Looking to buy an HPS system, need advice

[chenman07]

Hey I am thinking about buying an hps system but am not totally sure which one would be the best fit for my plants.

Would a 400 watt system be sufficient for 4-8 plants? So far I am considering Hydroempire, Organic Hydroponic Nutrients, Indoor Grow Lights and Supplies - 400 Watt HPS & MH Advantage Mini System - $279.95$239.95 (http://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/3_20_62/products_id/719) or finding one on ebay.

I would like to keep the price as low as possible but the idea of getting a system that would be able to use an hps or mh bulb is pretty attractive.

Any suggestions?

[Mr. Clandestine]

It'll be pretty tough to fit 8 full-sized plants under a single 400w system, and you'll most likely end up with some pretty wispy buds from the plants on the edge of the light footprint. A 600w-1000w would be more efficient for normal sized plants. (2-4 feet) If plants are kept short and the canopy even, like with a SOG, it'll be much easier to make the best use of a 400w light. Just remember to keeping things properly ventilated and under 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, I haven't been to the site in a while, but I've found some really good lighting deals from a site called "Discount-Hydroponics". May be worth looking into. And don't forget to check places like eBay, Craig's List, etc., for great deals on used/new systems.

[chenman07]

thanks for the reply, i will probably scale down the number of plants i have to fit within a 400 watt systems abilities since getting anything larger would add more heat to the room i am growing in. It would also be more expensive, I would like to save money if possible but understand the difference in using an hps and not when it comes to better yields.

Anyone else have any suggestions on what i should look for in a 400 watt system or maybe a good source to look for one? What features are important to have? I know air cooled systems are much better but honestly i can't see myself getting a ventilation system with tubing.

[joedirte]

check out hydroponics.net theyre a good source for equipment like that

[katyowns]

Ive used HTG Supply's lighting products bought off ebay, and have always been very satisfied with the item, shipping, cost, and quality I have received.

Nothing but good things to say about them.

[smpaz420]

i second HTG. I bought a 600 from them, they did not have the bulb i ordered so they sent me a different one for free and then sent me the back ordered one as well.

[polaskyparty]

I third HTG I bought a 400w hps from them and a T5 for veg very pleased with both and the cheapest prices!:rasta:

[LolaGal]

I like Discount Hydroponics. I got a 400 watt system from them that has a switchable ballast (MH/HPS). It was $130, included ballast, bulb, light socket, reflector etc. I like it because you can switch from veg to bloom. Great for a 1 light system. I looked 4 years for a better deal, didn't find one. Good luck. When you call them 1-877-476-9487 tell them you are interested in economy price and they will greatly cut their web prices. At least it worked for me.

[killerweed420]

chenman. You might look into getting a motorized system. Can cover more planys that way.

[chenman07]

a motorized system would be a bit outside my price range at this time but i agree i light mover would be great to have.

lolagal, what does the economy price include? Do they cut prices by cutting the quality of the equipment?

[chenman07]

two more questions.

Would it be better to get a light system that had a switchable ballast or look for just a mh or hps system and possibly get a better reflector ect for the same price?

What bulbs are recommended? Are the standard bulbs that come with a system sufficient or is it really worth the cost of buying say a hortilux bulb?


Any other suggestions about considerations to take before i decide on a system are appreciated.
Thanks

[chenman07]

oh and how important would getting an aircoolable reflector? I have a decent fan in my grow room but i dont know how hot an hps/mh system runs.

Good- i would be able to cool my buld if i needed to.
Bad- it costs a decent amount more for a reflector with one.

[cornish_dope]

I went with this one PlantLighting | Plant Lighting Equipment | Plant Light power Packs | Starlite (http://starlitesystems.co.uk/shopping/?id=21) (the euro reflector with blv son-t) It cost considerably less in the shop (£58).

Very happy but that's just me get an MH or fluorescents for veg and switch to HPS for flowering, Also get one with a remote ballast because it can be placed outside the growroom to keep tempratures down.

Also a ventilation system is necessary those HIDs get hot I got a vents TT 2 speed inline fan and ducting for £35 and with 5 passive intakes it does the job keeping me at a stead 25c which is perfect.

Oh and go for a switchable ballast unless you use flourescents in veg else it's just a waste of money.

