I have recently been bombarded with a lot of questions about different lamps and their compatibility with electronic ballasts. The main problem is the operating frequency of digital ballasts vs. the operating frequency of traditional magnetic ballasts. Lamp manufacturers have done very little to adapt to the newer technology. Digital ballasts run at a very high Hertz Frequency of about 20,000+hz, where as magnetic ballasts run at a staggering 60hz. Upon their launch the digital ballasts had a lot of reported interference issues, mainly with television, because of the higher hertz operating frequency. Now most digital ballast manufacturers internally shield the ballasts to subdue the higher radio frequency waves.
In order to properly diagnose the problem with lamp compatibility and digital ballasts we need to look at all variables involved. Magnetic coil core ballasts have been around for years. In order to maintain uniformity in operation and functionality, ANSI (American National Standard Institute), developed a standard for magnetic coil core ballasts. The standard was set at an operation frequency of 60hz. This allowed lamp manufacturers to easily make lamps to operate at a frequency of 60hz, to be compatible with the ANSI standard ballasts.
Now enter the new world of the digital or electronic ballasts. This technology is so new that there is no ANSI standard on electronic ballasts. Some ballasts may have an operating frequency of 20,000hz and some may even have an operation frequency of 100,000hz. What this does is create a bunch of headaches with lamp manufacturers trying to manufacturer a bulb that is compatible with digital ballasts. So to market a bulb to be compatible with electronic ballasts is really false advertising. A lamp may be compatible with one brand of ballast but not fair so well with another brand of ballast.
I spoke with Mark Thomas of EYE lighting and he told me some very interesting information. He said that EYE Hortilux lamps are compatible both with both magnetic coil core ballasts and digital ballasts as are many other lamps on the market. The only bulb that he doesn't recommend using with digital ballasts are the new EYE dual-arc bulbs. He also verified for me a lot of information that I used in this article.
The new digital ballasts offer some advantages such as quiet operation, better efficiency, less heat, and smaller size. It seems like some manufacturers are taking steps to best utilize the new ballast technology while others are at a stand still. When shopping for a new ballast take this into account and be sure to choose the ballast that is right for your personal application. EYE Lighting is introducing an eballast compatible lamp with enhanced operating frequency to run with digital ballasts in the very near future, so be on the lookout!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Clone machines
Cloning is the best way to preserve a genetic replica of your prized heirloom genetics. Many people are now turning to aeroponic clone machines for a fail safe alternative to the more traditional cloning methods using cloning gel or solution and medium.
For a while gardeners used a gel such as olivia's, clonex or rootech to dip their fresh cuts in before placing them in an inert grow medium such as rockwool, root plugs or even jiffy pellets. The fresh cuts would then be put in a tray with a heat mat underneath and dome overhead to keep the cuttings warm and the humidity high. Some farmers have great luck cloning like this, and still utilize this method today. Now their is an alternative to the traditional method, aeroponic clone machines.
We will be comparing two of the most popular clone machines on the market, the EZ Clone 30, and the Botanicare Power Clone 45 site. The EZ Clone is available in 30-site, 60-site and 120-site models. The Botanicare Power Cloner also has three models in the Power Cloner 45-site, Power Cloner 70-site and Power Cloner 165-site.
EZ Clone is a great machine and has leverage in the market because it specializes in one thing, clone machines. The EZ Clone 30 retails for $310. This clone machine uses a combination of misters and an external air pump to create an aerated solution with very high dissolved oxygen levels. It isn't uncommon to have fully developed roots in the EZ clone machines within 7-days. One disadvantage to the EZ Clone machines is that there is no dome to keep the humidity in. This really helps the cuttings absorb moisture through their leaves while they have no available root system. I recommend keeping your relative humidity in the 70% range while rooting fresh cuttings in the EZ Clone machine for best results.
