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maine USA

I have read many times that growers use lights to heat hoop houses. My concern with this is condensation. I use grow lights in my basement to grow my orchids in the winter, and I know by experience that just a few drops of water on a hot bulb will make it explode. In a hoop house, there will certainly be condensation that will drip. How do you protect the bulb, and keep water off this electical device? I have visions of my electrical box getting shorted out.
thanks KathyT

9/18/2007 9:52:23 AM

Jericho Vermont

Kathy,
I use light fictures from a farm store. They have big aluminum shields around them and seem to do fine. I try to vent my hoops during the day to dry them out as much as possible. Last spring I used a 250 watt infra red heat lamp in each one, mostly just at night. This is extreme for alot of growers, but its not unusual to see lows in the mid 20's where I live in May. Watch out for you electrical bill though. LOL
JOhn

9/18/2007 10:17:15 AM

IMO,,small electric heaters with fans work better. Air movement for strengthing the plants and keeping that mouisture at a lower level. Some have a "just" fan setting so they can serve a dual purpose later in the season if needed. Usually on sale in late winter here. Less than $20 for a good one.

9/18/2007 10:18:55 AM

Pocatello ([email protected])

I have had the exact same thing happen. In fact, it will happen unless there is some sort of "shroud" above the bulb. Careful placement is important. As far as shorting out, hopefully this circuit (outdoor) will be a GFCI protected circuit.

9/18/2007 3:26:04 PM

Billerica,Massachusetts

i ditched the bulbs for small heaters, bubls work in a pinch but like dan said, get the small heaters, wal-mart jobs 20 bucks or so with thermostat.

Glenn

9/18/2007 4:26:21 PM

Brooklyn Corner, Nova Scotia

I am currently using two small fan heaters. This works well but I have a lot of condensation to deal with. I have an oscillating fan going in the daytime and only turn the heaters on at night. So far I haven't seen any increase in mold or powdery mildew. Andy H.

9/18/2007 5:44:06 PM

maine USA

I herar you with the electric bill John I use 120 watt grow bulbs for my orchids. It gets very expensive! thanks Guys KathyT

9/18/2007 6:49:23 PM

Whidbey Island

I agree with unkadan. I get my heaters from garage sales for 5 bucks or so. If they get wet or rust, who cares?
WPM

9/18/2007 11:39:05 PM

Mill Bay, British Columbia

Agreed, I also get the small heaters that you can set on that just fan setting for other uses should a stem need it.

Cheap and replace-able.

9/19/2007 12:19:30 AM