My little girls are loving it :)

[chenman07]

At the moment I am looking at 400 watt SWITCHABLE GROW LIGHT w HPS Sodium + MH Halide - eBay (item 160253058948 end time Jul-08-08 14:54:00 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-SWITCHABLE-GROW-LIGHT-w-HPS-Sodium-MH-Halide_W0QQitemZ160253058948QQihZ006QQcategoryZ422 25QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem). They also have the same system with different reflectors ect. Does anyone have experience with the umbrella reflectors? Are they an improvement or just extra money?

I also ran into this linked in another thread.1000 Watt Sodium/Halide Switchable XtraSun I (ValueBrite) Reflector - Grow Light System (http://www.hydroponics.net/i/133399). I was not even considering getting a 1k system becasue it was outside my spending range but $250 seems pretty cheap. Anyone have any experience with this site or know any catches with this particular system.

[cornish_dope]

I grow with a 400w and it does me fine I can get eight plants under there 600w is plenty but If you can't afford the ventalation aswell as the 1k don't bother because your plants won't live long.

[chenman07]

That is most likely true, i was just taken back by how inexpensive it was. 400watt is probably more than enough for my personal needs.

Anyone else have any input? I would like to get a system soon but don't to pick something without considering all options.

[Mr. Clandestine]

If you can't afford the ventalation aswell as the 1k don't bother because your plants won't live long.

I definitely agree with that.

The 1k system is going to heat up just about any room, and would almost certainly be more useful air-cooled. A non digital 1k ballast will also add some extra heat to the room it's in. If you can get the fans, ducting, a/c hood, etc., I'd use the 1000w all day long. But if you're just getting started with HIDs, and can't afford to put much into ventilation at the moment, the 400w would probably be more feasible.

[cornish_dope]

I think it's better to get a smaller lamp and have perfect temperatures and conditions than have a fuck off big light and all the conditions wrong.

You will not be dissapointed with a 400w and will be more than happy with the 600w but if all factors aren't covered (good airflow/ventilation, tempratures, soil medium etc) then your grow will fail.

I used the basic blv son-t and am more than happy with it I don't think IMHO and talking to other more experienced growers that the dual spectrums and high output etc make a huge difference.

It's your first grow dude don't get bigger than your own boots start small and if it goes well you can go bigger and better,

[chenman07]

of course of course. I am just covering any bases i can think of. Better to think of all possibilities even if they are not suitable and figure out the best course of action. That is why I have all you fine growers giving me advice right? :)

[LolaGal]

Well, I'm not a salesman for Discount Hydroponics, but they had the best deal. They have a 400 watt Sun System 6 with switchable ballast and everything you need included for $130. Very good quality warranties etc. Tell em you are looking for a good deal. They supposedly meet other's prices too.

It is my understanding from research that the 1000 watt bulbs do not last very long. Also umbrella reflectors are supposed to reflect less light than horizontal reflectors. Always get a reflector with fan holes, you will need it sooner or later if you don't have a cool spot. Hope this helps :jointsmile:

[cornish_dope]

Fan holes?, my reflector doesn't have fan holes I simply have my exaust placed just above the light it sucks all the heats out and with the passives it gives really good airflow through my grow room, I'd say a 400w/600w HID lighting system with a basic inline fan and a few metres of ducting will do you more than adequetly to grow big bud laden beauties .

[joedirte]

if your growing in a closet or a confined space, stick with a 400 or less (maybe 6 if big enough.) if your growing in a room with no hight/ space issues, why not get a 1000? however ive heard that running 400 of MH and 600 of HPS (or vice versa depending on growth stage) does wonders for your plant, this just makes things hotter, heavier and more $$. ventilation is the key.

ive gone throught hydroponics.net with 100% satisfaction, only thing is they seem a little pricey. think i might try DH (gee, why does that sound so familar{detention home, get it? lol) and see it those valueline systems run as cool as some. they have awsome prices i agree.

[cornish_dope]

anyone notice HPS seem to get hotter over time

[Mississippi Steve]

Hey I am thinking about buying an hps system but am not totally sure which one would be the best fit for my plants.

Would a 400 watt system be sufficient for 4-8 plants? So far I am considering Hydroempire, Organic Hydroponic Nutrients, Indoor Grow Lights and Supplies - 400 Watt HPS & MH Advantage Mini System - $279.95$239.95 (http://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/3_20_62/products_id/719) or finding one on ebay.

I would like to keep the price as low as possible but the idea of getting a system that would be able to use an hps or mh bulb is pretty attractive.

Any suggestions?


For those kind of prices you should at least get a complimentary BJ, or at least a courtisy reach around. My local electrical supply house has 400w HPS *complete* for $75

[chenman07]

Wow you are lucky then, there is no place in my area that sells systems for $75.

I have decided to spend a little extra and get a 600watt electric ballast. Now i just have to decide on what reflector to get with it. I think I will be purchasing from HTG on ebay unless anyone can show me a better value.

I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.

[chenman07]

Cornish- If you are using a magnetic ballast and have it in the same room that may be the source of higher temperatures over time.

[cornish_dope]

I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.
For anyone who considers growing in attics I always give them this link first http://cannazine.co.uk/indoor-gardening-hydro/growing-marijuana-in-the-loft-is-an-extreme-sport.html


No my ballast is well outside my grow room I use a maxibright compact switchable ballast.

Also If you are starting seedlings get a couple of CFLs to put them under for the first couple of weeks/whilst you wait for your inline fan.

As stated earlier having an inline fan just above my HPS seems to keep the temps low and good airflow through my grow room, remember reflectors can always be upgraded I know alot of people who grow with the standard euro reflector and have no problems.A better reflector will give you a few more lumens I can't see it making a massive difference to your grow.

[Revanche21]

People ask this question a lot-

I just want to remind you that the 600 watt HPS is the most efficient per watt

:rastasmoke:

[joedirte]

unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.

[cornish_dope]

unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.
Thats not true whichever reflector you get An exaust fan and passive intakes is adequete to take all the hot air out, even with an aircooled hood without A/C your growroom will stay the same temprature as the outside.

Also it brings in new air from the bottom which the air cooled hood doesn't (correct me if I'm wrong).

[joedirte]

yeah. i use a passive intake at teh bottom, but the AC reflector evacutes ALL the hot air outside the grow area (from the source). a HUGE advantage (i gotta hot n humid climate.) this also creates the negative air pressure required for a passive intake.

but yeah.im not gonna argue.believe what you want. i really dont care.:thumbsup:

[katyowns]

yeah. i use a passive intake at teh bottom, but the AC reflector evacutes ALL the hot air outside the grow area (from the source). a HUGE advantage (i gotta hot n humid climate.) this also creates the negative air pressure required for a passive intake.

but yeah.im not gonna argue.believe what you want. i really dont care.:thumbsup:


I can 2nd that the weather here in MA this week has been almost unbearably hot and humid

[Mississippi Steve]

I can 2nd that the weather here in MA this week has been almost unbearably hot and humid

Come on down to south Mississippi. :wtf:

[katyowns]

Come on down to south Mississippi. :wtf:

If you look at weather reports, we're a few digits of each other, both with high humidity. Believe it or not New England can get sticky as hell.

Springfield, Massachusetts (01101) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/US/MA/Springfield.html)
Biloxi, Mississippi (39530) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground (http://www.wunderground.com/US/MS/Biloxi.html)

[joedirte]

i get the hot weather year round. think i might invest in a heavy duty air conditioner. maybe i should just move somewhere cold and legalized.
but back to the topic. im thinking of getting a custom system from hydroponics.net. a lumatek digi 600 MH/HPS ballast w/ teh daystar AC 6" reflector and a solarmax bulb rated a 95,000 lumens, all for under $300 (plus about $50 S&H.) if your thinking of getting a system, theyre a good, honest retailer.

[cornish_dope]

I think you must get hotter whether over there I live in rainy old england where it's wet and cold most the time.

Nah I'm not trying to argue mate I just don't want you to talk the poor bloke in to spending shit loads on something that isn't really necessary. Just trying to say the basics can work well.

[joedirte]

yeah my bad.

