MH Conversion Question

[Tommygirl]

Ok, I found a 400w HPS ballast that I can afford. At first I thought that it was a conversion ballast that will run either HPS or MH, but it turns out that it simply comes with an MH conversion bulb as well as a regular HPS bulb.

What I'm wondering is if that means that any MH conversion bulb can be run by any HPS ballast so long as they're rated at the same wattage, or is that too simple and cheap a solution to spreinging for either two ballasts or one of those really expensive one that will actually run both HPS and MH bulbs?

[invision]

this is true however the bulbs are mega expensive compared to a regular MH bulb

[kindprincess]

here's a suggestion. you have an hps, right? yeah, ok, you can take off the ignitor and use it as a regular mh, if you want to go back to hps, put the ignitor back on.

here's a page that'll show you everything you need to know to become a ballast wiring pro:thumbsup: (and trust me, it's not anywhere near as difficult as it seems or looks.)

aflter converting my first, i found two more. i'd not have known to buy these babies (40$ for 2 400w mh lights!!!:D) otherwise, now i'm waiting on the ignitors to throw these in the mix too:) i've no need for mh, i veg with floro's quite effectively. but this goes to show you how a little work can be VERY rewarding!!

oh yeah, the article....

http://www.onlinepot.org/grow/wiringlights.htm

hope this helps babe;)

love, kp:p

[Tommygirl]

The hortilux ace is the best bulb out by far. Perfect ratio of frequency, some smart mother fucker must have designed that one. They must be owned by phillips in the Neterlands.
Why is your Hortilux Ace (http://www.hydroempire.com/store/product_info.php/cPath/3_24_23/products_id/182) better than this SolarMax (http://www.4hydroponics.com/lighting/solarmax-one.asp)? They seem to be the exact same thing, except that the SolarMax works in an HPS system where as the Hortilux Ace works in an MH system.

I'm not trying to challenge you and say you're wrong, honestly. I'm asking a genuine question.

Another question. Which tend to last longer, the HPS conversion bulbs or the MH conversion bulbs?

[kindprincess]

CHECK OUT THE LINK. this could save you a couple hundred bucks!!

http://www.onlinepot.org/grow/wiringlights.htm

[kindprincess]

why use conversion when you don't have too?

[BOYZNUS]

JUST TAKE ONE OF THE IGNITOR WIRES, CUT IT, WIRE EACH END TO A TOGGLE SWITCH, ($2.25), MOUNT THE SWITCH OUTSIDE THE BOX.

SWITCH ON, IGNITOR FIRES FOR HPS.

SWITCH OFF, RUNS MH.

SAVES YA HUNDREDS.

GOOD LUCK

[kindprincess]

ditto

[Tommygirl]

JUST TAKE ONE OF THE IGNITOR WIRES, CUT IT, WIRE EACH END TO A TOGGLE SWITCH, ($2.25), MOUNT THE SWITCH OUTSIDE THE BOX.

SWITCH ON, IGNITOR FIRES FOR HPS.

SWITCH OFF, RUNS MH.

SAVES YA HUNDREDS.

GOOD LUCK


ditto
Like this?

[bejay]

before you go hacking on your ballast to install a switch would suggest you try just using the hps for veg and if you have got a mh conversion bulb well then use it but they are expensive, many will use a hps throughout the grow veg and flower, you wont notice that big of a difference between vegging with a mh or hps.

[Tommygirl]

before you go hacking on your ballast to install a switch would suggest you try just using the hps for veg and if you have got a mh conversion bulb well then use it but they are expensive, many will use a hps throughout the grow veg and flower, you wont notice that big of a difference between vegging with a mh or hps.
I don't accually have a ballast as of yet. I'm trying to decide if I should get a kit or one that's already wired and ready to go.

[Tommygirl]

bumpity...still looking for an answer about if I figured out where the toggle switch should be put, like BOYZNUS and kindprincess said.

[StankyGreenBush]

or one of those really expensive one that will actually run both HPS and MH bulbs?

FYI

When I was choosing a 400W setup the switchables were only a few dollars more than the same 400W HPS(i mean that literally...only $3-$4 more)) and about $40-$50 more than the same 400W MH system. It seemed silly to not get the switchable

[CaliJay]

My 2 favorite girls on the same thread!!! Hey TG!! how are you babe?
I am running the Solarmax bulbs. Being the noob that I am, I bought complete PL light systems from tha get. The whole deal hood and ballast and all. I wouldn't want to break into my ballast and void my warranty. BUT! After the warranty expires this little switch trick will be implemented for sure.
Of course being the tweaker I am I will have to have it sturdy and looking good so please enlighten us with any neat tricks y'all have come up with to install a switch that looks good and won't snap off too easily.

PS. TG where's my favorite avatar?? :p ;) :D

One point for the enhanced bulbs is that you get dual spectrum and more output from the same wattage and fixture. Maximizing your yeild. Something to consider....

-Jay caligrowin....

[kindprincess]

tg, you got it right, sweetie, i'll look tonite and see which would be the best wire for the switch (it will be your supply wire, but im not sure how it is abbreviated; i think it's the com (common) but i gotta check...)

jay;) i'm sending you a hush:)

ps, i'd like to know more about enhanced bulbs...