Hey everybody I've been shopping around trying to decide which 600w hps setup to buy, i'm growing on a budget for this moment and i'm sure any 600w hps will kick my 200w T-5's ass. My budget isn't high and I won't be ordering online, which leaves me with only a few options that local shops carry.
First off I'm mainly looking for input on these two things.
-I have an understanding of the differences of magnetic vs digital ballasts, but have not found anything to make me really want to go for one or the other. If somebody could share some of their experiences with digital ballasts vs magnetic ballasts that would be awesome
-There are three reflectors available, the Econowing, the Sun star, and the Yieldmaster. I don't have an exhaust tube to run through the light itself so having room for it on the reflector is not currently relevant to me. Which reflector would be best for now?
There are only a few setups available in my price range of $180-$280ish + tax. For me this is a big purchase so I want to get the best bang for my buck. The setups I was looking at include:
+Magnetic Ballast systems:
- Complete system includes a 600 Watt HPS Sun System Hardcore ballast, Econowing reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. ($189.95 + tax)
-Complete system includes a 600 Watt HPS Sun System Hardcore ballast, Sun Star reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. (239.95 + tax)
- Complete system includes a 600 Watt HPS Sun System Hardcore ballast, Yieldmaster reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. (239.95 + tax)
^The only difference in these three being the hood. So if I went with one of these three the only argument would be "Econowing vs Sun star vs Yieldmaster reflector.
+Digital ballast systems
-Complete system includes a 400/600 Watt Sun System Galaxy Grow Amp switchable ballast, Econowing reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. (264.95+ tax)
-Complete system includes a 400/600 Watt Sun System Galaxy Grow Amp switchable ballast, Sun Star 6" reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. (319.95 + tax)
-Complete system includes a 400/600 Watt Sun System Galaxy Grow Amp switchable ballast, Yieldmaster 6" reflector, and 600 Watt Ultrasun HPS lamp. (329.95 + tax)
^Once again the only difference being the hood, with the same hoods available.
So if I could have some help on deciding what to buy that would be awesome! I will have money for upgrades in the future, but for now cash is tight and I don't feel like flowering with my T-5 again (despite fantastic bud quality results, the yield was still fluorescent)