The Botanicare Power Cloner-45 site is built a little differently then the EZ Clone machine. Upon inspecting the machine as I opened the package it seems to be very well made and with thick plastic. The only concern I have is the color. White tends to not be very light proof and with any type of light leaks in hydroponic machines you can find yourself susceptible to algae and other problems. I do like the design of the machine though and noticed that it comes with a clear propagation dome which is an added bonus. The retail price of this machine is a bit higher then the EZ Clone at $372. The Power Cloner utilizes diffusers from a main manifold similar to the EZ Clone machine to bath the fresh cut stems in a fine mist. This machine doesn't have an external air pump like the EZ Clone that adds that needed extra dissolved oxygen to the propagation solution.
So which is more important the added dissolved oxygen that the EZ Clone provides or the propagation dome supplied with the Botanicare Power Cloner? I took these machines and put them head to head to make the call for myself. The EZ Clone machine recommends to dip the fresh cutting in their EZ Clone gel before putting it in the system where as the Power Cloner recommends using a 2-part liquid mix of Power Cloner solution and Aquashield. The EZ Clone gel retails for $13.50 for a 2oz container where as the Power Cloner solution is a bit pricey at $56.50 a pint and the Aquashield in an additional $13.95 a quart. So the EZ Clone machine is not only cheaper upfront but also cheaper to maintain.
After doing everything recommended by the manufacturer I was truly shocked with the results. My thoughts were that the Botanicare Power Cloner would outperform the EZ Clone machine because it utilized a propagation dome and a liquid solution instead of a gel. I felt that the gel would wash off and prolong the the time it would take to root the cuttings. The results spoke for themselves. After about 5-days both machines were performing quite well and I could see knobs forming at the root area where roots would eventually develop from. At day-7 the EZ Clone machine had fish bone looking roots hanging from the stems where as the Botanicare Power Cloner-45 still only had nubs.
Roots from an EZ clone machine.
I was curious why the EZ Clone outperformed the Power Cloner so well that I called EZ Clone Enterprises in Sacramento to see what they had done in the way of testing and development to make their product so much more superior then other machines on the market.
I found out the answer to the question that I was in dire need to know. Why doesn't EZ Clone use a propagation lid on their machines? Here is the answer that I got. "Humidity domes make the plant feel comfortible in their current state (without having roots). We did numerous tests with both dome on and dome off and we consistantly had better results without the dome. We feel that without the dome the plant is forced to produce roots faster so it can survive."
The new EZ Clone Pro is coming out in the spring of 2011. Although the wouldn't indulge in any details they did tell me that the new unit will be ready to go out of the box, have a temperature control function, and be available up to a 256-site unit. Yee ha! Bring it on.
For a while gardeners used a gel such as olivia's, clonex or rootech to dip their fresh cuts in before placing them in an inert grow medium such as rockwool, root plugs or even jiffy pellets. The fresh cuts would then be put in a tray with a heat mat underneath and dome overhead to keep the cuttings warm and the humidity high. Some farmers have great luck cloning like this, and still utilize this method today. Now their is an alternative to the traditional method, aeroponic clone machines.
We will be comparing two of the most popular clone machines on the market, the EZ Clone 30, and the Botanicare Power Clone 45 site. The EZ Clone is available in 30-site, 60-site and 120-site models. The Botanicare Power Cloner also has three models in the Power Cloner 45-site, Power Cloner 70-site and Power Cloner 165-site.
EZ Clone is a great machine and has leverage in the market because it specializes in one thing, clone machines. The EZ Clone 30 retails for $310. This clone machine uses a combination of misters and an external air pump to create an aerated solution with very high dissolved oxygen levels. It isn't uncommon to have fully developed roots in the EZ clone machines within 7-days. One disadvantage to the EZ Clone machines is that there is no dome to keep the humidity in. This really helps the cuttings absorb moisture through their leaves while they have no available root system. I recommend keeping your relative humidity in the 70% range while rooting fresh cuttings in the EZ Clone machine for best results.
The Botanicare Power Cloner-45 site is built a little differently then the EZ Clone machine. Upon inspecting the machine as I opened the package it seems to be very well made and with thick plastic. The only concern I have is the color. White tends to not be very light proof and with any type of light leaks in hydroponic machines you can find yourself susceptible to algae and other problems. I do like the design of the machine though and noticed that it comes with a clear propagation dome which is an added bonus. The retail price of this machine is a bit higher then the EZ Clone at $372. The Power Cloner utilizes diffusers from a main manifold similar to the EZ Clone machine to bath the fresh cut stems in a fine mist. This machine doesn't have an external air pump like the EZ Clone that adds that needed extra dissolved oxygen to the propagation solution.
