Metal halide light bulbs are known to produce an abundance of light in the blue spectrum.  The blue color of light encourages plant growth and is especially good for green, leafy growth.  It also helps in keeping plants compact.  This is the best type of light to use as a primary light source if little or no natural sunlight is available.

The average lifespan of a metal halide bulb is about 10,000 cumulative hours.  You can keep using the bulb beyond this time and it will keep lighting up.  Due to its gradual decline, however, you would be wise to replace the bulb for full efficiency.

Comparing the metal halide’s lumen, or brightness, per unit of energy consumed, they produce up to 125 lumens per watt compared to 39 lumens per watt with standard fluorescent lights and 18 lumens per watt for standard incandescent bulbs.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 8:29 pm and is filed under Grow Light, Hydroponic Systems, Hydroponics, indoor gardens. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.