Have you taken a look at InsideSun or Maryland Hydroponics? Both are great companies with deals on cheap lights. If you really want to make an investment you're going to drop more coin but if you are satisfied with a budget unit and reflector I'd just get a new 400W HPS. You're probably going to spend just as much on high-output CFLs as they are trendy right now.

You can certainly grow without a HID, though. The heat output from CFLs is greater than equal wattage HIDs and they may end up being as expensive or even more expensive. It's probably also a slightly slower growing process with smaller flowers due to less efficient penetration and a far smaller high-lumen output field.

Either one is going to produce quality flowers once dialed-in but I think the better option is the HPS. Happy growing!
lemonboy Reviewed by lemonboy on . Growing Without HPS Light maybe a stupid question but is it possible? like i said in another thread, im getting ready for my first indoor grow. 3-4 plants. im starting with 2 150w CFL's to veg and was going to switch to a 400w HPS that i have. well, i turn it on last night to check it out and somethings broken. its not exactly new and at this point, im not ready to drop $200-$300 to get a new one. my question is are there any alternatives to HPS? maybe more fluorescent? or would i just be better off dropping the Rating: 5