Looking to buy an HPS system, need advice

Hey I am thinking about buying an hps system but am not totally sure which one would be the best fit for my plants.

Would a 400 watt system be sufficient for 4-8 plants? So far I am considering Hydroempire, Organic Hydroponic Nutrients, Indoor Grow Lights and Supplies - 400 Watt HPS & MH Advantage Mini System - $279.95$239.95 or finding one on ebay.

I would like to keep the price as low as possible but the idea of getting a system that would be able to use an hps or mh bulb is pretty attractive.

Any suggestions?

It'll be pretty tough to fit 8 full-sized plants under a single 400w system, and you'll most likely end up with some pretty wispy buds from the plants on the edge of the light footprint. A 600w-1000w would be more efficient for normal sized plants. (2-4 feet) If plants are kept short and the canopy even, like with a SOG, it'll be much easier to make the best use of a 400w light. Just remember to keeping things properly ventilated and under 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also, I haven't been to the site in a while, but I've found some really good lighting deals from a site called "Discount-Hydroponics". May be worth looking into. And don't forget to check places like eBay, Craig's List, etc., for great deals on used/new systems.

thanks for the reply, i will probably scale down the number of plants i have to fit within a 400 watt systems abilities since getting anything larger would add more heat to the room i am growing in. It would also be more expensive, I would like to save money if possible but understand the difference in using an hps and not when it comes to better yields.

Anyone else have any suggestions on what i should look for in a 400 watt system or maybe a good source to look for one? What features are important to have? I know air cooled systems are much better but honestly i can't see myself getting a ventilation system with tubing.

check out hydroponics.net theyre a good source for equipment like that

Ive used HTG Supply's lighting products bought off ebay, and have always been very satisfied with the item, shipping, cost, and quality I have received.

Nothing but good things to say about them.

i second HTG. I bought a 600 from them, they did not have the bulb i ordered so they sent me a different one for free and then sent me the back ordered one as well.

I third HTG I bought a 400w hps from them and a T5 for veg very pleased with both and the cheapest prices!:rasta:

I like Discount Hydroponics. I got a 400 watt system from them that has a switchable ballast (MH/HPS). It was $130, included ballast, bulb, light socket, reflector etc. I like it because you can switch from veg to bloom. Great for a 1 light system. I looked 4 years for a better deal, didn't find one. Good luck. When you call them 1-877-476-9487 tell them you are interested in economy price and they will greatly cut their web prices. At least it worked for me.

chenman. You might look into getting a motorized system. Can cover more planys that way.

a motorized system would be a bit outside my price range at this time but i agree i light mover would be great to have.

lolagal, what does the economy price include? Do they cut prices by cutting the quality of the equipment?

two more questions.

Would it be better to get a light system that had a switchable ballast or look for just a mh or hps system and possibly get a better reflector ect for the same price?

What bulbs are recommended? Are the standard bulbs that come with a system sufficient or is it really worth the cost of buying say a hortilux bulb?


Any other suggestions about considerations to take before i decide on a system are appreciated.
Thanks

oh and how important would getting an aircoolable reflector? I have a decent fan in my grow room but i dont know how hot an hps/mh system runs.

Good- i would be able to cool my buld if i needed to.
Bad- it costs a decent amount more for a reflector with one.

I went with this one PlantLighting | Plant Lighting Equipment | Plant Light power Packs | Starlite (the euro reflector with blv son-t) It cost considerably less in the shop (£58).

Very happy but that's just me get an MH or fluorescents for veg and switch to HPS for flowering, Also get one with a remote ballast because it can be placed outside the growroom to keep tempratures down.

Also a ventilation system is necessary those HIDs get hot I got a vents TT 2 speed inline fan and ducting for £35 and with 5 passive intakes it does the job keeping me at a stead 25c which is perfect.

Oh and go for a switchable ballast unless you use flourescents in veg else it's just a waste of money.

My little girls are loving it :)

At the moment I am looking at 400 watt SWITCHABLE GROW LIGHT w HPS Sodium + MH Halide - eBay (item 160253058948 end time Jul-08-08 14:54:00 PDT). They also have the same system with different reflectors ect. Does anyone have experience with the umbrella reflectors? Are they an improvement or just extra money?

I also ran into this linked in another thread.1000 Watt Sodium/Halide Switchable XtraSun I (ValueBrite) Reflector - Grow Light System. I was not even considering getting a 1k system becasue it was outside my spending range but $250 seems pretty cheap. Anyone have any experience with this site or know any catches with this particular system.

I grow with a 400w and it does me fine I can get eight plants under there 600w is plenty but If you can't afford the ventalation aswell as the 1k don't bother because your plants won't live long.

That is most likely true, i was just taken back by how inexpensive it was. 400watt is probably more than enough for my personal needs.

Anyone else have any input? I would like to get a system soon but don't to pick something without considering all options.

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Originally Posted by cornish_dope

If you can't afford the ventalation aswell as the 1k don't bother because your plants won't live long.

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I definitely agree with that.

