HPS Lighting

[happymedicine]

Hey, Guys! I am looking to get an HPS lighting setup between the range of 250w-400w. These will go in a grow room that is 3.5'Lx2.5'Wx4.5'H, and possibly be over a scrog setup (or a SOG design). What size reflector would be best for a room of this size, to get maximum coverage and penetration? Are there any brands/styles of HPS lighting (ballasts/bulbs/hoods) that are not recommended for growing?

I only ask because a guy said he would sell me his two 400w HPS lights/reflectors and 4 extra bulbs for $40. Sounds too good to be true, but I will not know for sure until I see them. I just wanted to have a specific idea of what I characteristics I should be looking for when I check these bad boys out? Thanks!

[Rusty Trichome]

Hell of a price, I'd take the deal regardless of hood (reflector) and hope I get a larger growspace later-on. :thumbsup:

Bare Bulb - Uneven lighting, wasted lumens. (nothing reflected back to the plants)
Bat wing - crappiest of the bunch, barely better than bare-bulb. Uneven light distribution.
Parabolic reflector - barely better than a bat wing, but good enough light distribution for commercial grows.
Enclosed hood - better for enclosed area's or rooms with limited ventilation, but restricts light 'footprint'.
Cool Tube - Lowers heat from bulb, but is a pain to maneuver and takes-up a lot of space.

I prefer an enclosed hood, but it would depend on your intended use, quantity of lights you'll be using, ammount of growspace, ambient temperatures, venting and air circulation...

[headshake]

listen to rusty, he won't lead you astray.

-shake

[happymedicine]

Thanks guys. That helps a lot!