tention of growers around the world. Double ended
HID lighting systems are more efficient at converting
electricity into light and have an increased longevity,
which dwarfs the old HID lighting systems. The typi-
cal single ended HID lighting system will have lost
20-30% of its original output after 10,000 hours of
operation. However, double ended HID systems do
not degrade the bulbs as quickly. In fact, after 10,000
hours of operation, a double ended HID system will
have lost only about five percent of its original out-
put.
Double ended HIDs not only have increased lon-
gevity for lamps, but they also produce more light
per watt of energy consumed. It is not uncommon for
a double ended lighting system to produce 10-30%
more light per watt of energy consumed when com-
pared with magnetic core ballasts or high-frequency
electronic ballasts. All in all, double ended HID light-
ing systems pack the punch of HID lighting, but with
the added bonus of increased efficiency. life span of 20,000 hours, which is a longer life span
than a typical single ended HID.
Ceramic Metal Halide
Ceramic metal halides are another improved
upon HID technology that has many growers excited.
Gardeners are intrigued because ceramic metal ha-
lides have a full spectrum output and a CRI (color
rendition index) rating around 90. Light from the sun
has a CRI of 100, so a ceramic metal halide is capable
of delivering an intense spectrum very close to that of
sunlight. Ceramic metal halide bulbs also have a rated Induction Fluorescent
Induction fluorescent lighting is unique in that
it utilizes a sealed bulb design. This is different from
standard fluorescents and HIDs because these tech-
nologies rely on electrodes to bring electricity into
the bulb. Induction fluorescent lighting utilizes micro-
wave or radio frequencies to pass through the sealed
bulb and excite the metals and gases sealed within.
This allows induction fluorescents to retain their CRI
and amount of PAR (photosynthetically active radia-
tion) for a longer time.
The initial cost of a horticultural specific induc-
tion fluorescent lighting system is high, but a gar-
dener will not have to pay for bulb replacement
during the entire life span of the fixture (typically
10-15 years). The cost of bulb replacement is some-
thing that many gardeners overlook when purchas-
ing a lighting system. For example, a T5 fluorescent
lighting system will generally require annual bulb re-
placement. Like the T5 fluorescent systems, induction
fluorescents are a great choice for vegetative growth
or for clones and seedlings. Unlike the T5 fluorescent
Southern Burner Co.
Non Vented Greenhouse Heaters
Dependable greenhouse
heaters. Economical heat on
natural or LP gas.
“No Electricity Required.”
Millivolt controls available with “set-
back” thermostat for day and night
temperatures. Model C-1 with opn
flame adds CO2 to your greenhouse.
For literature and prices:
P.O. Box 885 • Chickasha, OK 73023
800.375.5001 • 405.224.5000
www.SouthernBurner.com
20
Square Wave vs. Sine Wave
Double ended and ceramic metal halide technolo-
gies can