This is a multi-spectrum, 800 watt, self contained LED grow light. In my opinion LED'S are the way to go, especially for the beginner but even for the pro's. The benefits include... There's none of the issues that you encounter with heat which means that you can use them in small spaces without the need for elaborate ventilation systems and without risk of burning your plants if they get within a foot of the light. Theres no need for a ballast or anything else. Just plug it in to a wall timer, turn it on and you're growing. Also, with the multi-spectrum lighting you dont have to worry about when or how long to use MH bulbs and if/when to switch to HPS. This gives the plant everything it needs from seedling to harvest, light-wise. On top of that the cost to run these lights is about 1/10 of a comparable halogen lighting setup. I have two of them if you want them both for $100 or $60 each.