All Asked Questions
Are all your lamps UL listed?
HID lamps are not required to be UL listed by the Federal Government. Furthermore ANSI (American National Standards Institute) does not require lamps to be listed.
HID lamps are considered a light source and therefore are not required to be UL listed.
do all your lamps have CSA or ul ?? there is nothing on the lamps
HID lamps are not required to be UL listed by the Federal Government. Furthermore ANSI (American National Standards Institute) does not require lamps to be listed.
HID lamps are considered a light source and therefore are not required to be UL listed.
Do HORTILUX lamps work on electronic/digital ballasts?
HORTILUX lamps work equally well as any competitive brand on electronic ballasts. Performance really depends on the quality of the electronic ballast and the ability of the ballast manufacture to produce consistently good products.
Magnetic, core and coil ballasts are made to conform to ANSI Standards. ANSI is the American National Standards Institute that establishes specifications on how specific HID lamps are to perform electrically. This designation ensures that all lamp brands work interchangeably on the ANSI compatible ballasts. For example, all major brand LU1000 lamps comply with ANSI S52, and when matched with a ballast designated ANSI S52, the consumer is assured the lamp and ballast are matched correctly. All major lamp brands currently comply with these ANSI standards, and have for decades.
Most electronic ballasts do not comply with ANSI ratings. This means that each e.ballast brand can be different.
Compound this with actual variations in the production runs from the same manufacturer/ brand and you can see why system dependability is easily compromised. These are clearly NOT lamp issues but ballast challenges to be improved upon. If you chose to operate our lamp on a ballast that does not meet these ANSI specifications, lamp life and performance MAY be dramatically reduced. Since the quality of artificial light is paramount to successful plant photosynthesis and optimum growth, it would seem ill-advised to compromise lamp performance in favor of unproven ballast technology.
HORTILUX-BLUE lamps develop paint chips (appears like powder) loose in the outer jacket as they age.
This is normal for this lamp type. The white powder will accumulate inside the bulb jacket as the lamp ages. This will NOT reduce the performance of the lamp.
How do I determine the warranty of the lamp?
The lamp has a 1 year warranty from the date of installation (please save your receipt). If this date is not documented, then EYE uses the manufacture date. All returns should be handled through the store you purchased the lamp from.
How far should my M1000B/U/BT37/HTL be from my plants and what size area will it cover. I use it to start seeds for a few months.
A 1000W lamp will cover roughly a 5x5 area. Fixture spacing and position above the plant vary widely. Light output and coverage is greatly dependent upon fixture design and quality of the materials used. Please consult the fixture manufacturer for recommendation on fixture spacing relative to plants.
See the lamp coverage guide here http://www.eyehortilux.com/education-room/lighting-basics.aspx#collapseThirteen
How long does the lamp last?
Average lamp life is rated by the manufacture in hours. This means that at this number of hours ½ of the lamps installed should still be operating. We recommend that HPS lamps should be replaced in 1 to 1 ½ years and Metal Halide lamps should be replaced in 6 to 9 months.
I have 4-1000W Super HPS running in light tubes hooked up to one fan. This morning all of the lights except for the 1st one (with the coolest outside air) shut down at the same time. I thought that it must be electrical except they are all plugged to the same electrical box. About 5 minutes later they all came back on again! Is there are heat shut off in the bulb itself? In the ballast maybe?
HID lamps do not have an internal temperature shut down. Most likely your ballast shut down the lamp for a number of reasons. The lamps could be at the end of their life, the ballast could have overheated, you could have lost power for a second.
Check to see how old your lamps are. If they are still relatively
new check your system to see what the problem could be.
I have a question.
Thank you for asking.
I want to hang a metal halide bulb vertically. Is this able to be done or do I need to purchase a special bulb for going vertical? Why is this the case?
All HID lamps have operating position requirements that need to be considered prior to purchasing.
Please refer to the directions on the packaging which will tell you the required operating orientation of the lamp.
