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View Full Version : picked up MH Lights CHEAP, suggestions?



IshbOO
12-11-2009, 07:37 AM
Well, I just purchased a Metal Halide light off craigslist, wired to 110v and normal power plug.
Came with a 400w Coated MH Bulb.
Paid 60$.
IMO this was very cheap comparing to $100+ I see all over ebay.

Right now the plants are starting week 2 of 12/12 still using the CFLS I had sitting around. All plants are about 3 feet tall, maybe not even. ALL are females. They are all topped once. some stacked better than others and some stretched because of the light :(.

Now My question is this.

Since I don't have any money to buy a HPS Conversion Bulb, and Didn't have enough to afford an HPS light system.

How should I flower these things? Should I continue the grow with the CFLS? Or should I just switch over to the MH for the time being until next grow? Will the MH still flower better than the CFLS?

Also They are a coated bulb, most people have clear. I read up on this and people say the coated is fine, and wont really matter, is this true? \

One more thing, Heat, this is in a walk in closet about 5feet X 3 feet, will heat be an issue with this new lamp?

*Please don't suggest HPS or conversion bulb. I can't afford it and I will get one next time around.* :)


Thanks suggestions are appreciated.

PS This is my second grow, last time I did with CFLS and it came out fire, but not a lot of yield.

IshbOO
12-11-2009, 12:11 PM
Also here are the lights I picked up I'm only gonna use 1. Giving another to a friend.

They weigh about 17 lbs. I still need to make a cheap reflector still, gonna be horizontal.

Anyone have any suggestions on Setting this thing up?

or is it possible to extend the socket out, then i could set the ballast on the shelf, and have wire coming out to a socket and reflector. Or would that be a huge fire hazard?

Or is this thing powerful enough to just set on a shelf up in my closet, and light the whole damn closet? lol closet is about 5'x3' Shelf is about 6 feet from the ground.

Thanks i've been brainstorming ways to set this up and its been tough since its so damn heavy, if its a big problem I'm going to perhaps just resell them.

Any help would be appriciated.

the image reaper
12-11-2009, 03:58 PM
actually, its better to use High Pressure Sodium, or a combination of the two, rather than MH, during flowering ... much better, in fact ... :smokin:

IshbOO
12-11-2009, 05:06 PM
actually, its better to use High Pressure Sodium, or a combination of the two, rather than MH, during flowering ... much better, in fact ... :smokin:

thanks I didnt know that already...... lol....

I've seen a few grows on this forum done strictly MH and they seemed to have turned out fine for me. I'll get HPS next time around. :rastasmoke:


Anyone else maybe have an idea on how to have one of these lights setup in a closet grow?

IshbOO
12-11-2009, 05:18 PM
*cough* Dutch Pimp *cough*

Dutch Pimp
12-12-2009, 01:28 AM
Those are some kind of industrial lights...I would be afraid to use them, myself.

If you do use them...I would find an electrican friend to check them out.

My advice: sell them and get a separate ballast, bulb and reflector deal online. Google: grow light systems....:thumbsup: