH or LED. If you're growing one or two large plants in the center of a 4x4, a single 315W can work fine.
LEDs in this price range typically pull similar wattage but produce a narrower, diode-driven spectrum. CMH's advantage is spectral quality: the broad, continuous spectrum is closer to sunlight than the peaked spectrum of most LEDs. Many growers report visibly healthier plants and tighter structure under CMH compared to budget LEDs. The trade-off is that CMH generates more heat and the lamp needs replacement every 15,000 hours. If heat is your main concern, LED may be the better fit. If spectrum quality matters more, CMH wins at this price.
Grower's Choice rates their CMH lamps at 15,000 hours. Running 18 hours per day in veg, that is roughly 2.3 years. Running 12 hours per day in flower, that is about 3.4 years. Spectrum and output do degrade over time, so many growers swap lamps every 12 to 18 months for peak performance. Replacement lamps are available separately on our site.
The ballast accepts both 120V and 240V input. It ships with a 120V plug. To run on 240V, you'll need to swap the plug or hardwire to a 240V circuit. Running on 240V draws less current (1.5A vs 2.9A), which is better if you're running multiple fixtures on the same breaker. The fixture auto-adjusts, no switch or setting needed.
Yes, any standard single-ended 315W CMH lamp with a PGZ18 base will fit. Grower's Choice lamps are optimized for this ballast's frequency and output, so using their lamps ensures the best spectral performance and longest lamp life. Third-party lamps will work but may not perform identically.
Not for a single fixture. A standard appliance timer handles on/off scheduling, and the built-in dial controls dimming. The optional Grower's Choice Master Lighting Controller becomes useful when you're running multiple fixtures and want centralized sunrise/sunset ramping, thermal monitoring, and auto-dim shutdown. We carry the controller separately if you need it later.
If you receive a defective or damaged unit, email us a photo at [email protected] and we'll make it right immediately: replacement or refund, your call. For change-of-mind returns, we accept returns within 30 days for items in new, resalable condition. If you're not sure whether this product is right for your setup, call us first at 716-217-0353. We'd rather answer your questions before you order.
Happy Hydro has been selling growing equipment since 2006. We've carried Grower's Choice for years because the systems work great and customers who buy them leave happy. Have questions before you order? Call 716-217-0353 or email [email protected]. We're easy to reach and happy to help!
Questions? We're easy to reach.
Happy Hydro has been serving growers since 2006. Call or email us before you order, after you order, or any time something comes up. When you're happy, we're happy.
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 2127 reviews
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 4
Pup Loves It, Some Other Notes
Color: Orange
We've had this for about six months and my 75 lb, 14-month-old German Shepherd pup LOVES IT. Her favorite is "Crazy Bouncing Mode." In fact, she doesn't care much for the normal mode. She chews it a lot - even drops it in her water bowl at times - and it's still going strong.
This is a great purchase. It's nice hands-off entertainment.
Do know that it is heavy compared to a normal ball - if your pup likes dropping it on the ground like mine does, it will land with a hard "thud," even with the included sleeve. Hopefully you don't have downstairs neighbors.
Also know that the cover that goes over the charging port is removable and your dog may choke on it if they chew it in just the right manner. Definitely only let the pup play with it while supervised.
All in all, great toy.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Awesome for hyper dogs
Color: Blue
AWESOME - I have a dog that just won't stop trying to get me to play with him ALL day! I turn this thing on and he goes nuts and tires himself out...without any help from me. The cover got torn off and torn up in minutes but he doesn't care. He just wants this ball. My other dogs, who are older, aren't really interested. But if you have a hyper dog this is the thing for you and them!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Great entertainment, charges quickly!
Color: Orange
Super fun entertainment for dog! Toy ball charges quickly and the charge lasts for at least an hour of playtime for the dog. There are 2 modes. one mode Just lights up, which makes it easy for pet to chase it. The second mode not only lights up, but it also wiggles on the ground Randomly and speeds off in a direction on its own, which really makes it interesting for your dog or cat to follow! Once the ball is not touched for about thirty seconds, it goes dormant and it will stay like that As long as it's charged until somebody touches it, and then it starts up randomly lighting up and moving around the floor on its own And making a vibration noise. It's a lot of fun to watch the dog chase and play with, and it certainly keeps them entertained for a while! The laughs and fun entertainment are definitely worth it. The only downside is that my dog chewed off the soft fabric covering in about twenty minutes.And she's not a real big chewer. It looks better with the covering on it, but even without it, the ball works fine and she plays with it every day.So that is not a showstopper. But good to supervise your dog for safety.In case they are a chewer, and they decide to destroy the cover. But the ball works fine without the cover too!
