Silly question about HID bulb alignment

[LurkingInTheGrass]

Is there a difference between horizontal and vertical bulb alignment? Or is it just growers preference? Or growers space limitations?

I see even the CMH reflectors have both styles

I have a 4 foot parabolic (verticle bulb) - so 4ish foot footprint

I need another, and will likely end up with plain $35 wing, until I can set aside the pennies for a cool tube (5×5 footprint)

[NAKEDGARDENER]

DrPhoton will kick in on this, but I liken vertical bulbs and horizontal alignment a bit like a radio carrier wave, vertical or horizontal polarization. Both offer differing results and are used for their unique qualities, for me I always prefer horizontal alignment as I feel the footprint is more natural, with vertical it is omnidirectional but seems limited in its coverage and seems more useful in small space environments to give lighting in areas of shadow. I’m probably totally wrong on this and DrPhoton will give a far better and accurate science on your question.

[Redwasp]

DrPhoton there you go. He likes to talk lights.

[Chefbjy]

Yes I'd like to hear what DrPhoton can tell us about this subject. 😉

[NAKEDGARDENER]

Lol that was me cq ing for other ops and wondering if anyone got the ref.

[Toker1]

Yes, the horizontal bulb sends light downward towards the floor (half the light is directly sent and the other half is weakened through reflection). Vertical bulbs send the light towards the walls (no losses through reflection if using a cool tube). Just remember that direct light is always much stronger than reflected light.
Plant set up and arrangement is much different for each style, might want to consider that before making your final decision.

[LurkingInTheGrass]

Thank you - more food for thought

[DrPhoton]

Yes when verticle bulbs are used with reflectors, they allow better light uniformity as it forces most of the light to bounce off the reflector. Where as horizontal bulbs have roughly half of their light directed away from the reflector. The horizontal system saves on reflection losses as half the light does not have to interact with the reflector and instead is directed towards the intended area. Which increases hotspots.

Parabolic hoods are common reflectors that use verticle systems as it more naturally distributes the light evenly.

So one must weigh up whether they want superior uniformity or reduced optical losses. Which can be quite substantial. A standard 600w HID bulb can loose around 18 percent of light with horizontal systems. Imagine what verticle would loose.

[KingKush]

Vertical is the way to go! Vertical lights w/parabolic hoods grow AWESOME plants!


*sigh....
H.I.D. Lighting is like cassette players or VHS: works great but the future is brighter. (LEDs)


😌🌲🌳💚