Some lamps, mainly Metal Halide (HPS lamps can be operated in any position), are manufactured to operate in a specific position. If the lamp is not used in its proper burn position you will reduce the performance and life of the lamp.
Please read these two links which explain what the operation positions mean and how to read the lamp monogram so you know the lamps operating specs.
http://www.eyehortilux.com/education-room/lamp-basics.aspx#positions
http://www.eyehortilux.com/education-room/lamp-basics.aspx#guide
I wanted to know if you offer a 400Watt ballast /bulb set that does both metal halide and high pressure sodium in one?
Mike,
I wanted to know if you offer a 400Watt ballast /bulb set that does both metal halide and high pressure sodium in one?
I am sorry we do not have any product that is a all-in-one system.
We do have many 400W HPS and Metal Halide lamps available but no Dual Arc 400W offerings.
I was curious about vertical lighting. What is the proper heighth to place the lamp in relation to the top of the plant canopy? Any info would be great...thanks
Low wattage systems (150W-250W) generally should be a minimum of 12" - 24" from the top of your plants.
Medium wattage systems (400W-600W) generally should be a minimum of 12"-36" from the top of your plants.
High wattage systems (600W-1000W) generally should be a minimum of 18"-48" from the top of your plants.
This also varies based on the stage of growth your plants are in.
I was under the impression that the bulbs when fresh from the store aren't capable of producing their strongest output, but instead attain the ability to produce their strongest output after a cycle? Is this true?
All HID lamps do go through a "break in" period but it is not as long as one growth cycle. HID lamps are fully "broken in" after 100 hours of burn time, or just over 4 days. This is a lighting industry standard.
All HID lamps are burned for 100 hours before they are measured for their performance. This to is a lighting industry standard.
If you have any further questions please let me know.
Mark Thomas
EYE HORTILUX™
If a bulb blows when I am not there what will the ballast do if left on for an extended period ? I have a magnetic type.
If an HID lamp were to blow up the ballast will continue to run until either you shut it off or the ballast burns itself out.
iI purchased 2, MT1000B-D/HOR/HTL-BLUE bulbs. I have a duel ballast that can power both HPS and MH bulbs, what do i set my ballast for HPS OR MH? Thank you.
The MT1000B-D/HOR/HTL-BLUE is a Metal Halide lamp. You must use the Metal Halide setting on your ballast to operate this lamp type.
Is it okay to use a 1000w hps bulb with a 1000w ballast dimmed to a 750w or 600 setting?
We do not recommend dimming HID lamps. HID lamps will operate when dimmed but the spectral quality of the lamp will change in a negative way.
HID lamps are designed to operate at a specific wattage. When you flip the switch, or turn the wattage dial, you are reducing the operating wattage of your lamp. This reduces the temperature inside the lamp and causes some of the chemical reactions inside the lamp to stop. This has a dramatic and negative impact on the quality of the light being produced by your lamp.
If you want to reduce the power of your system we recommend using a lower wattage lamp and operating it at its proper wattage. This way you can reduce power without sacrificing the quality of your spectrum and ultimately the quality of your plants.
It was claimed by a plasma light company that the air cooling of HPS bulbs reduces the temperature of the bulb, thus reducing the lumen output. Is the airflow from my aircooled hoods reducing my lumen output and if so do you know how much at a specific temperature of air introduced to the hood and at a specific cfm as a baseline.
Running cold air over the bulb inside the fixture will not reduce the lumen output of the lamp. That air is only cooling the air and the outer jacket (bulb) but it is not cooling the arc tube.
To cool the arc tube the air would have to be significantly cold (sub zero temperatures) and even if it were that cold the only real affect it would have on the lamp is it would take longer to warm up and get to full power.
You can run cool air over your grow lamps without any adverse affects.
Lamp glass is turning brown after 6 months of use?
Typically for HPS lamps, the sodium begins to migrate from the arc tube and accumulate on the outer bulb. A small amount of discoloration is normal. However, some electronic ballasts will increase this phenomenon which reduces light output if the discoloration is significant. More frequent lamp replacement may be needed depending on the type of electronic ballast.
