Lighting Question

[homegrow1967]

I know their are many better ways, but can I grow a plant through all stages from seed to harvest on a MH bulb? I currently have a 400W MV/MH ballast and capacitor and all that good stuff, but I only have a 175W bulb at this very moment. I have a very poor looking flowering female that was given to me, probably only about 10g of bud on it. It was grown outdoors at the wrong time by someone who has no clue about growing and I am trying to save it, I will post some pics as soon as possible. Just looking for some helpful tips =)

Legalize it!

[PurpWidow]

so whats the plant doing now? where do u have it

also for ur MH u need a 400watt bulb u cant use 175.

[justanotherbozo]

the short answer is yes, you can use a 400wt MH through all stages
of the canabis life cycle, the real answer is, you shouldn't.

and PurpWidow is right, you'll need to either get a 400watt bulb
or a 175watt fixture

take a look through my garden for a fairly cheap alternative
using CFL's

[homegrow1967]

well, i bought the light from a guy that was using it as a shop light, and onthe fixture itself (its like one of the all in one things with the ballast on top of the light) it says "400w blah blah" but he uses all 175Ws in his. He has about 8 of them running at anytime in his autoshop. It has been running on 12/12 for about 2 days now and no problems so far. I have the plant in an area that is about 2.5'x2.5'x6'. It is enclosed with thick white styrofoam and cardboard atm due to me getting it on such short notice. It has adequate ventilation and sits about 80 degrees F. The plant was really droopy at first but after its first 12 hour ON cycle it has perked up and is even standing on its on now without being tied up. I will be posting some pics sometime tonight.

[justanotherbozo]

don't take this as a criticism but i think you're gonna grow to
hate that light.

and no shit man, you should spend some time reading some
of the CFL threads. there are many people here growing some
kick ass buds with $20.00 - $30.00 worth of CFL's, myself included.

some of the disadvantages to the light you already have are that,
it's heavy, the spectrum of light isn't right for all stages of life and,
with the ballast built in like that, you've got a lot of heat concentrated
just above your plants

use it while you have it but start researching alternatives that are
more productive and cost-efficient

[homegrow1967]

what if i just bay a 400w MH->HPS conversion bulb like Buy Eye Ultra Ace 400 Watt HPS Conversion Bulbs Here! (http://www.specialty-lights.com/10010.html?)

[homegrow1967]

could you possibly find a couple of links of some cfl fixtures i would use for veg and flowering?? thanks.

[justanotherbozo]

what if i just bay a 400w MH->HPS conversion bulb like Buy Eye Ultra Ace 400 Watt HPS Conversion Bulbs Here! (http://www.specialty-lights.com/10010.html?)

i would suggest you send an e-mail to that site before buying anything.

i don't know personally because i can only afford CFL's at this time