Buying a light

You have more flexibility for vegging. MH, CFLs, or even tube flourescents can be used in a pinch. CFLs are the most versatile though for the $$$.

For flowering, you can't beat a HPS.

Can I just buy a HPS and use it for both flowering and veg? I'm working with closet conditions so I don't need a huge light. I'm looking at the 400W HPS setup.

You can if you want. No one is going to stop you.
But CFLs are so cheap, efficient, and pull so little juice that you're silly to write them off.

you can veg just fine with an hps...If you want just one light, then buy a 400hps...they also make great air-cooled lamphoods, so that is an option.

please folks........ dont lead this person astray, dude stick to the old rule of thumb, "the more light, the more buds" (which if im correct, were not looking for cheap light, were looking for HUGE TATER BUDS)

THE BEST LIGHT MADE FOR GETTING SUCCESS WITH THOSE "BIG BUDS" IS A HIGH PRESSURE SODIUM,

yes other lights will work, but the main objective (YEILD) will lack...
the plant needs a red spectrum to bud (which this puts off)

it will be decent for veg. , but you will see the difference right away

plus...... think of this , CFL bulbs 7-11 dollars US (per bulb)
plus...... your fixtures, incandecent fixtures 5-??? dollars
around 50+ dollars

your 400w HPS (ready to plug in and use) $144.95 US dollars

conclusion.......

400w HPS 144.95 = big ass buds and dank smoke (depending on you)

43w CFL x6 @ 8.94 ea. (53.64 just bulbs) = decent yeild

seems like a no brainer to me....

144.95 HPS set up @ http://www.gchydro.com/sunsystem/SXH_H40.asp

That's what.... I am talking about!......HUGE TATER BUDS.

RonJon

That link you provided to the HPS light... Do you have one like it? I am working with about a 6' x 4' x 8' closet. Is that light going to be safe to leave on 24hrs a day, or will it get way too hot and start a fire or kill the plants with heat?

I want to buy a light within the next week, so if anyone has any info that would be great. Happy growing.

Dubsak

okay dubsak, ive got my g. room on the pics below......

keep in mind that any hps is going to generate alot of heat (ESP. A 1000W)

ive got the 1000 hps on order, i have not recieved it yet but (I HAVE A COOL TUBE READY) if you dont, and if youre room is same size as mine i would use a 400 watt only (unless you have a cooling system ready)

also i do not start plants in my g. room, i have a stelth box i use, which has a 42w CFL for veg. plants , then theyre goin under HPS

i would go all out!!!!!!!!

OR DONT GO AT ALL

THIS IS MY STELTH BOX, RAN ON A 42w CFL AND 2- 80mm case fans

PS... a great way to put that old windows 95 tower to use

and the CFL and fixture and all was under $16.00

and to all who are gonna post about this, "the plants are not yellow, its a cheap ass webcam"

bookmark this link, and buy your stuff here...

http://www.bghydro.com/search/?q=400...me.description

these folks have the best prices, knowledge and service.