[painretreat]

Chenman, you have a very interesting thread here with so much information. I've learned a lot and why you need to do what you do! Taking climate, region and all factors considered! These people are sure experts and the pix sure helped a lot! Guess, it is going to come down to money. Who wants to set up an attic twice! Even if you get the whole ball of wax for a large grow, you don't have to start that way and can introduce the extra stuff as you need it. Instead of shopping later on a 'as needed' basis! That can be chanllenging. these people giving you advice, sure seem to know hat they are talking about! Good luck and nuggies of returns!:thumbsup:

[cornish_dope]

I don't want to knock anyone's grows but from what others tell me loft growing is a pain in the arse, I've never tried it but I know people who have so I'll copy and paste what was on that link because it's valuable to any one who set's up a loft grow (I apologise if people have looked at that link already)

Loft growing your own ganja is a tricky operation at the best of times.

As far as indoor growing goes, growing in the loft can rate as an extreme sport sometimes. Its certainly not for the feint-hearted.

Unless your up to passing the induction course for your local 'special forces' squadron, (SAS/Green Berets), I would seriously weigh up every alternative option before commencing with a loft grow.

First of all, lets examine the logistics of it. If you are growing hydro you are going to be transporting hundreds of litres of water up into the loft, and back down again as reservoirs are changed. This where the special forces training comes in.

The smart cookie rigs up a hose pipe, but thats not always an option so hard work is an off-putter!

Spills and accidents are an inevitability even the most careful grower will struggle to avoid completely.

If you grow in compost and water with a watering can the amounts can be minimal, but if we are talking hydroponic reservoirs in the loft-space?

A 100 litre reservoir spilling its contents of fertilizer just a few feet above your sleeping head is really going to improve your popularity at home, especially if 'she who must be obeyed' is unaware of your horticultural habit in the first place.

Did I mention growing in compost?

How about carrying all them bags of compost/gravels/coco coir, or those large, 25 litre containers of hydroponic solution up to the grow room?

Like I said, it's an extreme sport, and don't even get me going on the environment issue.

No not saving the earth. The grow room environment.

Unless you got some serious benji's to spend on fully insulating your loft, the temperature swings will need experiencing to believe them.

With the sun at the very height of its apex, the loft space, beneath the dark, heat attracting tiles, will reach temperatures of 20+ celcius above that what it is outside!

So if you're getting 35c outside, in a poorly ventilated loft space with HID lighting running you could seriously expect to see silly, dangerous temperatures recorded. Surely a disaster waiting to happen, if your plants would survive such conditions in the first place.

With the clear days comes the clear, cloud free nights.

With no cloud base to keep the heat close to the earth's surface it dissipates off into the atmosphere, with a day to night temperature drop of 15-25 degrees celcius not uncommon.

The loft space chills down quickly once the sun goes down. A still, deathly chill settles over everything and in the death of winter my loft can resemble the set from The Excorcist, complete with puffy breath.

UK growers are resorting to running their lamps through the coldest, darkest winter periods to combat this.

Of course, running your loft-grow-lights in the winter brings with it a whole host of other, less obvious problems.

http://cannazine.co.uk/components/com_fireboard/uploaded/images/snow_roof_opt.jpg
Doh!!

Yep. Growing in the loft seems like a lot of hard work to me.

Although I've seen some outstanding results from growers who have the time, the patience, the stamina, and not a few pounds/dollars to spend on the equipment to make the project feasable from the start.

But if you are running on a tight budget I would seriously think again!

[jeffthestoner]

i wanna grow in a grow tent about 4'X4' in ocean forest soil about 4-6 plants...i cant decide to get 400w that has mh and hps or the 600w hps. im in southern california heat is kind of an issue but i will get some nice ventelation with 2 inline fans one being from the light. 400w probly wont get deep into the canopy huh but 600w is only hps..how can i get the most yields? i think ill just do 4 plants...i want at least an ounce from each plant. i will be using fox farm bloom nutes also along with the ocean forest soil.

[chenman07]

hey guy, seems there has been a lot of posts in my absence :).

In response to a few posts on here, yes i am growing in an attic and it is somewhat of a pain to bring water and supplies to my plants but I do not really have a choice. The only other space I could use in my place is a small closet and it would be too small for my needs. The attic does not have a wall on one end though which will make it better for ventilation as one side opens to the top of my living room. I wish i had a basement or ground floor grow room, it would make things a lot easier but we have to use what we can :).

