MH 400W and Heat...

[Pete]

I am seriously considering the purchase of a 400W Metal Halide lamp and moving my windowsill culture to a grow area in my basement. In fact, I will begin growing under lights starting this Fall.

My summers are pretty conducive to outdoor orchid growing, so I figure I'll summer my phals outdoors while planning and preparing my indoor grow.

My preference is a 400W Metal Halide light as opposed to t-5 HO fluorescents. Right or wrong, I think that MH is a better grow option. The only concern that I have is the heat that MH's generate. I understand that they can get quite hot and many use "exhaust" fans to dissipate the heat. I do not want to implement or utilize an intricate exhaust system just so that I can operate a MH.

Do metal halides in fact require a fan exhaust system? Are there ones on the market that minimize the heat such as the ones with the digital electronic ballasts? Do any forum members grow under MH without using an intricate fan exhaust system?

Your thoughts on this topic are appreciated.