Using HPS from germination
- Thread starter Joker52
- Start date
email468
Well-Known Member
there is a thread about this somewhere... according to Ed Rosenthal - MH is a waste of money and recommends using an HPS. The ballast supplies the energy to power the light. Think of it as an oversized (and extremely hot and heavy) power brick (those extra big plugs or boxes you use to connect electronic equipment).
So you need a ballast (the power), the sockets (something to screw the bulb into), the bulbs, a reflector/hood, and all the wiring. Unless you are an electrician, buy a complete unit - have a look at the digital and switchable ballasts in case you decide to use MH and HPS bulbs.
Also - HID lighting is very hot so you should also consider air or water cooled reflectors. Lighting is most likely to be the most expensive item in your grow room.
So you need a ballast (the power), the sockets (something to screw the bulb into), the bulbs, a reflector/hood, and all the wiring. Unless you are an electrician, buy a complete unit - have a look at the digital and switchable ballasts in case you decide to use MH and HPS bulbs.
Also - HID lighting is very hot so you should also consider air or water cooled reflectors. Lighting is most likely to be the most expensive item in your grow room.
email468
Well-Known Member
had a look through your journal - but i missed the part where ballasts were described or if HPS was the way to go from seedling.
email468
Well-Known Member
i don't think you're going to find good HID grow lights at Lowe's or Home Depot - much better off getting them online or from a local grow shop.
you can get everything you need at those two stores if you decide to do a floro grow though.
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
would a 150w HPS be good for flowering two small plants????
thankss
thankss
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
it says 16,000 lumens coming out of it.
but would that be enough for 2 plants?
but would that be enough for 2 plants?
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
well i want to grow 3 plants under:
2x 80w fluoro tubes for 3 weeks.
then switch 2 a 150w HPS. (maybe 2 plants about 1 1/2 ft tall?)
would this be alright anybody'???
thanks
2x 80w fluoro tubes for 3 weeks.
then switch 2 a 150w HPS. (maybe 2 plants about 1 1/2 ft tall?)
would this be alright anybody'???
thanks
email468
Well-Known Member
i think your plan will work but why buy two 150w HPS instead of one 400w? my understanding is the higher the watts the more efficient the lights (at least when it comes to HIDs).
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
no not 2 x 150's.
a single 150 HPS for flwer.
and 2 80w CFL's for veg.
does that sound good for 2 small plantS?
a single 150 HPS for flwer.
and 2 80w CFL's for veg.
does that sound good for 2 small plantS?
email468
Well-Known Member
oh sorry - didn't get that. yes - i think that would be adequate.
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
but i could i do this for alot cheaper though? :
2x 26w 6000k CFL'S
2x 26w 2700k CFL's
then for flowering just switch to 12/12 then add a 70w HPS ( adding 6,800 lumens)
think thatd work for 2 small plants????
2x 26w 6000k CFL'S
2x 26w 2700k CFL's
then for flowering just switch to 12/12 then add a 70w HPS ( adding 6,800 lumens)
think thatd work for 2 small plants????
mrXgreenthumbX
Well-Known Member
probly just going with about 5 "CFL's" they are the big spiraly light bulbs ( energy saving light bulbs)
email468
Well-Known Member
CFL= compact florescent lighting
if you are growing a 1-3 plants - CFL lighting is great. much, MUCH cheaper than most HID lights and much cooler so overheating is reduced. however - you have to keep your plants short (or use a buttload of CFLs so you might as well be using HIDs) in order to grow large and tall plants.
if you are growing a 1-3 plants - CFL lighting is great. much, MUCH cheaper than most HID lights and much cooler so overheating is reduced. however - you have to keep your plants short (or use a buttload of CFLs so you might as well be using HIDs) in order to grow large and tall plants.
