Quote Originally Posted by PhatJay
I agree, I was not comforatable overdriving a bulb by 20%, but I trusted in the advice of my grow shop. They got it wrong this time.




I can only run 250w atm due to temp issues (I have an extract fan but no intake fan), I think I will be able to step up to 400 if I get an intake fan. Lumatek don't do a ballast that switches between 250/400.

I have put a 400w Son-T in for now running at 300w (the 250's that started failing after a week were Son-T's as well) Do you know what effect that will have on the bulbs spectrum? I ask this, because I now have a decision to make and I am not sure which way to go. I think I have the following options......

1, Keep the kit I have already bought and run a 400w Son-T @ 300w (least hassle)
2, Return this kit and buy a 250/400w switchable from another supplier as this shop does not sell 250/400w switchable ballasts (most hassle)
3, Return everything and go back to growing with 500w of CFL's

Improving my induction/extraction is not going to be straightforward, so I might not be able to ever switch up to 400w of HPS lighting. Running a 400w bulb @ 300w (if it doesn't effect the spectrum too much) might be my best option. My grow shop says that because Son-T's produce light in the orange/red spectrum, running at lower wattages does not affect the light spectrum as much as it would if I were using Growlux/Sunmaster bulbs (this is my flowering tent).

I have one other issue aswell, all the bulbs I have had so far have made a high pitched whining sound, which is doing my head in. When I took the 1st lot back they said that this wasn't normal. Do all HPS bulbs make high pitched whining noises when switching on?

Option 2 may be the most hassle for you , but it also solves your problems the quickest and will prove to be the most effective route in the long run. I don't much care for Lumatek ballasts , ymmv on that one but I won't have one in the place.

Research the bulbs yourself *never* at any juncture completely trust what a hydro shop or any given nutrient company , seed company etc. tells you. I might suggest that you take a close look at what's utilised in the commercial greenhouse trades and then compare pricing structure and cost effectiveness with the "hydro store" , such research will prove to be highly enlightening. What you find may flat tick you off at certain segments of the industry though.