Deciding on a 400w digital ballast.

The Grim Reefer

The Grim Reefer

Active Member
Ok, so I'm eventually...at some point...HOPEFULLY going to see what all the fuss is about for HID lighting. Because I'm only growing for myself I will probably only need a 400w HPS. I still plan on using my CFLs for vegging because they are doing a beautiful job as it is (getting 32,400 lumens from 12 42 watters) But I really want to see how much better HPS will be when it comes to flowering and getting those big, dense buds.

SO...

I want to get a digital ballast for my light. I've narrowed it down to either Digital Greenhouse or Lumatek (the new ones of course). I've heard a bunch of shit about pretty much every other brand, and only recently with the newer Lumateks do they seem to be up to snuff. I want something that's goign to run cool, run for YEARS, and not cause interference with my wifi network/tv/etc.

Any suggestions?
 
Bain

Bain

Well-Known Member
Hey, I'm in the same boat with you. I'm working on research for a ballast and bulb setup. The switchables seem nice. I've looking mostly at lumateks just because its the only one I KNOW doesn't have radio frequency interference (RFI). Unfortunately they seem the be the most expensive too.

How many plants are you planning on putting under the 400w system? I doubt I'll do more than 2 flowering at a time so I'm kinda undecided between 250w and 400w.
 
The Grim Reefer

The Grim Reefer

Active Member
Hate to do this...but I was hoping on getting some more feedback, soo...bump. What the hell, its 4/20, I'm feelin' naughty.

...lol
 
L

losthere

Active Member
Im kind of in the same boat, but i am looking for a different sized light currently have a pos and want a digital ballast. From the research i have one and from talking to different people this is m.o. On one thread i cant find it now but they test the cheap HTG ballast vs lumetec (not positive, i do remember was supposed to be a "better" yet more expensive ballast) and at 2' the cheaper HTG more candle something i dont remember the exact term but in laymans terms it was brighter than the more expensive"better" ballast. IMO HTG is a company and you are able to contact them and they have a warranty, i feel more comfortable buying from them rather than some dealer on the internet with a screen name and a fake business name. However ideal would be to buy from local hydro shop, going with an established dealer on the internet is next best. Plus the light is going to work what more do you need? It is a ballast that runs a light bulb, thats all thats needed. I am however going to upgrade the reflector and bulb (hortilux) the bulb is the important part and how well that light is reflected downward. I am no pro on lighting and if someone would care to give some imput to help us in this regard it would be much appreciated. (this is in no way a plug for htg nor do i have first hand experience with their products)
 
Picasso345

Picasso345

Well-Known Member
I'm happy with my Lumatek. Lumatek is a five year ballast warranty and the Digital Greenhouse is 2 years. Not proof of anything, but it helped sell me.
 
A

Audone

Active Member
I bought a digital ballast from HTG (Digital Greenhouse brand) It worked great for a month and then went tits up it will fire the lamp for about an hour and then shut down. I am going to upgrade to a Lumatek and keep the replacement HTG (haven't sent the old one in yet) as a backup. I would rather have an extra ballast on hand just in case. Trust me nothing will piss you off more about losing bud growth on a POS ballast.
 
ganjagoddess

ganjagoddess

Well-Known Member
I here 100's of horror stories about digital ballsts all the time, this Is Why I am sticking Magnetic for the next 5 years till the technology proves it can last.

I have mag ballast runnin strong for the last 7 years with no problems...
 
ElBarto

ElBarto

Well-Known Member
ganjagoddess said:
I have mag ballast runnin strong for the last 7 years with no problems...
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I've read (on a digital ballast info sheet) that as they get older, magnetic ballasts become louder, produce less light, emit more heat and use more electricity. Is that your experience?

I'm still leaning towards digital because they're supposed to be cooler and quieter than magnetic and bulbs last longer, but after reading this, I'll be looking for one with a warranty.
 
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wyteberrywidow

wyteberrywidow

Global
Shrubs First said:
came up on one of them bottom flickering things showing related threads, did't even check the date!

XD
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lmao i know i read the title and saw it was 2 years old in the new posts..So how are those lumateks...Im still using my magnetic 400 for 2 years now i need another one soon.
 
Shrubs First

Shrubs First

Well-Known Member
wyteberrywidow said:
lmao i know i read the title and saw it was 2 years old in the new posts..So how are those lumateks...Im still using my magnetic 400 for 2 years now i need another one soon.
Click to expand...
Been growin with em man, they are so light and don't get too hot at all. Easy to take care of
i could honestly be a spokesperson.

30% less heat, 30% less energy consumed, and they prolong the life of bulbs. They also produce
a constant, non flickering/waving light pattern even when power is inconsistent.

Lumatek's also have that 5 year warranty.
 
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