H.I.D quick question?

Mithy

Member
So just a Quicky, I have an e40 light fitting with a 250W cfl, and I'm quite confused as if I actually need a ballast if I want a low watt hid?
The answers probably yes but I'd appreciate if somebody could give me an answer on whether or not I need a ballast for say a 100-250W hps?
Much appreciated :)
 

Mithy

Member
Ah I did notice, was so hoping to be a cheap bastard and avoid paying for a ballast :( nvm goodbye hard earned cash lol
Thanks for the help
 

Slipon

Well-Known Member
acctuly you can get both CLFs and HID lights with build in ballast or with out, but both need a ballast to work, same with tubes and I believe even LED have some kind of ballast that control the power ..

I got a 600W poot light that run a 600W HPS and that have the ballast build in .. and I have seen many small 70-150W lights with the same, you know most security lights is also made with HPS/MH bulbs and all have a ballast build in to direct/control the power to the bulb ..
 

superstoner1

Well-Known Member
acctuly you can get both CLFs and HID lights with build in ballast or with out, but both need a ballast to work, same with tubes and I believe even LED have some kind of ballast that control the power ..

I got a 600W poot light that run a 600W HPS and that have the ballast build in .. and I have seen many small 70-150W lights with the same, you know most security lights is also made with HPS/MH bulbs and all have a ballast build in to direct/control the power to the bulb ..
yes, but you can take anything and twist to fit. here, talking about grow lights, even if the ballast is "built in" to a single assembly the bulb is seperate and replacable. cfl is the term that refers to the small, usually twisted, bulbs and yes they all have a built in ballasts. we know there are flourescent bulbs that go into a fixture with the ballast in the fixture,, but not what we commonly refer to here.
 

Mithy

Member
Just so you all know, I work off a 240Vthree pin system, that's right UK grower, and dollars completely destroy me in exchange rates haha!
Quite a bit of useful information coming to me through this post mind, keep it coming guys it's all very much so appreciated!
Live and let learn! :)
 

kenny ken 77

Well-Known Member
I do believe my post was referring to ballast,lamp and reflector,HPS 600w dual spectrum 95000 lumens, complete package with 12 month guarantee. Place of purchase, 3 counties hydroponics, Buckinghamshire,Berkshire and Hertfordshire, cheap, well stocked though no good for advice,in fact my local even has signs posted on the Walls saying. "we don't sell weed seeds,do not ask whether we can get for you,we cannot and will not discuss cannabis! If you do so you'll be asked to leave,regardless of your purchases!!!" stuck up, yes! Cheap and very well stocked they are though, if you are near to these counties, give them a try, though do not mention our little babies, HEHE!!!
 

kenny ken 77

Well-Known Member
Oh fuck! Wales, even south Wales, I haven't a clue, sorry boyo!!! ;-) just read your original post again, yes you would need a separate ballast for HPS, your cfl set will not be able to fire up a HPS lamp, good luck, a little spending, a lot of reading and a bit of practical and done properly plenty of banging dank weed to last until your next lot. Again, good luck and good growing, remember, you only get out what you put in, nothing is as simple or cheap as it may seem!. Kenny ken
 

Mithy

Member
Don't get those stuck up shops, it's legal to sell them right? After all I'm only after the hemp to wrap the pipes I work on ;) heh heh
Aye a true Welshman I am "lad"
Haha
True that is, suppose I shouldn't cheap out on my "hobby" I will soon begin a log of my first grow, going well surprisingly...can't wait to try the finished product :p
 

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
acctuly you can get both CLFs and HID lights with build in ballast or with out, but both need a ballast to work, same with tubes and I believe even LED have some kind of ballast that control the power ..

I got a 600W poot light that run a 600W HPS and that have the ballast build in .. and I have seen many small 70-150W lights with the same, you know most security lights is also made with HPS/MH bulbs and all have a ballast build in to direct/control the power to the bulb ..
yes, but you can take anything and twist to fit. here, talking about grow lights, even if the ballast is "built in" to a single assembly the bulb is seperate and replacable. cfl is the term that refers to the small, usually twisted, bulbs and yes they all have a built in ballasts. we know there are flourescent bulbs that go into a fixture with the ballast in the fixture,, but not what we commonly refer to here.
Fact is, not All CFLs have built in ballasts. Most do, but some are meant to be operated with an external ballast, especially in the case of security lights using CFLs.
 
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