So which is more important the added dissolved oxygen that the EZ Clone provides or the propagation dome supplied with the Botanicare Power Cloner? I took these machines and put them head to head to make the call for myself. The EZ Clone machine recommends to dip the fresh cutting in their EZ Clone gel before putting it in the system where as the Power Cloner recommends using a 2-part liquid mix of Power Cloner solution and Aquashield. The EZ Clone gel retails for $13.50 for a 2oz container where as the Power Cloner solution is a bit pricey at $56.50 a pint and the Aquashield in an additional $13.95 a quart. So the EZ Clone machine is not only cheaper upfront but also cheaper to maintain.
After doing everything recommended by the manufacturer I was truly shocked with the results. My thoughts were that the Botanicare Power Cloner would outperform the EZ Clone machine because it utilized a propagation dome and a liquid solution instead of a gel. I felt that the gel would wash off and prolong the the time it would take to root the cuttings. The results spoke for themselves. After about 5-days both machines were performing quite well and I could see knobs forming at the root area where roots would eventually develop from. At day-7 the EZ Clone machine had fish bone looking roots hanging from the stems where as the Botanicare Power Cloner-45 still only had nubs.
Roots from an EZ clone machine.
I was curious why the EZ Clone outperformed the Power Cloner so well that I called EZ Clone Enterprises in Sacramento to see what they had done in the way of testing and development to make their product so much more superior then other machines on the market.
I found out the answer to the question that I was in dire need to know. Why doesn't EZ Clone use a propagation lid on their machines? Here is the answer that I got. "Humidity domes make the plant feel comfortible in their current state (without having roots). We did numerous tests with both dome on and dome off and we consistantly had better results without the dome. We feel that without the dome the plant is forced to produce roots faster so it can survive."
The new EZ Clone Pro is coming out in the spring of 2011. Although the wouldn't indulge in any details they did tell me that the new unit will be ready to go out of the box, have a temperature control function, and be available up to a 256-site unit. Yee ha! Bring it on.
Jumbo size reflectors = jumbo size yields
Indoor gardeners can now optimize the light spread of their 1000watt or even 600watt light systems with over sized reflectors. These reflectors are huge in comparison to standard reflectors. Hydrofarm, Sunlight Supply and BWGS now all have their own models to compete in this market.
Hydrofarm has the Raptor hood, a 45 pound giant that is built like a tank. The quality is undeniable when you look at this hood. Just sitting there the hood looks like it could be used as a pinata and still function properly. The reflector is completely lined with a 95% reflective material for maximum light spread, and the Raptor claims to have "the biggest wingspan on the market" with its 30 1/4 x 41 1/2 footprint. If there is anything negative to say about the Raptor is the socket placement for the light and the seal of the glass lens. The socket assembly is not centered in the middle of the hood so I can't fathom that the light spread is as efficient is if it was mounted directly in the center. Also the seal is nice and tight but hydrofarm uses screws to hold the glass down, so if you are changing a bulb or cleaning the lens this can be a bit of a hassle. The retail of the Raptor is $269.95 and the Raptor is only available with an 8" flange. Hydrofarm also uses a patented cord set for its reflectors which make it only compatible with a hydrofarm ballast. Of course you can get an adapter for an additional cost.
Sunlight Supply has probably the most popular hood in this category with their Magnum XXL reflectors. The Magnum XXL is available with both 6" duct flanges and 8" duct flanges.The dimensions on the Magnum XXL 6" are 32 1/2" L x 26 1/4" W x 7 3/4" H. The Magnum XXL 8" has a little bit bigger size at 38 1/2" L x 29 1/2" W x 9 12" H. Although these hoods are a bit smaller then the Raptor the bulb placement is a little bit better. The Magnum XXL also uses 95% reflective aluminum to line the reflector to give it optimum reflection. Some people have complained about the seal between the hood and the glass, and I have read reports of growers either using duct tape or aluminum tape to tape the air gaps to maintain a proper seal. The price for the 6" is $232.95 and the 8" retails for $266.95, a few bucks cheaper then the Raptor. The Magnum XXL reflector also uses a standard cord set which makes them compatible with all ballasts on the market with the exception of hydrofarm.
