a little help

[Dr.Smokealot]

im new to growing and i was just wondering what a ballast was and what does it do? and do i need one if im going to use a compact fluorescent bulb for veg?

[BOYZNUS]

READ, READ, READ AND READ SOME MORE. YOU'LL FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN THE FAQ'S AND THE SEARCH BUTTON.

GOOD LUCK

[iwantFUEGO]

yes read... but since you asked...
'Ballast' is the name used for a fixture that holds a light bulb.
No you will NOT need one for CFLs.
I use CFLs and what i did was i bought a few 10' extension cords (can be smaller if you please) and also bought these little adapters from home depot that allow you to plug a light bulb directly into a standard outlet. Then i just hung the extension cords with the bulbs plugged into them.
PEACE

[Zandor]

Well really the part that holds the bulb is the mog socket base.

The transformer is the power source that transforms your house current into a higher voltage so it can power the light. (in an HID system)

They put out a lot of heat so most growers prefer to use what they term as remote ballast. That is just a high voltage cord from the transformer to the hood that holds the mog socket.

[iwantFUEGO]

i am stoned. you are right. i couldnt remeber what a ballast was but now i remeber b/c i deal with them with HID headlights on cars. But i always thought the term ballast refered to the fixture that held the HID bulb in the housing?