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Greenhouse lighting advice?

Posted by buyorsell888 Zone 8 Portland OR (My Page) on
Thu, Oct 9, 08 at 13:53

I have a small greenhouse 6 x 8 with tropical plants and a pond with tropical waterlilies. I'd like to keep them all flowering over the winter or at least green and not dormant.

My climate isn't terribly cold but it is gray and cloudy for months on end.

I do have SAD somewhat.

I thought I wanted HPS but have been reading about ceramic metal halides showing the colors better and being more like sunshine.

Not sure where to buy, budget is an issue as is my electric bill.

DH has finally weatherized the greenhouse and run power but it is not 220 if that makes a difference.

Thanks


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: Greenhouse lighting advice?

Yes, Ceramic Metal Halide (CMH) is the best full-spectrum light. They are maximum of 400watt. Philips invented the new technology. With theirs you must choose either horizontal or vertical. The CRI (color rendering index) is 85% of natural sunlight. Replacement bulb prices are about $70 each.

GE also makes a 400w CMH. Theirs is 80 CRI, a higher output, and universal position orientation.

Ballasts for these are either magnetic (400w HPS ballast) or digital (GE makes the only one that will work on CMH). The digital GE ballast requires 240v. You could install 240v by running 13-4 wire from your breaker box.

The digital ballast will save 10-20% off your electrical bill. They prolong bulb life and performance.

For information on where to purchase, you may contact me personally: euroindoorgrow@yahoo.com


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RE: Greenhouse lighting advice?

Thank you


 
 

 

 


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