New for 2011 BWGS (Bloomington Wholesale Garden Supply) launched their monster hood in the King Cobra. As part of their new line of hoods called the predator series the King Cobra is the biggest and the baddest. BWGS seemed to have capitalized on all the mistakes made by the previous players in the market and really came up with a fantastic product. The hood is available in both 6" duct flange and 8" duct flange similar to the Magnum XXL but with a bigger foot print. The dimensions of the King Cobra 6" are 42.75" x 30" x 9.75", and the King Cobra 8" are the same unlike the Magnum XXL. Again this hood uses 95% reflective aluminum insert for maximum reflection. The thing that makes this hood so unique is the bulb placement though. The bulb is centered directly in the center of the hood. For those gardeners who use 600watt systems there is a bulb adapter you can get so you can even align your 600Watt bulb directly in the center as well. The King Cobra also uses a standard cord set so it is compatible with a wide variety of ballast manufacturers. At $235 and $266 the King Cobra reflectors are priced to compete in this market.
Hydrofarm has the Raptor hood, a 45 pound giant that is built like a tank. The quality is undeniable when you look at this hood. Just sitting there the hood looks like it could be used as a pinata and still function properly. The reflector is completely lined with a 95% reflective material for maximum light spread, and the Raptor claims to have "the biggest wingspan on the market" with its 30 1/4 x 41 1/2 footprint. If there is anything negative to say about the Raptor is the socket placement for the light and the seal of the glass lens. The socket assembly is not centered in the middle of the hood so I can't fathom that the light spread is as efficient is if it was mounted directly in the center. Also the seal is nice and tight but hydrofarm uses screws to hold the glass down, so if you are changing a bulb or cleaning the lens this can be a bit of a hassle. The retail of the Raptor is $269.95 and the Raptor is only available with an 8" flange. Hydrofarm also uses a patented cord set for its reflectors which make it only compatible with a hydrofarm ballast. Of course you can get an adapter for an additional cost.
Sunlight Supply has probably the most popular hood in this category with their Magnum XXL reflectors. The Magnum XXL is available with both 6" duct flanges and 8" duct flanges.The dimensions on the Magnum XXL 6" are 32 1/2" L x 26 1/4" W x 7 3/4" H. The Magnum XXL 8" has a little bit bigger size at 38 1/2" L x 29 1/2" W x 9 12" H. Although these hoods are a bit smaller then the Raptor the bulb placement is a little bit better. The Magnum XXL also uses 95% reflective aluminum to line the reflector to give it optimum reflection. Some people have complained about the seal between the hood and the glass, and I have read reports of growers either using duct tape or aluminum tape to tape the air gaps to maintain a proper seal. The price for the 6" is $232.95 and the 8" retails for $266.95, a few bucks cheaper then the Raptor. The Magnum XXL reflector also uses a standard cord set which makes them compatible with all ballasts on the market with the exception of hydrofarm.
New for 2011 BWGS (Bloomington Wholesale Garden Supply) launched their monster hood in the King Cobra. As part of their new line of hoods called the predator series the King Cobra is the biggest and the baddest. BWGS seemed to have capitalized on all the mistakes made by the previous players in the market and really came up with a fantastic product. The hood is available in both 6" duct flange and 8" duct flange similar to the Magnum XXL but with a bigger foot print. The dimensions of the King Cobra 6" are 42.75" x 30" x 9.75", and the King Cobra 8" are the same unlike the Magnum XXL. Again this hood uses 95% reflective aluminum insert for maximum reflection. The thing that makes this hood so unique is the bulb placement though. The bulb is centered directly in the center of the hood. For those gardeners who use 600watt systems there is a bulb adapter you can get so you can even align your 600Watt bulb directly in the center as well. The King Cobra also uses a standard cord set so it is compatible with a wide variety of ballast manufacturers. At $235 and $266 the King Cobra reflectors are priced to compete in this market.
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