Reflector and Ballast questions

[smpaz420]

I have been looking online for a 400 to 600 watt HPS and am just not sure which ballast and reflector to go with. I will be growing in a 4'x2' space and plan on getting some kind of cooling reflector along with a 6" vortex fan to vent the area.

My question is what ballast and reflectors are you guys using in your closet grows? i am looking to spend $300 to $500 on lights, i dont want to skimp but i also dont need a monster that will put off to much heat for my room. Also i plan on having the flower room higher in the closet and build a shelf down on the bottom for the veg chamber. Will i get enough ventalation with a 6" vortex (450 cfm) drawing through the cooltube and pushing out the carbon filter?

smpaz420 Reviewed by smpaz420 on 03-13-2008. Reflector and Ballast questions I have been looking online for a 400 to 600 watt HPS and am just not sure which ballast and reflector to go with. I will be growing in a 4'x2' space and plan on getting some kind of cooling reflector along with a 6" vortex fan to vent the area. My question is what ballast and reflectors are you guys using in your closet grows? i am looking to spend $300 to $500 on lights, i dont want to skimp but i also dont need a monster that will put off to much heat for my room. Also i plan on Rating: 5

[stinkyattic]

What's the third dimension on your space, and which one is the height?

[smpaz420]

the total is 8 foot but i plan on making it about 5 or 6 for just flowering, and the rest for a veg chamber.

[texas grass]

the vortex should be plenty on venting a 600 and the veg room too. im doin my setup that away.

im running right over 6'height on my flower chamber and having a veg room i would think you need about 3' chamber as minimal height. so your working with a flower chamber of about 5'. your quarters might get alittle cramped but it is very doable

[smpaz420]

well because i dont need to harvest that much as its only for me and a friend i was thinking about going with a switchable ballast so i dont have to deal with a veg chamber as well. I will need to have some kind of other chamber in there for a mother plant because i want to cut clones and not have to worry about planting from seed. I was also planning on doing a scrog because of my limited space, i though this would be the best way to make the most of what i have. thanks for you input.

[Twentyinches]

switchable ballasts kick all forms of ass! :thumbsup:

[texas grass]

if you get a switchable ballast get a digital ballast, they are smaller, run cooler, use less power, and can run both type of standard bulbs. but they are more expensive and you have to have it on a surge protector

you can use shop lights for your mother/veg area

[Twentyinches]

if you get a switchable ballast get a digital ballast, they are smaller, run cooler, use less power, and can run both type of standard bulbs. but they are more expensive and you have to have it on a surge protector

you can use shop lights for your mother/veg area

I've always been drawn to those elec ones but fear taking a chance getting one. I hear some can be unreliable?

[KiNdBlunt]

I just got my 600w digital ballast off of HTG supply and its perfect. the reflector it came with was legit and it has hangers that make moving the light up and down simple. the ballast is silent and cool to the touch and the light is intense. The reflector isnt air cooled but i can have it less than 2 feet away and the canopy temp stays around 80

[katyowns]

I just got my 600w digital ballast off of HTG supply and its perfect. the reflector it came with was legit and it has hangers that make moving the light up and down simple. the ballast is silent and cool to the touch and the light is intense. The reflector isnt air cooled but i can have it less than 2 feet away and the canopy temp stays around 80

I've also had good experience with HTG Supply, I recommend them.