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Sprite
08-02-2010, 06:04 PM
I have a closet w/ about 8 square feet. I got a good deal on a HID light that runs 250 or 400 HPS or MH (switchable.) It came with a 250 HPS and I'd like to stick with the 250 for now. I'd rather not buy a MH for vegging this round--this is my first time. Today at Wal Mart, I got a 75 watt fluorescent grow light for four clones. Now that I have it up, I have a question...I was planning to veg and flower both under the 250 HPS, just because that happens to be what I have now. Would it be a good idea to also use this fluorescent during veg to supplement some blue color? Color on this flo light is 4200 k.

Thanks in advance for sharing the love!









***Note, this is all hypothetical. I do not engage in illegal activities.
Ocotillo
08-02-2010, 07:25 PM
I have a question...I was planning to veg and flower both under the 250 HPS, just because that happens to be what I have now. Would it be a good idea to also use this fluorescent during veg to supplement some blue color? Color on this flo light is 4200 k.

YES! The fluro is great for veg and seems to fill in the shadows and dark spots.

For flower you'll really want to get your 400 HPS up and running. Would a $7 bulb make it more attractive and affordable? Here's one at 1000 bulbs dot com:
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/400-watt-high-pressure-sodium-lamps/
Sprite
08-02-2010, 08:16 PM
Sweet! Do you know if it would work in a SunSystem lamp? Are brands interchangeable with this stuff? New here, and I know way more about horticulture than I do about the electrical stuff.

Appreciate your help!
Sprite
08-02-2010, 08:23 PM
Also, do you think a 400 HPS with some florescent supplementation would see me through veg and flower, or would I really need a MH to veg? My research shows conflicting info... :wtf:
Ocotillo
08-02-2010, 08:33 PM
Sweet! Do you know if it would work in a SunSystem lamp? Are brands interchangeable with this stuff?

I'd again say YES! HPS and MH and wattage must match the ballast regardless of brand. Sounds like you'll be OK.


Also, do you think a 400 HPS with some florescent supplementation would see me through veg and flower, or would I really need a MH to veg? My research shows conflicting info... :wtf:

It's ideal to veg with MH and flower with HPS. I've read it done successfully with either all the way through.

If I had to "make my best guess" I'd say you could very well veg 18 hours a day (some say 24 hrs) with the 250 HPS and some CFL's. That should give you time to order some bulbs from 1000bulbs.com. When the plants start to get big change to 400 HPS and your CFL fluro's. When they are ready (alternating nodes and/or showing sex) I'd use only the 400 HPS 12 hours a day. (some say 13 hrs) Your lighting schedule and nutes type will still make the change from veg to flower.

GodSpeed!
Sprite
08-02-2010, 08:55 PM
Sounds like a plan. And man, this is LIBERATING! :hippy: