Ask The Masters/Guru's of GreenThumb...

[SiXFeEtDeEp]

First off Welcome.

not sure how many of yall been to OG when it was up, but i remember a VERY usful thread called Ask the Old Guys 200? and it was a thread where all the old school/master growers go to answer questions from there fellow cultivation community.And for ppl with questions to ask and needing Expert advise can go and get a good solid, fact instead of ppl with lil or no how to leading the nub grower off trake. If used correctly this site will hopefully contain the simplest HOW To of growing and troubleshooting.

Ask any question that needs to be answer concerning your plant or anything surrounding it.

Ask away and hopefully a expert will get to you asap.

[SiXFeEtDeEp]

Im sure some of you already have this, but for those who don't here is a nice lil refrance of things to read that can help you on your path of good herbage.

http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/GrowFAQ%20Basic%20Topics.htm

if link don't work copy past and add a "L" at the end.

[usng]

Hey,

I just finished writing this question in the indoor grow forum, but I was wondering if maybe you could answer my question. I was just wondering if you know if it is possible to put a 100W - 150W metal highlide bulb into an incandescent (normal) light socket? Will it explode or blow a fuse? The voltage should be 105 if it makes a difference. or do i need a ballast for that mh bulb? I'd appreciate any help, thank you!

[SiXFeEtDeEp]

In Short, go buy a ballest that matches your watts and light.. Reason...Metal halide lamps have an operating voltage close to that of mercury lamps in many wattages, but have stricter tolerances for wattage and current waveform. Metal halides also usually need a higher starting voltage. Most metal halide lamps 100 watts or smaller require a high voltage starting pulse around or even over 1,000 volts.
175 to 400 watt metal halide lamp ballasts can power mercury lamps of the same wattage, but the reverse is not recommended.

Also, MH (Metal Halide) lamps come in three basic types:

*Base up (BU), which must be operated in the base up position.
*Horizontal (HOR), must be operated in the horizontal position.
*Universal (U), which may be operated in any position.

Orienting metal halide lamps in burning positions other than those specified can result in severe reductions in performance and potential nonpassive failure. Lamp life,light output and color can be affected by the burningposition. Some burning positions may need enclosed fixtures for safety reasons.

When replacing ANY HID (High intensity Discharge) lamp, never touch the bulb with bare hands. HID lighting gets exceptionally hot and any oils from your skin left on the bulb will burn and can cause the lamp to burst.

Always use soft, clean gloves when handling the lamps.

Observe extreme caution while foliar feeding any plants around exposed lamps. I suggest turning off any fans and ventilation while spraying the plants, any water blown onto an exposed, burning lamp can cause it to explode in your face. Be safe.

Although im no expert, I suggest you never miss around with electricity if your not sure what you are doing. Accedients do happen and nothing worst then geting your body found by your grow room. Or you burn your house down :(

Heres a cheaper HPS idea for ya.

How do I convert a common home security light into a remote ballast grow light? - http://www.drugs-forum.com/growfaq/1151.htm

[checkmark9]

the socket size is different

[usng]

Thanks guys, appreciate the help. I just wish it didn't cost so damn much.

[greenburn]

I was at the home depot and saw a 150 watt metal halide light that was only 22 dollars, i was wondering if that would be suitable alone? I also was thinking of using a 3 lamp setup of two metal halides and a HPS in the middle. Does anyone see any problems with that or should I be ok, and yes I know I will definitely be concerned with heat and safety. But any ideas precautions warnings are greatly appreciated.