Lighting suggestions

I have a 5x3x5 grow enclosed grow cabinet with a 2 lamp 4ft t-8, 4-23w cfl, and 1-26w cfl all 6500k. This works pretty well for veg but I'm thinking I'm gonna need more for when I flower. Anybody have any suggestions on 150-250w hps lights, I've looked and researched for a few days and it seems like that would be sufficient enough for my area just lookin for any outside opinion. And how much of a difference would it make to the electric bill from 24hrs of cfl use to 12/12 of a 150-250w hps? Any help would be awesome

Anybody?

well, transitioning from CFL to HPS is a whole new ballgame. You'll need to exhaust the hot air out, as HPS especially create a lot of heat. I got my ballast & lights off ebay, just make sure they're reputable.

about the electric bill, man, its not going to be that bad at all. I'd say a 150-250w HPS running 12/12 would add maybe $5-10 onto your bill?

Here's a chart to put your energy use in comparison to standard household appliances --

I don't think a 150 or 250 will cover that space very well. I have a 150 hps and it barely covers my 4.5 sqft space so I have to supplement with cfls. look at it from a lumens standpoint. You will want 5,000 lumens or more per sqft for flowering. The 150 only puts out 18000 lumens.

The all-in-one hps lamps run hot since the ballast is attached and there is no way to cool them. If you look on craigslist you may be able to find a 400w digital dimmable hps with a cool tube reflector. That's what I am shopping for. I found one for $100 but was too late.

Best of luck.

250w are VERY small lights and would be just about right for your grow. I am running a Lumatek digital 250w right now... It is in an enclosed tent that is 1.5 ft by 2.5 feet x 5 feet, I have NO fans on the bulb, I have NO cooling, it is 75 degrees.

I use this tent for clones and mothers.

When I add fans to the grow, its not to keep the lights cool, but to provide air movement. Unless its 90 - 100 degrees, wouldn't worry about it.