HPS vs MH

[gr!!nch123]

I'm setting up for a first grow and need advice. All help welcome.

Here is what I have:
8x10 walk in cooler
will paint walls with flat white (kilz 2)blocker
I have an s-load of cfl's ranging from (24)-13watt to 8- MONSTER sized cfl w medium bases. I'll have to check on the wattage and report back
CFL's are for veg.
I have circulation fans for the room already on hand and a 10.5 btu air conditioner that I can mount for cooling
I can buy timers as needed. My dilemma is HPS vs MH for flowering. I am on a budget and money Is now really tight.
What I have seen is that MH lights aren't effective long term(need replacing) compared to HPS.
I also have the ability to use co2(with guidance)since I am a restauranteur.....seems like a perk.
All comment graciously welcomed. Cheers

 

[Muffy]

What is kilz 2?

 

[gr!!nch123]

Kilz 2 is a water based flat stain blocker......regular "Kilz" is oil based and will roast your brain in a bad way until fully cured. Cheers

 

[Muffy]

The hps ballast can run metal halides and there are newer pulse-start metal halide bulbs that I'm sure could run on hps if you wanted. The hps ballast is more flexible you see.

 

[gr!!nch123]

So for my first run a 600w HPS is an economical and wise start? Cheers

 

[ChesusRice]

So for my first run a 600w HPS is an economical and wise start? Cheers

Go big or stay home
get a 1000 watt switchable ballast

 

[Muffy]

The most readily available and highest quality bulbs are 400w and less.

 

[gr!!nch123]

Thanks for the info. Cheers

 

[Herbsmoker7]

The 600w HPS is the most efficient out of any HID. By that, I mean it has more lumens per watt than any other HID. It has almost double the lumens that a 400w HPS has. If you were going to go with 1000 watts or more, I would do two 600w HPS.

 

[gr!!nch123]

Thanks for all the info so far. Cheers

 

[NoBarriers]

If you have to pick one go with an hps. You can veg just fine under them and they are much better for flowering. I've vegged under them for years.

 

[gr!!nch123]

I think hps is most likely the way I'll head for the time being. Cheers

 

[GardenSpecialist]

Seeing as you already started the thread i might aswell ask a few questions myself. Is there much difference with heat using the MH for veg? Do they need to be air cooled? Im using a 1.2m tent and currently getting 85-87 degrees lights on, but i am now introducing a intake from outside so obviously the temp will drop.

 

[GardenSpecialist]

p.s Im using a 600w HPS at the mo.

 

[Herbsmoker7]

Seeing as you already started the thread i might aswell ask a few questions myself. Is there much difference with heat using the MH for veg? Do they need to be air cooled? Im using a 1.2m tent and currently getting 85-87 degrees lights on, but i am now introducing a intake from outside so obviously the temp will drop.

Huge difference... The hps produces more lumens, but also uses a lot of it's energy in the infrared spectrum (heat).
I air cool my 600 watt hps with a 6 inch tube and two 6 inch inline fans (25 each on eBay). Keep your air input low too.