Lamps

High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) Grow Lights

Metal halide lights were created to provide a spectrum as close as possible to that of the
natural sunlight. This coupled with their intensity and energy efficiency, makes them ideal
for indoor gardening. The bulbs range in size from 100 watt to 1000 watt with 400 watt and
1000 watt being the most popular

Proper reflectors, light movers, and reflective material on walls greatly increases intensity and efficiency of these lights. Most high intensity lights can be run with either 120 volt (standard house current), or 240 volt (e.g. used for electric dryer). Electricity cost would be the same but the latter would draw half the amps allowing the grower to run twice as many lamps on the same electrical circuit. Light timers are available for either voltage but always check to see that the amperage rating on the timer exceeds that of the lights.

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Installing your H.I.D light

Care should always be taken when installing and using H.I.D. lights. Remote ballasts should be placed safely out of the way where they can't be knocked over or splashed with water. Never keep your ballast on the floor in case it gets wet. Installing the fixture and reflector is simple. Locate a stud in the ceiling near the centre of the grow area. Screw a metal hook capable of holding 40 to 50 pounds into the stud and test its strength. Attach a 4' to 6' length of lightweight link chain to the hook or hooks on top of the fixture and hang the fixture from the ceiling hook at the desired height. The link chain allows you to easily raise and lower the light when necessary. Hold the lamp near the base and firmly, but gently, screw the bulb into the socket. Connect the timer to the power source; plug the power cord from the ballast into the timer which should be set in the "on" position. It may take up to 30 seconds for the bulb to ignite and up to five minutes to reach full brightness. As the lamp ignites, they tend to flicker and change colour for several minutes. This is quite normal, especially with halide bulbs, which may appear to change colour slightly during normal use. If the lamp does not ignite after 30 or 40 seconds, unplug it. After the power has been disconnected, check:

• that the bulb is screwed in all the way
• that the timer is set on the "on" position
• that all plugs or electrical connections are O.K.
  
  NOTE: Do Not Open The Ballast Enclosure To Check Wiring Yourself! H.I.D. capacitors
  can hold a charge even after the ballast is unplugged! Once these points have been
  checked, try the light again.
  
  Once a metal halide lamp is turned off it requires a 15 to 20 minute "cool down" period before it can be re-started. If ample cooling time is not allowed, a "hot start" occurs, and too many "hot starts" can seriously affect the intensity and longevity of the bulb. For best results, replace halide bulbs after one year of steady use. High pressure sodium lamps require only 2 to 3 minute "cool down" period and need only be replaced every two to three years.