Re: Halide lamps

Robert Allen (Robert.Allen@Eng.Sun.COM)
Mon, 7 Jun 93 14:34:49 PDT

>>> Does anyone have any information on using/buying
>>> metal halide lamps as grow lights for CP? I'm planning
>>> a growth chamber for lowland Nepenthes and am thinking
>>> that these type of lamps might be the best solution.
>>> However there are a couple of issues to be resolved:
>>>
>>> 1) how much do they cost?
>>
>>You can count on payint $200 - 300 for a thousand-watt light. I wouldn't
>>go for any less - this will give you a good growing area. Depending on
>>your local rates, you will pay about 20 per month to run it.

That seems like a LOT of light. Like more than I'd need.
I was thinking more in the 150-300 watt range. Are those
prices for the bulb, socket, and reflector unit, or just
the bulb? How long do bulbs last, and how much to they
cost to replace?
>>
>>
>> > > 2) where is a safe place to buy them from? An article
>>> in CPN a couple years ago noted that DEA confiscated
>>> the UPS shipping records for a bunch of suppliers of
>>> these lights, then raided homes of people buying them,
>>> on the assumption these people were growing dope plants.
>>>
>>I wouldn't worry too much. I worked at a store that got raided, and they
>>confiscated a lot, but they had a particular agenda (and they ended up
>>returning the stuff, because their case was so weak). For the home HID
>>user, unless they find something illegal, you don't have anything to worry
>>about. I wish they would have this happen to them more often; then they
>>might work on the really bad stuff, like crack houses....
>>
>>Here in Seattle, they went to one woman's house, and she invited them in
>>and showed them her orchid and african violet collection...:)

I wish I could share your trust. I'd really rather not
have myself, my housemate, and my neighbors woken up at
4am as the Goon Squad kicks in my door and stuffs a
machine-gun in my crotch :-(. I think I'll purchase it
locally. Of course if I pay cash I'm likely to attract
further attention.

The joys of living in a "free" country...

R.