May I use a 400w HPS in the 600w ballast ? Why or Why not ? Thank You.
You do not want to operate a 400W lamp on a 600W ballast! This is very dangerous. It will provide way too much power to the lamp. You could blow out your bulb and possible start a fire. Only operate lamps to their stated wattage.
My lamp is already 3, 6, or 9 months into its warranty by the time I received it from my supplier. What do I need to do to get this lamp warranted from the date of installation?
Keep a record of when you bought the lamp. A sales receipt is fine, or have the store scribe the base for you.
On colder days I like to run my 1000w EYE Hortilux without a fan blowing through the enclosed fixture. Does this harm the bulb in any way since the glass is atatched to the fixture?
No, operating the lamp without air cooling will NOT damage the lamp.
Please define: "must use an enclosed fixture". How do I know if my fixture is enclosed? I am interested in using your Metal Halide "Blue" 400W bulb, in a "water cooling" Hydroreflector. I was planning to NOT set up the water cooling for a couple more months, and I was planning to use the fixture initially with the end caps off to allow passive air flow on each end (unvented). Is this considered Enclosed? Thank-you.
An enclosed fixture is required when running most Metal Halide lamps. It is required as a precaution in the rare occurrence that the lamp may explode. If the lamp explodes in an enclosed fixture, all the contents will stay inside the fixture and not enter your garden.
An enclosed fixture will have a glass lens that will encase you lamp inside the fixture. Most fixtures have the ability to remove the lens. Make sure you are using the lens anytime you use a Metal Halide lamp.
Should I be concerned with the glass imperfections, scratches, black dots, etc.?
No. Like most manufacturing processes, glass varies from lamp to lamp and you may see some slight imperfections in the glass. However, all of our lamps are quality inspected prior to packaging and if the imperfections are too severe we will not sell the lamp.
Should I wear gloves when installing my lamp?
It is recommended because they provide protection from cuts in the unlikely event that the glass should break when you're removing or installing a lamp. The other benefit is that it will help keep the glass clean which provides for the best possible lamp performance.
The lamp's glass turns black but still fires.
The lamp has failed due to an arc tube leak and the lamp needs to be replaced. If it is within 1 year from the date of purchase you should request a warranty claim.
What are the risks associated with working under HID light? I spend a lot of time working in my indoor garden while my 1000w Hortilux lights are on. I always wear a hat and UV-glasses, and I’d like to know if this is sufficient protection.
When working in close proximity to HID lighting you should treat it as if you are outside working under the summer sun. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is recommended.
As with natural sunlight, HID light does produce Ultra Violet Radiation. If your working for long periods of time under HID lights keep exposed skin to a minimum.
In addition, you should always operate Metal Halide lamps in an enclosed fixture for your safety and the safety of your plants.
Beyond this there are no major concerns or issues when working under HID lights.
What do I do if the store I bought my bulb at went out of business and I need to make a warranty claim?
Call us at 877-905-2562. We will get you in touch with a local store that can replace your lamp ASAP.
What is the differance between the 1000W MH and 1000W BLUE MH besides price?
The main difference between the 1000W BLUE Metal Halide and the 1000W Metal Halide is the spectral distribution. When you compare the spectral distribution of both lamps you will see that the BLUE has a more powerful and balanced spectrum. The HORTILUX Standard Metal Halide has a classic Metal Halide spectrum.
The HORTILUX BLUEHORTILUX™ BLUE is the closest match to natural sunlight of any light source available today. This lamp is for experienced growers who demand the highest quality plant production.
You can compare the spectral distribution charts for both lamps here http://www.eyehortilux.com/products/Metal-Halide
What should I do if my lamp does not start right out of the box?
EYE HORTILUX starts and operates every lamp we produce to ensure minimal lamp problems for our customers. Furthermore, we comply with ISO9001:2008 quality program which ensures our process is clearly defined and has minimal variation. Chances are, there is not a problem with the lamp. Make sure the lamp and ballast are compatible. Be sure to turn the power off prior to lamp installation. Once the lamp is installed firmly in the socket (DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN), turn the power back on and the lamp should start.
