Mini-ballast systems

[fresheadies]

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone has had experience using the mini grow light systems such as:
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-61380541572634_1994_1322329

I feel as though they wouldn't disperse the light as well as a system with a separate ballast. I'm thinking of snagging one of these because of the pretty price, but if it's not as effective as a regular system then I'd rather just save my pennies and go the right route. Can anyone spread the love?

[daihashi]

Hey everyone,
I was just wondering if anyone has had experience using the mini grow light systems such as:
http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-61380541572634_1994_1322329

I feel as though they wouldn't disperse the light as well as a system with a separate ballast. I'm thinking of snagging one of these because of the pretty price, but if it's not as effective as a regular system then I'd rather just save my pennies and go the right route. Can anyone spread the love?

They work just as well. It's just that one with a remote ballast allows for less heat in your grow area as well as the fact that you can kind of upgrade them; ie: New reflectors, enclosed air cooling, etc etc.

With this it's sort've like.. this is all you get, no room to improve for the future.

Personally I'd get a remote ballast type, but it really depends on what you're looking for and what your budget is.

[fresheadies]

Alright great, thanks for the information man. On a side note, does it really matter if I get a punched aluminum finish as opposed to a straight silver reflector on the hood, or is that just being ridiculous?

[daihashi]

Alright great, thanks for the information man. On a side note, does it really matter if I get a punched aluminum finish as opposed to a straight silver reflector on the hood, or is that just being ridiculous?

A reflector that has dimples is better than one without it simply because it doesn't really cause hotspots. If you keep your grow area cool enough it doesn't matter.

But punched aluminum is better than a flat silver reflector. Go with whatever your budget can afford you.