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NEWS
Issue 3 : 2011
THE RIGHT CHEMISTRY
How Grow Lamps Create Light
the arcing of a lighting strike, only much lower
in terms of power and much longer in time.
Inside a metal halide or high pressure sodium
lamp is an arc tube. This is where the electrical
discharge happens. Electricity flows into the
lamp from the ballast and stops at one side
of the arc tube. What happens next is really
amazing. The ballast pushes the electricity
across the gap (from one electrode to the
other) inside the arc tube to the other side
creating a mini lightning bolt (we call this an
One of the best ways to begin discussing how
lamps create light is to compare high intensity
discharge (HID) lamps (the type HORTILUX™
manufactures) to something everyone is
more familiar with, the incandescent light
bulb. In incandescent bulbs, electricity freely
flows into the lamp (bulb) through the
base and up to the filament. As the energy
tries to flow across the filament, it slows
down because of resistance caused by the
filament material and construction. Because
are very unique in their composition and
ratios. Each lamp has a specific chemical
formula which produces the light spectrums
that we provide on our literature and
packaging. This unique formula is what
produces the plant growth you have come to
expect from HORTILUX™ and that is why our
chemistry is a very closely held secret.
ARC TUBE STRUCTURE
Electricity flows into the lamp from the ballast and stops at one side of the arc tube. What
happens next is really amazing. The ballast pushes the electricity across the gap (from one
electrode to the other) inside the arc tube to the other side creating a mini lightning bolt.
Metal Halide
HPS
arc). The ballast then works hard to maintain
this lightning bolt (arc) inside the arc tube for
as long as you keep your light turned on.
of this slowdown, heat is generated, and the
filament glows. The hotter the filament gets
the brighter the light will be. The key point:
incandescent light sources have a filament
which carries the electricity through the lamp
and provides the light that we see.
Here is where it gets interesting. While that
little arc is happening, the lamp gives off a fair
amount of light, but not anywhere near the
amount required for plant growth. However,
the heat generated from the arc, heats up
chemicals inside the arc tube which produce
the incredible amount of light created once
the lamp is fully warmed up. These chemicals
HID lamps (metal halide & high pressure
sodium) DO NOT have a filament. The name
HID or high intensity discharge helps tell
the story. HID lamps are electrical discharge
lamps. Electrical discharge is very similar to
Electrodes
Quartz Glass
Arc Tube
Electrodes
PCA
Arc Tube
Starting
Probe
The HORTILUX™ Difference
What Makes Grow Lamps Special
We publish the spectrums of light produced
by our light sources (visit www.eyehortilux.
com for spectral information). Individual
light spectrums are on every bulb (lamp)
type that we sell. Why is this so important
and what does this have to do with plant
www.eyehortilux.com
growth? These spectral charts show you
the type of light that you are buying. The
unique chemistry inside HORTILUX™ grow
lamps are what actually produce the light
to provide those spectrums. Little known fact: The chemistry inside
HORTILUX™ grow lamps is made by our
chemists in Japan. We are one of the only
companies is the world that does not buy
their chemistry from someone else.
article continued n
© 2011 EYE Lighting International of North America Inc.
------------Issue 3 : 2011
NEWS
THE HORTILUX™ DIFFERENCE (continued)
Most, if not all, other lighting companies worldwide buy their
chemistry from just ONE chemical manufacturer in the world!
There are many different brands to choose from when
replacing your grow lamps. They all look very similar in size,
shape and construction. Some have questionable claims on
their packaging (some have even copied our spectral output
from our packaging). What separates HORTILUX™ from the
others is the ingredients inside the arc tube and the quality of
construction.
HORTILUX™ lamps are made in Mentor, Ohio with unique
chemistry that is designed to provide the best light possible to
help you grow the highest quality plants. When we say, “Only
the Sun Can Do it Better”, we mean it!
Tech Tip #3 : LAMP Installation
When installing your new lamp (bulb), make sure you install it
correctly. Always wear gloves and eye protection when installing
lamps to protect you from sharp glass should the lamp break. Plain
cotton gloves work best as they will minimize the possibility of over
tightening the lamp. DO NOT use the largest diameter of the lamp
for leverage. This may cause you to over tighten the lamp and potentially cause failure. Hold the lamp crown which is the opposite
end from the base. You can use your other hand to help steady the
lamp. The lamp should screw in easily; if it does not, the lamp may
be threading improperly into the socket or your socket may need
replacing. Screw the lamp all the way in firmly but NOT forcibly. It’s Here!!!
platinum series
Now available!
check for updates on www.eyehortilux.com
LOOK FOR
*Patents Pending
(JP 2011162403,
JP2011183369,
JP201118337)
BONUS PACKAGE WITH
HORTILUX LU1000
includeD!
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What would you like to know? SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION TO:
[email protected]
EYE Lighting International of North America, Inc.
a division of Iwasaki Electric of Japan
9150 Hendricks Road
Mentor, Ohio 44060
Tel: (888) 665-2677
Fax: (800) 811-7395
m Printed with soy-based inks on mixed-source paper (55% recycled, 30% post consumer waste).
www.eyehortilux.com
© 2011 EYE Lighting International of North America Inc. ISSUE 3 : 2011