Joedirte- The hps system i am looking at currently is DIGITAL 600 watt HPS AIR COOLABLE GROW LIGHT 600w HOOD - eBay (item 180175343325 end time Jul-27-08 10:44:03 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/DIGITAL-600-watt-HPS-AIR-COOLABLE-GROW-LIGHT-600w-HOOD_W0QQitemZ180175343325QQihZ008QQcategoryZ42225 QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem) although I visited hydroponics.net like you suggested and getting a lumatek ballast is really tempting. I have heard nothing but good things about that company.

My problem is, if i do get a AC reflector i do not think i would be able to puchase an inline exhuast fan. They are a lot more expensive than i was hoping. So even if i did buy a better reflector such as the one you mentioned or the one ont he ebay auction i would not be able to afford a fan for it at this moment. Would I be able to get away with having a fan blow into the incoming exhuast or even just have a fan blow on the fixture until i can purchase an inline fan?

If i could get away with a non ac hood, i was considering DIGITAL 600 watt HPS GROW LIGHT 600w SODIUM w BALLAST - eBay (item 180175343454 end time Jul-27-08 10:44:24 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/DIGITAL-600-watt-HPS-GROW-LIGHT-600w-SODIUM-w-BALLAST_W0QQitemZ180175343454QQihZ008QQcategoryZ42 225QQcmdZViewItem), but again i would assume most people on here would advise spending the $50 more for the option of sealed ventilation in the future.

I know there are benefits with getting something of better quality but as always in life it seems we cannot have whatever we what. Cost has to balance with quality otherwise we would all be running our dreams setups. :-p This is my first grow so while i do want quality and a good system i lack funding, knowledge, not to mention I do not want to purchase of top of the line lighting system only to ruin my garden because i spent too much on lighting and none on say good nuits, soil ect ect.

Picture is of unfinished grow attic. Black and white poly film is on the way.

[cornish_dope]

I'd get the inline fan instead of the AC hood because an aircooled hood and no inline fan is useless.

Mate keep it simple just get the standard reflector it can always be upgraded later, a fan on it's own will just blow hot air around the growroom it will reduce temps slightly but not enough.

[joedirte]

i looked at discount hydro and they have a valueline 4" 170 something cfm inline fan for $100. then you can just use a 4" to 6" adapter. thats what im using right now. but i think if you were to use more than one light on the same exhaust system, you would have to go with a 6" fan. then i think i would use the 4" for odor control.

[cornish_dope]

I just wrote a response without reading properly forget it. sorry

[chenman07]

no worries cornish, glad you reposted. I was trying to make sense of the first one when i read that, but you see my delima? I know you are supposed to balance and ventilation to go with new lighting but $100 for a exhaust or inline fan is still an extra $100 on top of $300 for the lights :-/

[cornish_dope]

tbh you have no reason to run anymore HIDs if you have one exaust without an AC hood that works perfect for my needs.

If you want a seperate room use those flouros you got they will be adequete to grow the plant up until you want to start flowering. alot will say MH is pointless for veg and fluros are fine and there is alot of truth in that,I grew my last lot under fluros until flowering then switched to a 400w and pulled 7oz (even without an exaust and erratic light cycles etc)

I think JD is one of these people who likes to buy the best and do everything perfectly well thats great if you have the money if not then the basics still work.

One thing I will say that I will probably get slated for is that carbon filters are a BIG waste of money unless you are doing a large grow.

I use odour blocks and I can't even smell them when I'm standing a foot from the growroom, you need not waste the extra money nor time on an extra exaust with carbon filter.

You and I are similar as we are growing on a tight budget I could barely afford an inline fan let alone an MH for veg (using HPS start to finish as the enviro is being used for clones).

No offence to joedirte what he says is true but he talks like the basic bits of kit are useless many will get outstanding results on the lowest budgets. don't forget that.

good luck mate and those plants are looking decent. Too bad you have to grow in the loft they aren't ideal but you will still pull a great crop with that 600watter.

[McDanger]

Is that triangle on the end wall a vent? If so I would but a box fan blowing out in front of it to help with the temps in the attic.

[chenman07]

the triangle at the end of the room is just an opening with some mesh across it so i could buy a box fan. I have a fan at the beginning of the room blowing air towards the opening.

