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Re: metal halide/sodium lights

>Momentarily unlurking here to post a question or two.  I'm looking at
>light systems - one for supplemental light in my mother's greenhouse where
>she raises orchids, one for my basement where I also raise orchids, but so
>far only have luck with paphiopedilums under the fluorescents.

I have a HPS light so maybe I can help a little.

>1.  We saw halogen lights being used in a Wardian case but not in larger
>figures.  Halogen lights seem to be cheaper - do they not lend themselves
>to large-scale light setups?

Halogen lights don't provide the kinds of light plants need.  Don't bother
with them.

>2.  For my operations where the fixtures will be the sole source of light,
>I see I must use a combination of metal halide and sodium for growth and
>blooming so instead of using one 1000 watt fixture, I'm considering two 400
>watt fixtures, one of each type.  I'm uneasy about light movers but I move
>the plants around regularly anyway.  Would it be better to have one 1000
>watt fixture with metal halide and a second with a 400 watt sodium?

I wouldn't worry about it too much.  Pick one light or the other and get the
1000W.  Get the HPS if you have a lot of flowering plants, get the MH if you
don't.  For orchids I'd get the HPS, then I'd grow some tomatos and peppers
inside..  :-)

On other thing to consider is the 400W is good for about a 6x6 area, the
1000W about 10x10.

>3.  Mom's lights in the greenhouse would be used sporadically - probably
>during those protracted cloudy spells that come at just the wrong time and
>possibly to fill in during the winter (we're in Minnesota where the days
>are often bright in the winter but always short).  Any pitfalls here?  I'm
>thinking something on the order of condensation building up on the bulb and
>blowing it out when she turns the light on after several weeks.

She might consider simple flourescent lighting if it's not used very much.

>4.  These puppies are not cheap.  Any chance that a) the price may
>eventually come down; b) the technology may be abandoned due either to
>alternate systems, e.g. Sony Betamax, or lack of interest, or something
>"light years" better?

The price hasn't changed in 5 years, so I doubt it.  You can go to Brew and
Grow in Fridley or Midwest Hydroponics in St. Louis Park to check out
systems and get more information.

>Anita Dille

-Rick (also in Minnesota)
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