Take a look at the newer T5 HO fixtures. It's what many of the big box
stores (Home Depot, Wal-Mart, etc) are using to replace the Metal Halide
lights used in the past. They have the advantage of even illumination
compared with the hot spots from metal halides, longer bulb life, and
very low light loss over time. They are reported to maintain about 95%
output over a 20,000 hour life. This compares with about 60% for metal
halide.
You can buy the fixtures with multiple bulbs (most use 4' bulbs that
I've seen). The ones used in the local Sams store has six 4' bulbs in a
single fixture. These fixtures are quiet and do not have the hum of
the metal halide or cheap fluorescents.
Gil Fuqua
Nashville
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