Neon

True, specialized skills and equipment are required to build and repair luminous tubes. They can be made to provide a source of ultraviolet light which will be indispensable. Vitamin D cannot be synthesized in living systems without UV light. Unless we want to depend on supplements, the use of UV light is indispensable for producing vitamin D in our food or in our own skins. UV light can also be used for the treatment of infections, disinfecting water, and it can help to control the growth of molds and fungi which can damage health. The luminous tube for this purpose, for the other types of light it can produce, for it's rebuildability and potential for long life should be considered as a must have light source. The following are links to luminous "neon" tube resources that I have managed to collect.

http://www.electrobits.com/
http://www.signweb.com/tecnolux/
http://www.transco-neon.com/
http://www.ventextech.com/
http://www.tubelite.com/

Offered by Steve

The gas pressure in a luminous tube, for example, is usually between 3 and 20 mm. The larger the diameter of tubing used the lower is the pressure required. To obtain mercury vapor, therefore, it is necessary to insert liquid mercury in the tube.

Offered by Mike.