[chenman07]

thanks cornish :). the only reason i haven't ordered the set with a cheaper reflector yet is purchasing a reflector separately is much more expensive.

I am not very worried about getting a carbon filter as i live in a more remote area and smell will not be something in consideration. If anything it will be enjoyable :D.

I will make my purchase tomorrow since there is no point ordering on a sat. Any last minute opinions are valued.

[cornish_dope]

if you need the better reflector wait till later it's your first grow you're still learning the ropes why invest huge amounts of money if you get going proper just upgrade as you go the set up you have at the moment is perfect if you have temp problems or not enough light then yeah upgrade.

Like my favorite saying goes if it aint broke don't fix it if the basic set up works for you why spend the extra cash.

[Harrison3o4]

I am really new to hydroponics and I think the best system you could buy is the Water-Farm Complete kit. It runs anywhere from $250.00 - $400.00 depending on where you buy it (some shops are a rip off). anyways it's totally low maintenance and easy to use. Plus it's relatively small to start with and you can just get more buckets for more plants if you want! TRUST ME it's worth it or you could make it yourself... Thats what I am doing I just bought one to see how it works and I'll be making the rest... Good Luck!!!

Oh shit... Never mind... Damn I misread what this forum was about...:stoned:

[joedirte]

I am really new to hydroponics and I think the best system you could buy is the Water-Farm Complete kit. It runs anywhere from $250.00 - $400.00 depending on where you buy it (some shops are a rip off). anyways it's totally low maintenance and easy to use. Plus it's relatively small to start with and you can just get more buckets for more plants if you want! TRUST ME it's worth it or you could make it yourself... Thats what I am doing I just bought one to see how it works and I'll be making the rest... Good Luck!!!

Oh shit... Never mind... Damn I misread what this forum was about...:stoned:

if you look on hydroponics.net they have a DIY page with waterfarm step by step instructions. look in learning center. i built one to. have yet to try it out.

[chenman07]

I am really new to hydroponics and I think the best system you could buy is the Water-Farm Complete kit. It runs anywhere from $250.00 - $400.00 depending on where you buy it (some shops are a rip off). anyways it's totally low maintenance and easy to use. Plus it's relatively small to start with and you can just get more buckets for more plants if you want! TRUST ME it's worth it or you could make it yourself... Thats what I am doing I just bought one to see how it works and I'll be making the rest... Good Luck!!!

Oh shit... Never mind... Damn I misread what this forum was about...:stoned:

Maybe in the future i will have a thread open to hydro setups but for now its about the lighting :D.

[cornish_dope]

IMHO I don't think hydro is worth the extra money unless you are growing commercially, correct me if I'm wrong but flowering time can not be reduced at all (unless you use that weird ripen up stuff).

If you have two rooms then it won't make much difference at all, you may get a very slightly higher yield but I don't think the extra costs are worth it.

Also there is more risk with hydro if a pump goes when you're not in you could have your house soaked (even worse if you're growing in the loft), and your plants could die in half an hour.

I have no reason for hydro they can be grown just as big in soil but it may take an extra two or three weeks if you're that impatient then spend the extra cash.

Also oeganic bud is the way to go.

[joedirte]

tru dat g (lol)

[joedirte]

oh another counter-point.

you will definetly save money buying in bulk. not like buying 5 of the same ballast at the same time, but if you know what you want, and you buy it all one time, chances are you will get/find some "custom package" deal and save on the whole package & the shipping. cheaper to get the AC reflector then to get the standard and upgrade later. see what im saying? more $ for you in the long run.

[cornish_dope]

though he doesn't necessarily need an air-cooled hood

[newby]

I am using 3 400 watt systems in an 8X10 room with a max of 7 plants. Its working great and I am having very consistant results with healthy, large plants. Mine are all Sunlite systems but I don't think any of them have it over another. Good luck

[anbesol]

STOP! ok i first need to say that i love HTGsupply, but i found a better site for a digital lumitek ballast and a air cooled 400watt for cheap... igrowhydro.com :: Hydroponic Systems, Grow Lights, Advanced Nuturents & Green Air Products (http://igrowhydro.digitalbeachworld.com/detail.aspx?ID=3393)


This is my next purchase. No lie. Plus its free shipping unlike HTG who has expensive shipping