by Jorge Cervantes
Conversion Lamps
Most efficiently used to grow vegetative and flowering plants.
Wattages available: 150,215, 360, 400, 880, 940, 1000.
Brilliance: There are two basic types of conversion, or retrofit bulbs: 1. To use a metal halide system with a bulb that emits light similar to an HP sodium bulb. 2. Retrofit HP sodium to convert it into a virtual metal halide system. Conversion bulbs operate at a lower wattage and are not as bright as HP sodium bulbs. Although conversion bulbs have less blue, they are up to 25 percent brighter than metal halide systems and their LPW conversion is better than that of super metal halides.
Spectrum: Conversion bulbs have a similar kelvin temperature to that of their metal halide and HP sodium counterparts.
Life of bulb: Rated at 24,000 hours. Most growers replace bulbs after 18-24 months of operation.