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Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2026
★★★★★ 4
Looooves her crazy new ball
Color: Orange, Color: Orange
Our 90lb mastiff/boxer mix Indie is very playful, curious and energetic. She needs toys that engage her and keep her busy. This ball does the job!
We’ve had it for less than a week. Here’s what I love and what could be better:
PROS:
• She dog loves it. She whines for it. She gets absurdly excited when I get it out. She’s a bit of an anxious dog, but had zero problems with it inexplicably coming to life.
• It lasts a while on a single charge, so it keeps her busy for a good long time. The longest we’ve used it at a stretch is an hour.
• It’s pretty durable. She’s a super chewer (destroyed every “non-destructible” toy we’ve purchased for her), but the actual ball is hard plastic. She gnaws on it and it gets scratches, for sure. But she’s not going to chew it to pieces.
• On carpet, it’s reasonably quiet.
• It comes with a replaceable silicone button.
• It’s easy to charge…just pull off the silicone button and the charging port is inside.
• The silicone button is flush with the ball’s hard plastic surface, so there’s no way for her to pull the silicone button out and swallow it or get to the charging port.
CONS:
• Cover is worthless if your dog is a chewer. It goes on like an envelope with a Velcro closure. We took it off immediately.
• Without the cover, it’s very noisy on hardwood floors. To us, it’s worth it. (Though, I work from home, so I might feel differently after the holiday vacation.)
• She’s an XL dog, so she can fit the whole ball in her mouth easily and accidentally chomp down on the button and turn the ball off. Not a big deal, just something to know if you’ve got a Lab or larger dog.
• With extended playtime, the two halves can come unscrewed, especially with a large dog who uses their paws/jaws on it a lot. Thankfully, it makes a loud buzzing noise when this happens, so we know we need to take it from her and screw it back together. Is this a potential danger? With the rechargeable battery inside, I’d say yes. But we also don’t let her play with this toy without supervision. So keep that in mind.
Bottom line:
It has its drawbacks, but it keeps her entertained and seems like it should last her at least 6 months with supervised play. Which is honestly REALLY good when we’re talking about Indie, Destroyer of Toys. I’d buy it again.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2024
★★★★★ 3
Difficult/impossible to unscrew plastic cups (in order to recharge the vibrating/blinking device)
Color: Orange
Generally, I don't leave feedback on items purchased. However, in this case, I feel compelled to do so in hopes the mechanical engineers (of this product) will take my input to heart and ultimately modify it.
First the pros...
- I have 2 high-energy dogs (Jack Russell Terriers) who love their toys (e.g., chewing bones, tug-of-war, etc.) but usually get bored with them rather quickly.
- This interactive PetDroid ball, however, keeps them busy for a long time.
- In fact, my smaller dog (Max) knows its storage location and sits (as early as 6 AM) in front of the cabinet so that I give him "his ball". It keeps him busy for up to 1-2 hours at a time.
- Max is literally addicted to the PetDroid ball... his determinant play with it makes me laugh all the time.
Now, the cons...
- After several days of play, the exterior looks chewed up quite a bit. That's no problem though.
- Unfortunately, the interior "threads/grooves" of the two plastic cups (for closing/fasting) are very tiny.
- Thus, after an hour-long hard play, it is almost impossible to unscrew the 2 plastic cups in order to recharge the interior device.
- It appears the 2 cups somehow come off track and get realigned from the inside.
- At that point, I cannot unscrew the PetDroid ball in order to recharge the device.... and without the blinking/vibration, this toy is no longer fun for play.
- Ultimately, I had to place the bottom half of the ball into a vise and then use a plumbing wrench to untwist it.
Proposed Solution:
- Increase the size of the plastic cups' interior threads/grooves so that they won't get realigned/come off track.
- This would mitigate the current dilemma of NOT being able to unscrew the ball in order to recharge it.
In my view, this should be a relatively simple fix and significantly improve the durability of this product.
Thank you for your time.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2022
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