Looking for a COMPLETE 50Watt HPS system.

I am starting a grow soon. I'm not new to growing but this is only my second time growing indoors. My first was with only about 150watts of CFL. I was quite suprised at the yield but it seemed like such a waste for the effort and time. So I figured I'd step it up a little and get a HOT5 setup.

So, I have a 4ft HOT5 fixture mounted and ready to go. This fixture has a mixture of 3000K bulbs and 6500K. A total of 20,000Lumen. Then I got to thinking, I'm sure it would produce a great yield by itself but I wanted to make sure my buds were as good as the time and money I put into the whole grow, PERIOD.

I want to try adding in some HPS bulbs for flowering or maybe for the whole cycle.

I have two discrepencies with HID lighting though. The money to purchase and set them up initially is a little touchy and the heat they produce is ludicrous.

So I started searching for a low cost-low wattage alternative to this. I figured if I could find a small 50watt HPS setup I could get two and add them in with the HOT5.

I know, I know, why not just get a 100watter and throw it in there? Well, here's the deal, my growspace was designed for the T5 and only the T5. So mounting ONE HPS would essentially "work" but the light would not cover the whole 4ft long space evenly. I'm not going to mount it under the T5 for obvious reasons. 100watts is as high as I can got with the HPS.

So I figured out how I could EASILY mount two small bulbs in there with cool-tube type setups and actually attach them to my T5 fixture.

I know, it's complicated but trust me, it is THE ONLY way it can be done. I've tried everything. Even calculated how it would play out with a 100watter mounted on the side wall. Won't work because the grow will be a SOG method. The lights HAVE to be mounted ABOVE the plants for ventilation purposes as well as efficiency.

Anyways, sorry for the long post. All I need to know is where in the HELL can I find a 50watt HPS system????? I can't find them ANYWHERE!

I bought a 50 and a 70 watt hps right off the shelf at home depot. I then rewired them so i could put the ballast outside.

Wow...

Thanks man. I will be going up there as soon as I get paid.

I can't believe that...The only place I wouldn't have looked..lol

How did you wire it? Into a plug or directly to power? Did you switch it or just straight timer?

I will probably put it on a timer only. No switch.

How's the quality of the bulb?

e-conolight Official Home Page

they have a 250watt hps that is cheaper than a 150 at homedepot. look under the flood and area section.

.....give me a sec to find how to rewire it

International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums - converting a home security light into a remote ballast grow light (the OG FAQ)

hope this helps

Thanks for the information keeko. Yes it definitly helps.

I'm very good with electronics. I build computers and am pretty much an electrician but kudos for the input man! It's very appreciated.

It'll come in handy too because I like the diagrams on that website.

I would recommend you go with CFLs, if only drawing 50 watts ... I did some research here: 55 Watt Compact Fluorescents
and compared those to the 50-watt HPS bulbs ... they put out the same mean Lumens (3600) ... the 55-watt CFL has identical output, without the expense, or the high heat ... just something to think about ... :jointsmile:

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Originally Posted by the image reaper

I would recommend you go with CFLs, if only drawing 50 watts ... I did some research here: 55 Watt Compact Fluorescents
and compared those to the 50-watt HPS bulbs ... they put out the same mean Lumens (3600) ... the 55-watt CFL has identical output, without the expense, or the high heat ... just something to think about ... :jointsmile:

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I thought about that as well. Good point.

But on the other hand, doesn't the HPS put out more lumen per sq. ft regardless? The CFL lumens will dissapate after a foot whereas the HPS lumens will maintain its luminosity over a greater distance...

I thought that's what was so special about them...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EXP13

I thought about that as well. Good point.

But on the other hand, doesn't the HPS put out more lumen per sq. ft regardless? The CFL lumens will dissapate after a foot whereas the HPS lumens will maintain its lumenousity over a greater distance...

I thought that's what was so special about them...

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correct, the HPS is known to penetrate deeper, the CFLs should be kept within an inch or so, of the canopy ... but, I suspect an HPS that small, wont penetrate that well, either ... be aware, I have never seen an HPS that small, so I could just be full of shit :D

Hmm...Decisions decisions.

Also remember, I'll be using 2 of the 50watt HPS lights if I choose to do so.

But I'm starting to look at some of these higher wattage CFL lights and am wondering if the HPS would be a redundant effort...

I actually do have quite a few CFLs. I have about 16-18 of them. Not sure on the wattages or colors but since they are so cheap I can compensate.

Anyone think 2 50watt HPS lights would be worth it? Or should I just add some CFLs?

Anyone? No opinions at all? :(

if you already have the cfls then do both