Question about 1000hps and ballast

OK....this may well be dumb question....but here goes...
I am heavily considering the investment in a 400 or 1000 watt HPS.... I need to know...if I bought a 1000 HPS and ballast... can I use this set up down the line with a 400watt HPS bulb... eventually I need to set up a cabinet and I know a 1000 would burn up my plants in a cab aprox. 20 inches x 48 inches x 52 inches(height)....

Prices as they are...I am wondering if just investing in the 1000 might be worth it.... it would be if I could run several types of set ups with it.

All input...opinions and facts, experiences welcome...thx- peace

The 1000w HPS I am looking at is called the maximizer... made by sunlight supply
http://www.hydroponicsbuff.com/hydro...g_sunlight.htm

this is the 400watt/1000 watt HPS system I have been looking at...if I read this correctly the 1000w is switchable with the 600w or 400w hps bulbs...possibly answering my own question...
https://ssl.cgicafe.com/clients/hmoo..._complete.html

anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these lights...thx in advance- peace

I think I have answered my own question...you can use smaller hps bulbs in a 1000w fixture and ballast...anybody disaggree?

No you can't :( the switchable ballast is just to switch from MH to HPS. both bulbs would still have to be the same wattage..

I agree with bender, you cant use a bulb with a different wattage than the ballast,
and for the cabinet size you have,just go with the 400w and you'll be fine.
If you have a vented hood it would be best,to vent out the heat directly from the source.

QB

what kind of system are you planning to do? how many plants are you planning to have going? initially i would say the 400W is the way to go and no you cannon put a 400W bulb in a 1000W ballast. unless you are undertaking a huge operation, the 400W is the way to go as you can easily do 8 plants with that.