Looking to buy an HPS system, need advice

[chenman07]

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

[chenman07]

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.

[cornish_dope]

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

[chenman07]

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.

[cornish_dope]

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.

[chenman07]

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.

[Mr. Clandestine]

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

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.

[cornish_dope]

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,

[chenman07]

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?

[LolaGal]

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: