What exactly is metal halide lighting? This is actually a type of high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting system that produces high light output despite its compact and small size. It has a wide scope of uses that include professional lighting and general lighting applications. People who are on a tight budget would normally hesitate to buy this because of its higher upfront cost compared to fluorescent and incandescent. But since this is more efficient and long-lasting, you will still spend lower on your total operating cost.
If compared with mercury vapor or incandescent, metal halide completely produces much better light quality. In fact, it closely resembles that of the ones produced by natural sunlight. You can also use this for indoors or outdoors without experiencing any reduction of its intensity or curbing of its lifespan.
Metal halides are versatile fixtures because of their ability to produce different color temperatures (from 2700K to 20,000K) for different specifications. The different light colors – pink, green, light blue, blue – that you normally see are the result of adding a variety of metal halides into a compact arc tube that also contains argon and mercury. Their ability to adjust and create different color temperatures are also the reasons why these fixtures are perfect for reef tanks because these promote good health and growth of corals and other types of live-vegetation.
An incandescent lamp has an average lifespan of 1,500 to 2,000 plus hours – metal halides could last 10 to 20 times longer than that. Since metal halide lamps make 65 to 115 lumens per watt, these fixtures are able to use up energy efficiently, which is very important in reducing air pollution.
This lighting system – since it’s compact and small – requires additional accessories for its operation, such as luminaires and ballasts. The luminaires will help focus the light to the right direction specific for the job. The ballasts will serve to control the current and carry the appropriate voltage to the arc tube.
There are many ways that you can buy metal halides – one is through online retailers. You can check out 1000Bulbs.com, which offers a wide variety of metal halide systems. Depending on the wattage and model, the average cost is from $28 to $62 per fixture.
VentureLighting.com is another manufacturer that you can get high-quality and innovative metal halide lighting. Their latest technology, Uni-Form pulse start systems, allows their metal halide fixtures to have 50-percent higher lumens per wattage, which is more efficient and advanced compared to their competitions.
Before buying, make sure that you shop around and research about the best metal halide lighting for your needs.
