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JCDerrick · 10-15-2008, 08:17 AM

Halides definitely are expensive, I can't argue there. They do the job as advertised, but their upfront cost and power costs are incredible. To give anyone considering them an idea of what you're investment would be. The 1000W lights run close to $100 (for a good bulb); smaller Watt systems are cheaper for the blubs usually. The ballast is what you'll pay the big bucks for. I usually try and find an all-in-one kit where you get the light, hood, ballast, etc in a single package for a good price. Both of mine were right at $400 each; and that was before ever plugging them in. When looking at a hood, get one with a glass shield. MH bulbs are apparently notorious for exploding and you don't want that to be an issue if you're under it - obviously. And supposdely MH bulbs are also only good for about a year of continuous use. After that they loose some of their output (though it's not obvious to the naked eye) and the power costs stays the same for only a portion of the same quality light you had originally. Now whether that is true or just a marketing scheme to sell bulbs, no idea - I guess I'll be deciding that myself next year.

Total cost to run them a month at $0.10 per kilowatt hour (for about 14 hours) is right around $43 a month, per light. So $86 per month total.

But they do the job and it gives me a large growing area with a lot of light for some high light plants (palms, BOP, Travelers Palm, etc).

If I had to do it all over again I'd just buy a house with more windows, LOL

10-15-2008, 08:17 AM	#16 (permalink)
JCDerrick KeoniKale JCDerrick's Photo Gallery Location: Lexington, SC Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: John Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 324 BananaBucks : 102,730 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 68 Times Was Thanked 126 Times in 73 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 15 Times	Re: Lighting for the winter Halides definitely are expensive, I can't argue there. They do the job as advertised, but their upfront cost and power costs are incredible. To give anyone considering them an idea of what you're investment would be. The 1000W lights run close to $100 (for a good bulb); smaller Watt systems are cheaper for the blubs usually. The ballast is what you'll pay the big bucks for. I usually try and find an all-in-one kit where you get the light, hood, ballast, etc in a single package for a good price. Both of mine were right at $400 each; and that was before ever plugging them in. When looking at a hood, get one with a glass shield. MH bulbs are apparently notorious for exploding and you don't want that to be an issue if you're under it - obviously. And supposdely MH bulbs are also only good for about a year of continuous use. After that they loose some of their output (though it's not obvious to the naked eye) and the power costs stays the same for only a portion of the same quality light you had originally. Now whether that is true or just a marketing scheme to sell bulbs, no idea - I guess I'll be deciding that myself next year. Total cost to run them a month at $0.10 per kilowatt hour (for about 14 hours) is right around $43 a month, per light. So $86 per month total. But they do the job and it gives me a large growing area with a lot of light for some high light plants (palms, BOP, Travelers Palm, etc). If I had to do it all over again I'd just buy a house with more windows, LOL __________________ *Malama 'Aina* Normal Jan. Low: 34°F, Normal Jul High: 92°F Coldest: 16-20°F, Warmest: 98-103°F Annual Precip: 48 inches