Metal Halide Grow Lights – Answering Common Questions about Metal Halide Grow Lights
How do metal halide grow lights work? The basic concept of these lamps is to run an electrical arc through a specific mixture of gases. As these gases vaporize, they begin to emit light. In metal halide grow lights, for instance, the gases in the lamp include argon, mercury, and a variety of metal halides. The mixture of metal halides determines what kind of light comes out of the lamp. These lamps use 24% of the energy they use to produce light. That is significantly higher than incandescent bulbs, which only use 10%.
What type of light comes out of this type of grow light? As stated before, the mixture of metal halide gases in the bulb determines the exact type of light that comes from the metal halide grow lights. By adding and subtracting certain earth salts and other minerals, manufacturers can adjust the light that comes out. You can find these lamps with ratings that go from 3000K to 20000K. Ideally, you want a grow lamp that is a minimum of 5000K for near to true light. This light quality continues to improve as manufacturers use newer technologies to regulate the light itself.
Are there special requirements for using these type of grow lights? These lights get very hot. In fact, they can cause burns if you touch them at that temperature. You want to have full control over the lamps without touching them at any point when they are on. Putting chains on the fixture will help you adjust the lamps height. Using good ventilation or cooling is necessary to keep the heat from becoming a problem for the plants. These lamps can actually scorch the leaves if they get too close to the light. Taking a few precautions will help you use these lights effectively in your indoor garden.
What else do you need to know about metal halide grow lights? These lights are great for growing plants of all sorts. The small size of the bulbs makes them a favorite for anyone wanting a compact growing area. You do need to use caution in handling these bulbs, when they are hot. The heat can cause burns. It is best to wait until they completely cool. Make sure you use an appropriate cooling system to keep the bulbs burning for a long time. With these facts, you will get the most out of your MH grow lights. Have fun and grow some plants.
What type of light comes out of this type of grow light? As stated before, the mixture of metal halide gases in the bulb determines the exact type of light that comes from the metal halide grow lights. By adding and subtracting certain earth salts and other minerals, manufacturers can adjust the light that comes out. You can find these lamps with ratings that go from 3000K to 20000K. Ideally, you want a grow lamp that is a minimum of 5000K for near to true light. This light quality continues to improve as manufacturers use newer technologies to regulate the light itself.
Are there special requirements for using these type of grow lights? These lights get very hot. In fact, they can cause burns if you touch them at that temperature. You want to have full control over the lamps without touching them at any point when they are on. Putting chains on the fixture will help you adjust the lamps height. Using good ventilation or cooling is necessary to keep the heat from becoming a problem for the plants. These lamps can actually scorch the leaves if they get too close to the light. Taking a few precautions will help you use these lights effectively in your indoor garden.
What else do you need to know about metal halide grow lights? These lights are great for growing plants of all sorts. The small size of the bulbs makes them a favorite for anyone wanting a compact growing area. You do need to use caution in handling these bulbs, when they are hot. The heat can cause burns. It is best to wait until they completely cool. Make sure you use an appropriate cooling system to keep the bulbs burning for a long time. With these facts, you will get the most out of your MH grow lights. Have fun and grow some plants.
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