Building a HPS is cheaper?

I was going to buy a 400 watt HPS light from a hydro online store when I had an idea. I looked into just buying the components of the HPS ballast and then the bulb. I found a site that sells them but I was wondering if this is all I need for a functional 400 watt HPS system? I think I may have to add a cord and socket to the ballast but it's alot cheaper in the long run.

Is this all I need?
Ballast (needs cord)
http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=9...(HID)+Ballasts

Bulb
http://www.bulbs.com/eSpec.aspx?ID=8...Discharge+(HID)

p.s. I wont need a reflector since Im growing in a small area.

Yup! That'll work, but your right you would need a cord to power the transformer, then another for the socket, the socket itself, then the bulb. B.T.W....if ya wanna be safe, go no smaller than a wire size of 14 gauge. I have 12 gauge wire powering mine, but thats a little overkill.

Yup ProGro is right. You have no place to stick that bulb, aka, no hood which is more money. You would most likely be better off just buying something from a local grow shop. If anything you can actually haggle with the owner for a lower price and *most* grow lights come pre-assembled or at least close to it. Also you have the factor that the hood was designed for good airflow so your bulb will run cooler and last longer.

lol, someone should write up a guide on how to build your own lighting system if it is actually worth it monetarily... that would be an awesome sticky cuz systems are expensive, it seems u can find better deals on individual parts rather than whole light packages.... ?? just a thought for u veterans and moderators.....
happy smokin
:rasta::jointsmile:

Hmm- most of the veterans, I think, would tell you to spend the cash and buy a lighting system. This is how commercial grows go- and they can hire electricians to put everything together.
By the time you add a power cord and an enclosure, yer maybe saving $20 off of buying a low-end prefab in cash, at least @ my local.
To me, being able to walk into the shop and leave with a working unit is worth $20 every time. And if I have a problem, being able to bring the faulty unit back and have it replaced off the shelf is priceless.

I gotta say, I don't understand why folks are unwilling to invest in decent equipment. Have you ever met a professional carpenter who bought the cheapest tools he/she could get?
No matter what you spend on a system, you'll see your investment back in 2-3 months. It's a no-brainer, folks.

Also, be aware that the components that you fry as you learn will need to be replaced- I'll bet that building yer first $100 home-made ballast ends up running more than off-the-shelf, by the time the lamp's lit.

Yes, ballasts, flip-flops, speed controls, etc can absolutely be built up out of components.

And if you know enough to do it safely, you don't need instructions.

If you need instructions, then you should just go to the store and buy a ballast.

I wouldnt bother messin with electricity for a couple extra $£ !!

ok ok point definitely taken... i wasnt saying i wanna be cheap and i definitely understand the whole buying good equipment thing, i am a baker by trade and u just cant make some things without spending the 50 bucks for the specialty pan, but boy is it worth it....
thank you for the advice tho rhizome and rhino
i have since actually found a good website that someone in one of the forums recommended, and it is excellent imo,
Hydroponics | Hydroponic Supplies
n e of u guys had experience with them? i havent completed my purchase yet but i have certainly built up quite a cart.... lol
happy smokin
:rasta::jointsmile:

o that website turned into a link!!!!
it was www. bghydro .com

I totally agree with Rhizome.....people will sacrifice HUGE amounts of quality to save a few $$. In the end....you pretty much get what you pay for imo.

The right tool for the right job will make your life easier every single time. ;)

sens.. a good friend tells me that Texas Hydroponics will match online prices with anyone. Might be worth a look.....

ok i will check them out thanks for the ref.

People will sacrifice HUGE amounts of quality to save a few bucks? Building a light of your own is less quality? Thats odd I built a light and its been working perfect for years. And the case I keep it is so cold I can keep it in my grow cab. I love it. SCARY WIRES ahhhh. I learned how to wire my own light in about 30 secs while looking at this picture.

And if it breaks? If mine does anytime in 8 years its replaced off the shelf as Rhizome mentioned.

And yes, i'll stand by that statement. It's your word you built it....and your word it's worth as much as something I bought. I think I'll leave this discussion right there....have a good day.

alright guyz just take a toke and sit back, i wasnt trying to start any fights, but i do have a question about hps lights. im gonna have 12 plants in a 11x5 area and i was going to run one 1k hps is that going to be enough? or should i consider another alternative
happy smokin :rasta::jointsmile:

I would consider more light for 55 Sqft. Although I don't think you'll need 55 Sqft. for only 12 plants. For 12 I would consider a few lights instead of one.
To weedhound, I think steme has a point for the electrically inclined. I do great wiring but never schooled for it. If something were to break, even past your warrentee date, He could just replace say... a capacitor. Knowing how to test your individual pieces, and having built it yourself, You have the cheapest repair allowed.
From my exp. building computers, I can say that manufacturers often put a cheap component or two under there "schnazzy" design. So it stands to reason that picking all your own known components would be an advantage. It always has been with my PC.
On the otherhand, I buy complete setups. I don't want to deal with my own troubleshooting. I have way too many other things in my brain right now. But if I were to go large scale, I wouldn't waste money on some fancy sticker and a UL #.