LOL, I could just get one of those trains that goes around a track. j/k

My wife has already raised eyebrows at this expense. I better keep it cheap, LOL. Else I might also be sleeping in the garage.

I've gone and done it again... now we have two potted Christmas Palms (for a total of 6 trees). Now I definitely HAVE to get the halide system this winter. Now I just have to find a good system.

That palms magificent and a great pic of your home. Your neighborhood is beautifully wooded

Thanks Graham. It'll be really amazing if it continues to grow larger. I can guarantee we are the only folks in the area with a Christmas Palm, LOL.

Hehe, at the rate you're going you'll have a 0 car garage.

LOL, I just told Graham that if I keep this up, I'll need a bigger house.

We're actually renting a SUV on the Florida trip. Just in case any tropical plants want to "hitch-hike" to South Carolina.

Hahaha, John you're incorrigible.

I do have one last Halide question for you Augie. I also posted this over at Dave's Garden. Speaking of which, JoAnn, I thought you were hanging out over there too. I haven't seen you

Getting back to the Halide's a second. I've found a business I like (they actually have a physical store and phone number I can call) and wanted some thoughts on this set up.

Website:
http://www.htgsupply.com/viewproduct.asp?productID=48085

Specs I'm considering. NOT just the basic model, I'm doing upgrades as noted.

SuperNova Reflector w/ safety glass - says it CAN be vented with a fan. But do I *have* to use the fan system for this thing to cool properly? In fact, all the reflectors with safety glass seem to have vents. I just am not sure if you HAVE to use them. I am putting this in the garage during winter - heat buildup in the garage isn't an issue, in fact, it'll be a good thing. But I also don't want to overheat my reflector. Is a fan required if you have the safety glass type of system? I want the safety glass for obvious reasons.

GrowBright 1,000 watt HPS Bulb - I don't need it, but it comes with the order. It might come in useful if I want to try and keep the hibiscus or plumeria happy during winter.

SunMaster 1000w MH Conversion Neutral Deluxe - I know it's only 4000K versus 6000K (still not completely sure I understand what those numbers mean - something to do with the sun I guess), but for what I'm looking to do, I think it'd suffice. I can't spend a fortune on this, else the DW will have words about it.

The balast and timer that come with it also look pretty good. It might be a little noisy, but again, it'll be in the garage. Looks and noise aren't really that important to me. I do like the rubber feet on it. I also like the long cords. The ballast will likely sit on the cool concrete floor. The reflector will be hung from the ceiling, 9-11ft above.

And one last question. What is all this talk about the CO2 levels?

"Use the optional 4" cooling flanges to AIR COOL this reflector! This is of particular interest to growers using supplemental CO2. The reflector is a self-contained unit which includes vent ports (which fit optional 4" cooling flanges) and a tempered glass safety lens. Because the lens fits onto the reflector users can exhaust excess heat from the reflector without disturbing ambient CO2 levels. The reflector features a spectacular aluminum interior designed to further increase efficiency by maximizing light exposure. Easy to use and install 4" flanges, 4" inline fan and ducting are not included but are needed to effectively air cool this reflector."

It again makes me wonder if I MUST buy the inline fan or not. I would like to think I don't, but I can't tell and I don't know from experience. I would also love to know what ambient CO2 levels he's talking about. This is a bulb? I'm confused.

Quote:

"Use the optional 4" cooling flanges to AIR COOL this reflector! This is of particular interest to growers using supplemental CO2.

Hmm, supplemental CO2. Nah, screw that part John, of course you will get hits from 'professional growers', you don't need or want that. I can't advise you any further, you're already past my comfort zone.

Man, I can't wait until this thread starts rolling again! I'm just sitting here and looking at an 8' snow drift just in front my window.

Can anyone tell that I have cabin fever?