Patent ID: 8322011

Claim:
A method for integrating at least one ballast within a fluorescent lamp fixture that is sealed from the growing environment, comprising the steps of: a) forming an upper fixture structure defining the ceiling and sides of an upper chamber and the sides of a lower chamber; b) forming a first endplate and second endplate defining the ends of the upper chamber and the ends of the lower chamber; c) forming at least one mid-plate reflector having a plurality of openings; d) mounting the at least one mid-plate reflector to the first endplate and the second endplate within the upper fixture structure, thereby defining a floor of the upper chamber and a ceiling of the lower chamber; e) securing the at least one ballast within the upper chamber between a first cooling duct and a second cooling duct; f) mounting sockets to the first and second endplates in the lower chamber; g) installing at least one fluorescent lamp having two ends, such that each lamp end is secured by the sockets; h) sealingly securing at least one transparent glass sheet to the first and second end plates or upper fixture structure, such that the glass sheet provides a floor for the lower chamber; i) installing at least one fan in flow communication with either the first cooling duct, second cooling duct, or both; and j) connecting the ballast, fan, and at least one lamp to electrical power.