The 1k system is going to heat up just about any room, and would almost certainly be more useful air-cooled. A non digital 1k ballast will also add some extra heat to the room it's in. If you can get the fans, ducting, a/c hood, etc., I'd use the 1000w all day long. But if you're just getting started with HIDs, and can't afford to put much into ventilation at the moment, the 400w would probably be more feasible.

I think it's better to get a smaller lamp and have perfect temperatures and conditions than have a fuck off big light and all the conditions wrong.

You will not be dissapointed with a 400w and will be more than happy with the 600w but if all factors aren't covered (good airflow/ventilation, tempratures, soil medium etc) then your grow will fail.

I used the basic blv son-t and am more than happy with it I don't think IMHO and talking to other more experienced growers that the dual spectrums and high output etc make a huge difference.

It's your first grow dude don't get bigger than your own boots start small and if it goes well you can go bigger and better,

of course of course. I am just covering any bases i can think of. Better to think of all possibilities even if they are not suitable and figure out the best course of action. That is why I have all you fine growers giving me advice right? :)

Well, I'm not a salesman for Discount Hydroponics, but they had the best deal. They have a 400 watt Sun System 6 with switchable ballast and everything you need included for $130. Very good quality warranties etc. Tell em you are looking for a good deal. They supposedly meet other's prices too.

It is my understanding from research that the 1000 watt bulbs do not last very long. Also umbrella reflectors are supposed to reflect less light than horizontal reflectors. Always get a reflector with fan holes, you will need it sooner or later if you don't have a cool spot. Hope this helps :jointsmile:

Fan holes?, my reflector doesn't have fan holes I simply have my exaust placed just above the light it sucks all the heats out and with the passives it gives really good airflow through my grow room, I'd say a 400w/600w HID lighting system with a basic inline fan and a few metres of ducting will do you more than adequetly to grow big bud laden beauties .

if your growing in a closet or a confined space, stick with a 400 or less (maybe 6 if big enough.) if your growing in a room with no hight/ space issues, why not get a 1000? however ive heard that running 400 of MH and 600 of HPS (or vice versa depending on growth stage) does wonders for your plant, this just makes things hotter, heavier and more $$. ventilation is the key.

ive gone throught hydroponics.net with 100% satisfaction, only thing is they seem a little pricey. think i might try DH (gee, why does that sound so familar{detention home, get it? lol) and see it those valueline systems run as cool as some. they have awsome prices i agree.

anyone notice HPS seem to get hotter over time

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Originally Posted by chenman07

Hey I am thinking about buying an hps system but am not totally sure which one would be the best fit for my plants.

Would a 400 watt system be sufficient for 4-8 plants? So far I am considering Hydroempire, Organic Hydroponic Nutrients, Indoor Grow Lights and Supplies - 400 Watt HPS & MH Advantage Mini System - $279.95$239.95 or finding one on ebay.

I would like to keep the price as low as possible but the idea of getting a system that would be able to use an hps or mh bulb is pretty attractive.

Any suggestions?

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For those kind of prices you should at least get a complimentary BJ, or at least a courtisy reach around. My local electrical supply house has 400w HPS *complete* for $75

Wow you are lucky then, there is no place in my area that sells systems for $75.

I have decided to spend a little extra and get a 600watt electric ballast. Now i just have to decide on what reflector to get with it. I think I will be purchasing from HTG on ebay unless anyone can show me a better value.

I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.

Cornish- If you are using a magnetic ballast and have it in the same room that may be the source of higher temperatures over time.

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I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.

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For anyone who considers growing in attics I always give them this link first http://cannazine.co.uk/indoor-garden...eme-sport.html


No my ballast is well outside my grow room I use a maxibright compact switchable ballast.

Also If you are starting seedlings get a couple of CFLs to put them under for the first couple of weeks/whilst you wait for your inline fan.

As stated earlier having an inline fan just above my HPS seems to keep the temps low and good airflow through my grow room, remember reflectors can always be upgraded I know alot of people who grow with the standard euro reflector and have no problems.A better reflector will give you a few more lumens I can't see it making a massive difference to your grow.

People ask this question a lot-

I just want to remind you that the 600 watt HPS is the most efficient per watt

:rastasmoke:

unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.

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unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.

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Thats not true whichever reflector you get An exaust fan and passive intakes is adequete to take all the hot air out, even with an aircooled hood without A/C your growroom will stay the same temprature as the outside.

Also it brings in new air from the bottom which the air cooled hood doesn't (correct me if I'm wrong).

yeah. i use a passive intake at teh bottom, but the AC reflector evacutes ALL the hot air outside the grow area (from the source). a HUGE advantage (i gotta hot n humid climate.) this also creates the negative air pressure required for a passive intake.

but yeah.im not gonna argue.believe what you want. i really dont care.:thumbsup:

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Originally Posted by joedirte

yeah. i use a passive intake at teh bottom, but the AC reflector evacutes ALL the hot air outside the grow area (from the source). a HUGE advantage (i gotta hot n humid climate.) this also creates the negative air pressure required for a passive intake.

but yeah.im not gonna argue.believe what you want. i really dont care.:thumbsup:

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I can 2nd that the weather here in MA this week has been almost unbearably hot and humid

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Originally Posted by katyowns

I can 2nd that the weather here in MA this week has been almost unbearably hot and humid

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Come on down to south Mississippi. :wtf:

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Originally Posted by Mississippi Steve

Come on down to south Mississippi. :wtf:

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If you look at weather reports, we're a few digits of each other, both with high humidity. Believe it or not New England can get sticky as hell.

Springfield, Massachusetts (01101) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground
Biloxi, Mississippi (39530) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground

i get the hot weather year round. think i might invest in a heavy duty air conditioner. maybe i should just move somewhere cold and legalized.
but back to the topic. im thinking of getting a custom system from hydroponics.net. a lumatek digi 600 MH/HPS ballast w/ teh daystar AC 6" reflector and a solarmax bulb rated a 95,000 lumens, all for under $300 (plus about $50 S&H.) if your thinking of getting a system, theyre a good, honest retailer.

I think you must get hotter whether over there I live in rainy old england where it's wet and cold most the time.

Nah I'm not trying to argue mate I just don't want you to talk the poor bloke in to spending shit loads on something that isn't really necessary. Just trying to say the basics can work well.

yeah my bad.

Chenman, you have a very interesting thread here with so much information. I've learned a lot and why you need to do what you do! Taking climate, region and all factors considered! These people are sure experts and the pix sure helped a lot! Guess, it is going to come down to money. Who wants to set up an attic twice! Even if you get the whole ball of wax for a large grow, you don't have to start that way and can introduce the extra stuff as you need it. Instead of shopping later on a 'as needed' basis! That can be chanllenging. these people giving you advice, sure seem to know hat they are talking about! Good luck and nuggies of returns!:thumbsup:

I don't want to knock anyone's grows but from what others tell me loft growing is a pain in the arse, I've never tried it but I know people who have so I'll copy and paste what was on that link because it's valuable to any one who set's up a loft grow (I apologise if people have looked at that link already)

Loft growing your own ganja is a tricky operation at the best of times.

As far as indoor growing goes, growing in the loft can rate as an extreme sport sometimes. Its certainly not for the feint-hearted.

Unless your up to passing the induction course for your local 'special forces' squadron, (SAS/Green Berets), I would seriously weigh up every alternative option before commencing with a loft grow.

First of all, lets examine the logistics of it. If you are growing hydro you are going to be transporting hundreds of litres of water up into the loft, and back down again as reservoirs are changed. This where the special forces training comes in.

The smart cookie rigs up a hose pipe, but thats not always an option so hard work is an off-putter!

Spills and accidents are an inevitability even the most careful grower will struggle to avoid completely.

If you grow in compost and water with a watering can the amounts can be minimal, but if we are talking hydroponic reservoirs in the loft-space?

A 100 litre reservoir spilling its contents of fertilizer just a few feet above your sleeping head is really going to improve your popularity at home, especially if 'she who must be obeyed' is unaware of your horticultural habit in the first place.

Did I mention growing in compost?

How about carrying all them bags of compost/gravels/coco coir, or those large, 25 litre containers of hydroponic solution up to the grow room?

Like I said, it's an extreme sport, and don't even get me going on the environment issue.

No not saving the earth. The grow room environment.

Unless you got some serious benji's to spend on fully insulating your loft, the temperature swings will need experiencing to believe them.

With the sun at the very height of its apex, the loft space, beneath the dark, heat attracting tiles, will reach temperatures of 20+ celcius above that what it is outside!

So if you're getting 35c outside, in a poorly ventilated loft space with HID lighting running you could seriously expect to see silly, dangerous temperatures recorded. Surely a disaster waiting to happen, if your plants would survive such conditions in the first place.

With the clear days comes the clear, cloud free nights.

With no cloud base to keep the heat close to the earth's surface it dissipates off into the atmosphere, with a day to night temperature drop of 15-25 degrees celcius not uncommon.

The loft space chills down quickly once the sun goes down. A still, deathly chill settles over everything and in the death of winter my loft can resemble the set from The Excorcist, complete with puffy breath.

UK growers are resorting to running their lamps through the coldest, darkest winter periods to combat this.

Of course, running your loft-grow-lights in the winter brings with it a whole host of other, less obvious problems.

http://cannazine.co.uk/components/co...w_roof_opt.jpg
Doh!!

Yep. Growing in the loft seems like a lot of hard work to me.

Although I've seen some outstanding results from growers who have the time, the patience, the stamina, and not a few pounds/dollars to spend on the equipment to make the project feasable from the start.

But if you are running on a tight budget I would seriously think again!

i wanna grow in a grow tent about 4'X4' in ocean forest soil about 4-6 plants...i cant decide to get 400w that has mh and hps or the 600w hps. im in southern california heat is kind of an issue but i will get some nice ventelation with 2 inline fans one being from the light. 400w probly wont get deep into the canopy huh but 600w is only hps..how can i get the most yields? i think ill just do 4 plants...i want at least an ounce from each plant. i will be using fox farm bloom nutes also along with the ocean forest soil.