What should I do if my new lamp has a broken shard of glass that rolls around inside the jacket (bulb)?
This is fairly common because all of our lamps are vacuum lamps, meaning that vacuum pumps are used to attain the desired pressure inside the lamp. During production, broken glass circulates through the pumps and is blown into the lamp.
This is not cause for concern unless you can actually see that a part of the lamp is broken inside and that is where the glass came from.
What temperture does the dual arc 1000W Super Blue burn at? Also, do you know at what temperture it would be inside of a reflector with this bulb buning? Thanks
The bulb temperature for the 1000W Dual Arc is 752 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature inside the reflector is going to be close to that depending on the type of reflector you have.
We do get this question a lot and I'm assuming you are trying to figure out how to cool your room. We have a BTU calculator on our web site that can help you determine the power of your cooling system. http://eyehortilux.com/education-room/btu-calculator.aspx
A 1000W lamp requires 3,413 BTU/HR.
What voltage does the lamp like to have 120V or 240V?
120v or 240v (and for that matter 208v, 277v or 480v) is the supply voltage to the ballast (not the voltage reaching the lamp). Please match the supply voltage with the appropriate ballast. ie: Houses in the USA have 120V outlets, please match this supply voltage with a 120V ballast. The ballast takes the supply voltage and then provides the correct power to the lamp.
What will happen if I run the light at a 45 degree angle and not HORIZONTAL?
You should only operate you grow lamps as instructed in the directions included on our packaging.
Anytime you operate a lamp in a position it was not designed for, you will shorten the life of your lamp and reduce the intensity and the spectral output.
HID lamps are designed and manufactured with an operating position in mind to achieve maximum output and reliability.
We do offer lamps that can meet any fixture layout.
When I look at different websites for the EYE Hotilux Blue 1000 watt, they tell me 65K but when I view your EYE site it tells me 5500K ? What difference will this make? I had ordered from a company and they said it was 65K Hortilux EYE. Will I need to know what the difference will do?
It really does not make a difference because if you are using the BLUE as a grow lamp you should not be concerned with Kelvin temperature.
Kelvin temperature has nothing to do with the quality of the light spectrum you are getting for the lamp. Furthermore Kelvin temperature will not grow plants.
Kelvin temperature is a measurement of what that light source looks like to the human eye. It does not explain or measure the quality of the full light spectrum provided by the lamp.
Always consider our web site as the main source for HORTILUX™ product specifications.
When using the Hortilux E-Ballast, what is the longest socket cable one can use to ignite a HPS bulb?
The HORTILUX Platinum series electronic ballast may be installed up to 15 feet away from the reflector/lamp. Distances greater than 15 feet may cause potential starting issues that can result in damage to the ballast and/or lamp.
Why did the entire glass turn white (appeared to have smoked up) when it failed?
The cause is an air leak into the lamp itself. The lamp has failed and should be replaced.
Why does the lamp flicker?
When lamps are new, they may flicker during initial start up. Any flickering should settle down as the lamp warms up. If a lamp flickers after warm-up, there may be something wrong with the lamp or the ballast. You can isolate a ballast problem by installing another lamp. If this lamp flickers as well, you most likely have a ballast problem.
Why don't you publish PAR ratings?
Lumen and PAR rating do not tell the complete story in terms of plant growth. Both criteria can be optimized simply for ratings with little to no improvement in plant growth.
Why is the metal frame bent?
If the frame is bent when the lamp is brand new then it was mishandled on its way to the store. Some frame discoloration and slight bending is normal as lamps age. However, severe bending is caused by excessive heat and/or the use of electronic ballasts which can create acoustic resonance in the lamp.
Will a LU600 work better on a 1000 watt system?
No, only use lamps on ballasts rated for that lamp type.
Will your Platinum Series Electronic Ballast light a pulse start metalide lamp?
Yes, the Platinum Series e-Ballast will operate Pulse Start lamps.