Which grow light... hmmm.

[vtguitar88]

Hiya evrybody,

So i'm tryna decide between two inexpensive (cheap?) grow light systems. The first one is this, from High Tech Garden supply:


High Tech Garden Supply

with MH conversion bulb and shipping included, it's like 185 bucks, a pretty good deal I'd say.


The other option I found is an unknown from amazon, check it out:

Amazon.com: 400 Watt Electronic Ballast Hydroponic Grow Light Lamp: Home & Garden

This one comes with the mH conversion bulb and with shipping is only like 167 bucks, so I'd save about 20 bucks, but I'm not sure who the manufacturer of this would be. It says it's an electronic ballast system, which makes it seem even more unreasonably cheap. Any thoughts or experience on either one of these systems? Thanks for any help!

vtguitar88 Reviewed by vtguitar88 on 11-01-2009. Which grow light... hmmm. Hiya evrybody, So i'm tryna decide between two inexpensive (cheap?) grow light systems. The first one is this, from High Tech Garden supply: High Tech Garden Supply with MH conversion bulb and shipping included, it's like 185 bucks, a pretty good deal I'd say. Rating: 5

[Dutch Pimp]

the High Tech package is a safer bet...it's a magnetic ballast...IMO

[JackdaWack]

I have the hi tech one, its a generic ballast, but its actually pretty damn good, i've used it for a couple years now and not a single issue with it.

[vtguitar88]

alright thanks a lot guys, i went with the HTG one. Got a used one on ebay for the same price as the generic amazon one, and it comes with a supernova reflector which looks better than the one included in the HTG kit. Thanks again for steering me the right way, it was a good call i think.

J

[JackdaWack]

yeah the bat wing reflector is kinda well ehhh, but def. gets the job done, an upgrade isnt essential but very benificial.

[Mississippi Steve]

Keep it simple, keep it cheap, use CFLs, and flouros. Plus with CFLs and Flouros, you don't have a massive heat problem, or a high light bill.

[JackdaWack]

Keep it simple, keep it cheap, use CFLs, and flouros. Plus with CFLs and Flouros, you don't have a massive heat problem, or a high light bill.

Not really true, the hps will run more efficient and cooler compared. CFL's make a good amount of heat, and if ur planning on using something like 400wat hps then the cfls would add up, two 150wtt cfls about 20,0000 lumes will give off a decent amount of heat. In either case proper ventilation will be needed. If anything is more simple 1 400watter compared to a bunch of cfls i would pick the hps. Theres no reason to skimp out on lighting if u dont have to, a cheap 400w light that works good and $100 cooltube is far better. So ur light bill may be more, u may initially spend 100 extra bucks but it will be far more productive and efficient. In other words, u get more for the $$

[Dutch Pimp]

...

[Pudish]

Dutch Pimp is correct. HPS is the only way to go when your looking for cheap. especially the 600 watt HPS. It has the highest lumens per watt of any other type of grow light out there. More lumens means tighter buds. Meaning better effiency. So if your looking for a light that is good to grow with for a average size grow get a 600 watt HPS. You wont be disapointed. Trust me on this. If you need more info its all over the web. Just search and you will see.

My very first grow I used CFLs and the money I spent on bulbs I woul dhave been better off getting the HPS. I would have had more lumens for the same price. The only issue would have been the heat which my room was vented anyways so. It really wouldn't have been a problem.

GET THE 600 Watt HPS. Well worth it.

[vtguitar88]

Yeah I went with 400 watts cause I got a great deal on a system, and it's workin out great so far. I guess 600 watts is a little more efficient but either 400 or 600 has a good lumen/watt ratio. I'm only growin one or two plants so for me I went with the smallest light that had a good efficiency and efficacy. I've seen some very good harvest under 400 watt lights.