Quote Originally Posted by jamstigator
If it'd save you some money, CFLs are perfect for vegging and for seedlings, and would eliminate the need for the MH bulb or a switchable ballast. Not sure if that's an air-cooled reflector or not, but that's something to consider if not, or a cooltube (which is what I like, nice and space-efficient). Also, digital ballasts are nice: quiet and generate far less heat.

Don't neglect ventilation. In fact, for a closet, I'd make sure I have the ventilation stuff figured out before doing anything else, including buying lights. Great lights and piss poor ventilation = dead plants. Heh.
Thanks for the info, but I'm even more confused now

Are you recommending CFLs because they're cheaper or because they're better? I heard that MH/HPS were the best systems and I don't mind paying that price for them if that's the case. And I think 400W will cover 4 plants which is what I would start off growing. I've considered starting with a 600W system, but I think I'm better off adding another 400W hood later because the closet is very wide. I'm still not sure if the SL Sunspot is switchable but I'm about to call the garden shop and find out. I have no experience with any lighting systems, so I'll be sure to do more research on CFLs as well.

As for ventilation, most of the Sunleaves reflectors are made to attach a fan/air duct. Not sure if that's what you mean by an air-cooled reflector. And I also have a trap door in the ceiling of the closet where hot air can rise up to the attic or I can force it up there. The closet is not very deep front to back, but it's wide so there's space on the sides for small circulation fans.

I appreciate the input - I was all ready to start buying stuff but I might wait another week and do a little more research on the equipment and see if anyone else has advice.