Questions

• What is the life cycle of MH and HPS lamps?
• What is the value of the high pressure sodium as opposed to the metal halide?
• What is the maximum (realistic) area a 400w MH lamp can illuminate?
• What area can a 1000W lamp cover?
• What is MS?
• What signifies C and BU?
• What means HOR?
• What means LU?
• What exactly does bare bones mean?

Answers

What is the life cycle of MH and HPS lamps

MH lamps should be changed at least every 12-14 months  when burning 18 hours/day. HPS can be burned to the end of  it's life - approx. two years.

 

I'm looking at starting up a system in my basement over winter, and I was wondering what the maximum (realistic) area a 400w MH lamp can illuminate.

The Maximum area is 6' X 6'.

 

We've gotten estimates from 36 to 100 sq. ft. as to what a 1000W can cover, what is your recommendation?

                High-light plants such as herbs and vegetables will  require between 20 and 60 Watts of lights per square foot  of growing space, flowering and fruiting will be in the top  end of the scale. A 1000 W MH in a 5' x 5' (25 square ft)  area will provide 40 Watts of light per square foot.  Compared to 20 Watts to square foot in a 7' x 7' (49 square  ft) growroom. You could probably get away with 36 square  feet with a 1000 W MH.

MS 400 BU ...60 <--- What is MS?

              This is a clear super bulb. MS= Metal Halide  Super

MS 400 C/BU ...65 <--- What signifies C and BU???

              C= coated with phosphor (white), BU= use Base Up only

MS 400 C/HOR ...68 <--- What means HOR???

             HOR= use HORizontally only

MS 400 LU/BU MH..HPS ...78 <--- What means LU???

             This bulb converts from HPS to MH.

What exactly does bare bones mean?

             Bare bones lighting kits include: bare ballast,  bulb, socket,              piece of wire, octagon box / cover /  hook. (reflector separate)              Everything you need to  get the bulb lit. Assembly required.

What is the value of the high pressure sodium as opposed to the metal halide?

     When supplementing natural sunlight, a High Pressure       Sodium used to extend the daylight in early spring and      fall,  and/or low light cloudy days. Metal Halide is a very      wide  spectrum bulb used indoors where there is no      sunlight  available. HPS is a more efficient bulb, puts out      more light  per Watt consumed and lasts approx. twice as      long. It's  usable light is higher in the red end of the      spectrum which  is  a great supplement to sunlight.