Does it make that big a difference??

The 400 watt hps system is $130

The universal for mh and hps is 180. I don't think that is including both bulbs coming with it.

Is it worth the extra money? Or is the difference not worth the extra 80 or so bucks?

I mean i know the MH bubls are optimal because of the blue light spectrum for veg growth. But hps gets the job done as well.

What you guys think?

well i know a place thats cheaper..
ebay
400w hps system for 109.99

go with the switchable. i would never veg my plants under hps spectrum. it makes ur plants suffer.

I use a 420w hps... where 20w is additional for blue spectrum. Was about $15 more.

If you can afford to get the conversion ballast and bulb, then you should do it. I'm not sure I would agree the plants suffer under HPS - I've seen some mighty fine plants veg under HPS, spanking CFLs and Fluros and having a near same result to MH. Also - if budget is an issue - you'll want the HPS to improve your BUD production, where Veg is more steam & leaf.

I do mine totally under HPS. I you eant take a look at my grow journal. If your strapped for cash do the first crop with HPS then get the MH. You will still be happy with your results under HPS.

Just go get a new digital switchable ballast for $119 they have digital switcahble 400 watters for $99 but sell out fast so you gotta catch stock.. Maryland Hydroponics or check insidesun.com ..if you can get an mh and hps bulb its the way to go the mh will fill your plants in fatter and bushiuer while only hps will lead to less bud sites and stretchier plants

get the conversion. youll do best with mh in veg and hps in bloom so youll save money in the long run in quality and the fact u only need one

personally i grow under MH only and i get slightly less weight but a higher thc content. late

if you dont have the cash the hps will be fine, no worries at all. but if you have money get the conversion bulb for sure.