Looking to buy an HPS system, need advice

[cornish_dope]

Fan holes?, my reflector doesn't have fan holes I simply have my exaust placed just above the light it sucks all the heats out and with the passives it gives really good airflow through my grow room, I'd say a 400w/600w HID lighting system with a basic inline fan and a few metres of ducting will do you more than adequetly to grow big bud laden beauties .

[joedirte]

if your growing in a closet or a confined space, stick with a 400 or less (maybe 6 if big enough.) if your growing in a room with no hight/ space issues, why not get a 1000? however ive heard that running 400 of MH and 600 of HPS (or vice versa depending on growth stage) does wonders for your plant, this just makes things hotter, heavier and more $$. ventilation is the key.

ive gone throught hydroponics.net with 100% satisfaction, only thing is they seem a little pricey. think i might try DH (gee, why does that sound so familar{detention home, get it? lol) and see it those valueline systems run as cool as some. they have awsome prices i agree.

[cornish_dope]

anyone notice HPS seem to get hotter over time

[Mississippi Steve]

Hey I am thinking about buying an hps system but am not totally sure which one would be the best fit for my plants.

Would a 400 watt system be sufficient for 4-8 plants? So far I am considering Hydroempire, Organic Hydroponic Nutrients, Indoor Grow Lights and Supplies - 400 Watt HPS & MH Advantage Mini System - $279.95$239.95 or finding one on ebay.

I would like to keep the price as low as possible but the idea of getting a system that would be able to use an hps or mh bulb is pretty attractive.

Any suggestions?

For those kind of prices you should at least get a complimentary BJ, or at least a courtisy reach around. My local electrical supply house has 400w HPS *complete* for $75

[chenman07]

Wow you are lucky then, there is no place in my area that sells systems for $75.

I have decided to spend a little extra and get a 600watt electric ballast. Now i just have to decide on what reflector to get with it. I think I will be purchasing from HTG on ebay unless anyone can show me a better value.

I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.

[chenman07]

Cornish- If you are using a magnetic ballast and have it in the same room that may be the source of higher temperatures over time.

[cornish_dope]

I am stuck on what reflector to purchase though. The two I am looking at are similar but one has fan holes and a glass cover but is $50-60 more. I know i should probably purchase it so in the future i can use it for better cooling but would i be able to get away with having a fan blowing on the hps for sufficient cooling until i can find a good inline fan?

I am not growing in a little closet or box but rather my attic space.

For anyone who considers growing in attics I always give them this link first http://cannazine.co.uk/indoor-garden...eme-sport.html


No my ballast is well outside my grow room I use a maxibright compact switchable ballast.

Also If you are starting seedlings get a couple of CFLs to put them under for the first couple of weeks/whilst you wait for your inline fan.

As stated earlier having an inline fan just above my HPS seems to keep the temps low and good airflow through my grow room, remember reflectors can always be upgraded I know alot of people who grow with the standard euro reflector and have no problems.A better reflector will give you a few more lumens I can't see it making a massive difference to your grow.

[Revanche21]

People ask this question a lot-

I just want to remind you that the 600 watt HPS is the most efficient per watt

:rastasmoke:

[joedirte]

unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.

[cornish_dope]

unless you live in year round cold weather or have a big space to grow in, i would always stick with the seal-off air-cooled type reflector. other wise your just blowing hot air around. you wanna evacuate that hot air, outside the grow area.

Thats not true whichever reflector you get An exaust fan and passive intakes is adequete to take all the hot air out, even with an aircooled hood without A/C your growroom will stay the same temprature as the outside.

Also it brings in new air from the bottom which the air cooled hood doesn't (correct me if I'm wrong).