thanks a lot for all of the tips. it turns out bghydro is pretty close to me so i'm gonna swing by there this weekend and pick up a 400 watt HPS with a new ballast, hortilux bulb and MH conversion bulb. should be able to get everything for under $300 and i can pay cash, which is always good! i guess everyone is right $90 for a system might be too good to be true. better spend a couple more dollars and get something i know will work.