Question about 1000hps and ballast

[altwnyguy73]

OK....this may well be dumb question....but here goes...
I am heavily considering the investment in a 400 or 1000 watt HPS.... I need to know...if I bought a 1000 HPS and ballast... can I use this set up down the line with a 400watt HPS bulb... eventually I need to set up a cabinet and I know a 1000 would burn up my plants in a cab aprox. 20 inches x 48 inches x 52 inches(height)....

Prices as they are...I am wondering if just investing in the 1000 might be worth it.... it would be if I could run several types of set ups with it.

All input...opinions and facts, experiences welcome...thx- peace

altwnyguy73 Reviewed by altwnyguy73 on 02-01-2005. Question about 1000hps and ballast OK....this may well be dumb question....but here goes... I am heavily considering the investment in a 400 or 1000 watt HPS.... I need to know...if I bought a 1000 HPS and ballast... can I use this set up down the line with a 400watt HPS bulb... eventually I need to set up a cabinet and I know a 1000 would burn up my plants in a cab aprox. 20 inches x 48 inches x 52 inches(height).... Prices as they are...I am wondering if just investing in the 1000 might be worth it.... it would be if I Rating: 5

[altwnyguy73]

The 1000w HPS I am looking at is called the maximizer... made by sunlight supply
http://www.hydroponicsbuff.com/hydro...g_sunlight.htm

this is the 400watt/1000 watt HPS system I have been looking at...if I read this correctly the 1000w is switchable with the 600w or 400w hps bulbs...possibly answering my own question...
https://ssl.cgicafe.com/clients/hmoo..._complete.html

anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these lights...thx in advance- peace

[altwnyguy73]

I think I have answered my own question...you can use smaller hps bulbs in a 1000w fixture and ballast...anybody disaggree?

[Bender]

No you can't the switchable ballast is just to switch from MH to HPS. both bulbs would still have to be the same wattage..

[QueBud]

I agree with bender, you cant use a bulb with a different wattage than the ballast,
and for the cabinet size you have,just go with the 400w and you'll be fine.
If you have a vented hood it would be best,to vent out the heat directly from the source.

QB

[kuri]

what kind of system are you planning to do? how many plants are you planning to have going? initially i would say the 400W is the way to go and no you cannon put a 400W bulb in a 1000W ballast. unless you are undertaking a huge operation, the 400W is the way to go as you can easily do 8 plants with that.