Hey, Hawk. Welcome to the boards. Sounds like you are well on your way to starting your grow. That's exciting.

To answer your ? about the MV lamp (Mercury Vapor), that is not a very suitable light for growing. The spectrum that it produces is not efficiently used by Mary Jane. For vegetative growth, CFLs should be enough if you get enough of them and keep them close. Then for flowering, you would ideally want an HPS or a proper spectrum of CFL to flower properly.

Another thing, that would be a dangerous endeavor for you to attempt to put the 70w HPS bulb you have in the 150w MV fixture. You're just asking for a display of Myth Busters proportions. (translated: don't do that unless you are a licensed electrician...and then you'd probably advise yourself the same). Long & short of it...spring for a good light. It'll be worth it. If your grow is small a 150w/250w HPS will do WONDERS!

You say you are attempting to do this on a small budget, but there are certain things that you really can't scrimp on (IMO) if you want good quality herb in the end with a minimal amount of problems along the way.

GOOD LIGHTS + GOOD FANS + all the rest = a successful grow.

Do a little reading up in the growing forums as there is a LOT of info out there on all the right stuff to use. It's well worth the time and frustration if you find out about these things ahead of time. Check out some of the grow logs for some good info as well. I have a couple in my sig. Good luck, Hawk.


The Fog :rastasmoke: