HOoking up 3 150w HPS's

[radefactor]

Hey, I just got 3 150W HPS lights with medium bases, thinking like an idiot that I could just screw them into regular light sockets. Upon realizing that the box clearly stated ANSI S55 ballast required, I got soooo dissapointed that my plant would have to endure the inferior 4tube fluoro setup im using now. If I were to buy an ANSI S55 ballast could I hook all 3 lights up, or is there any other way of making these work? I figured 3 separate HPS would be better than one single 450w HPS because of light distribution, any thoughts/comments are appreciated!
late-radefactor

radefactor Reviewed by radefactor on 03-22-2006. HOoking up 3 150w HPS's Hey, I just got 3 150W HPS lights with medium bases, thinking like an idiot that I could just screw them into regular light sockets. Upon realizing that the box clearly stated ANSI S55 ballast required, I got soooo dissapointed that my plant would have to endure the inferior 4tube fluoro setup im using now. If I were to buy an ANSI S55 ballast could I hook all 3 lights up, or is there any other way of making these work? I figured 3 separate HPS would be better than one single 450w HPS because Rating: 5

[postmandave]

you will need 3 ballasts then , man you should have went with the 400 watt hps as then you would have only needed the 1 ballast,can you not return the 3 bulbs and sort out the 400 watt surely the shop will exept theem returned if you are buying the 400 watt , ayway dont give up as you will get there in the end

[turtle420]

I figured 3 separate HPS would be better than one single 450w HPS because of light distribution, any thoughts/comments are appreciated!

Hey Factor,

Hello!

Yeah, 3 lights are better than one... usually.

As to your problem... well, I'm unsure of the solution. Get 3 ballasts then... I would think...

[radefactor]

I was wondering if I bought one 450w ballast, would I be able to hook up 3 medium sized sockets and have the 3 separate bulbs? I really want to try this because it seems most everyone grows with one main bulb over the plant, but with 3 separate bulbs the light distribution would be incredible, rays flowing in from every angle, so I really want some good feedback to see if I can get this to work, i was pretty bummed when I realized i needed a ballast afterall! Now im willing to buy 1, but i dont want to buy 3!
later-radefactor

[turtle420]

I was wondering if I bought one 450w ballast, would I be able to hook up 3 medium sized sockets and have the 3 separate bulbs? I really want to try this because it seems most everyone grows with one main bulb over the plant, but with 3 separate bulbs the light distribution would be incredible, rays flowing in from every angle, so I really want some good feedback to see if I can get this to work, i was pretty bummed when I realized i needed a ballast afterall! Now im willing to buy 1, but i dont want to buy 3!
later-radefactor

Speak with Zandor... he might have more input on HID's internals. I don't.

From the math, you can do it.

You can get a 300W ballast, and three 100W bulbs, and hook them up in parallel, and it should work... in theory. But I think it won't work because of the "ignitor" inside the ballast. I don't think it can "ignite" three bulbs.

Again, I'm not sure about this. Seek professional help.

[BlueDragonSmoke]

try it .....stand back everyone...lol