Closet setup shopping list

[MidnightToker54]

Would all the components of this setup work together? The ballast is a 2-way so it can do MH and HPS, but I'm not sure about the reflector. Can that accomodate both types of bulbs? I'm trying to get quality equipment without breaking the bank. Does this seem like a good setup and is there anything else I should add to it before I start?

reflector/hood: Sunleaves Sunspot Reflector ($69.95)
HPS bulb: 400W HPS U Bulb ($49.95)
MH bulb: 400W MH Sunmaster Warm Deluxe H Bulb ($69.95)
ballast: Pulsar 2-way 400W Ballast ($200.00)
accessories: Sunleaves Cord Set ($37.95)

MidnightToker54 Reviewed by MidnightToker54 on 08-17-2006. Closet setup shopping list Would all the components of this setup work together? The ballast is a 2-way so it can do MH and HPS, but I'm not sure about the reflector. Can that accomodate both types of bulbs? I'm trying to get quality equipment without breaking the bank. Does this seem like a good setup and is there anything else I should add to it before I start? reflector/hood: Sunleaves Sunspot Reflector ($69.95) HPS bulb: 400W HPS U Bulb ($49.95) MH bulb: 400W MH Sunmaster Warm Deluxe H Bulb ($69.95) ballast: Rating: 5

[Pothead4204life]

..arm size bud.....

...priceless......

[MidnightToker54]

..arm size bud.....

...priceless......

???

Yes, I want arm-sized buds - are you saying I need better equipment?

[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.

[MidnightToker54]

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.

[pinkchick]

My shopping list looked something like this:

HPS 400W (complete system)
Ventilation on top
Carbon filter
Muffler
Passive intake at bottom
Rotating fan
Mylar or similar foil
Relaix timer for lights
Adjustable thingy for ventilation

That's the system itself.... Plus seeds, buckets, root juice etc etc etc

[MidnightToker54]

Thanks for posting, pinkchick - gave me some more ideas.

Here's the rest of my list, besides the lighting system...


grow medium: Fox Farm Ocean Forest Soil ($30)
vegetation nutrients: FoxFarm GrowBig ($14)
flowering nutrients: FoxFarm BigBloom ($10)
reflective material: Sunleaves 1 mil Mylar ($15)
timer: Digital timer Strip ($20)
air/soil thermometer/humidity: Sunleaves Digital Hygro Thermometer ($25)
PH control: General Hydroponics PH Control Kit ($15)
PH meter: Sunleaves 3-way Moisture/Light/PH Meter ($10)
PH calibration/cleaner: Bluelab PH Probe Cleaning Kit/Calibration ($25)
reflector lens: Sunleaves Sunspot Lens ($20)

This is only to give me a starting point to work from - the store I go to has their own website and I got all the products and prices from there. But it may change depending on what they have in stock. And I might add other things like supplemental fertilizers after I learn more about them.

I have one larger fan which turns at different intervals and speeds and I can set it to go on at a specific temperature - it's just a cheap Wal-Mart discount fan but it works. And if necessary, I'll get a fan for the reflector hood and duct work to go with it.

No need for odor control or a muffler right now because I have my own place.