HPS Operating Temps.

[fresheadies]

Hey everyone,
I'm thinking of heavily investing in a 400w Sunburst Mini-Ballast system, but I'm extremely concerned about temperature/ventilation. The area is 8.25 sq.ft., and I am going to air-cool the hood. Question is, what are the operating temps. of a "normal" HPS system and a mini-ballast system? Again, I will have a cooled hood, along with fans introducing air as well an a fan inside the "box" for general circulation. Should I expect temps to be 70 degrees, 80, 100, etc.? I'm aware that the mini's run hotter than a remote ballast system, but I will be closing this area off completely in a mylar coated box hence the reason for heat concerns. If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to share!

fresheadies Reviewed by fresheadies on 05-12-2008. HPS Operating Temps. Hey everyone, I'm thinking of heavily investing in a 400w Sunburst Mini-Ballast system, but I'm extremely concerned about temperature/ventilation. The area is 8.25 sq.ft., and I am going to air-cool the hood. Question is, what are the operating temps. of a "normal" HPS system and a mini-ballast system? Again, I will have a cooled hood, along with fans introducing air as well an a fan inside the "box" for general circulation. Should I expect temps to be 70 degrees, 80, 100, etc.? I'm aware Rating: 5

[grey1223]

Depends on where the air from your lights is exhausted. If exhaust goes outside room it will be cooler. If exhaust stays inside room temps will be higher and you'll need someway to cool. Since you said you have fans blowing in I'll assume you are exhausting out. If that is the case you may OK with temps. Just remember to keep it below 85.

[Greenthing]

It is good practice to keep your ballast's outside of your grow room, it will keep the heat down.

[keeko]

It is good practice to keep your ballast's outside of your grow room, it will keep the heat down.

very true, and i would raise them off the ground just incase of a flood or something.

[fresheadies]

I am venting the hood into a completely different area from the intake so there won't be any recycling of hot air. I've been doing research for several months (this is part of it) before I truly dive into the wonderful world you all have entered, and before I make the plunge I want to have all my ducks lined in a row. I have searched high and low but no resources have been able to tell me what the operating temps of these lights are, BOTH remote ballast and mini-ballast systems (so I can compare). The lighting scheme is the last part of the puzzle I am trying to get under wraps (I already have the nutes, micros, medium, pots, etc.) and I really should know what to expect from each light. The reason why I'm (sort of) hell-bent on the mini is because all in all I can save myself about 85 bucks in doing so, and that's a nice incentive as long as the quality of the equipment is on par and the heating questions have been tackled. So guys and gals, the question still lingers.... What are the operating temps for each type? Any information would be great as this is my final step before I dive in! Share the love!

[Dutch Pimp]

Heat is the enemy of any ballast...don't let the ballast get too warm...or it's fucked.

[Greenthing]

Temperatures will fluctuate and it will depend on where your air intake is coming from, if it comes from outside your house the temps will change throughout the day or night anyway.
I have to keep an eye on the temps and if its to hot i open windows to try to keep tepms down.
In my rooom temps can range from 25c to 30c and if its a hot day as high as 35c that is with two 600watt HPS.
The best thing is set up your room and try it all out first and see what the temps are like.

[grey1223]

Operating temp of lights? Perhaps you mean how much heat from light? If I remember correctly, a 1000hps puts out about 3000 BTU's. So I'd guess about 1200 BTU's from your 400hps. I can't think of another measurement that would be useful.

[fresheadies]

Yes grey, you've hit the nail on the head. It may seem frivilous to some, but I like to know what I'm doing down to a "T". Thanks to all who responded, and thanks again grey. My bad for not making myself more clear on the question I was asking.

[grey1223]

No problem, we all had to start somewhere. If only you knew how many questions I asked when I started out.