Low cost hps?

can anyone recommend a hps kit for a grower on a budget. Don't need the best or fanciest. Just want to move up from cfls.

probably the cheapest way to upgrade to a 150w hps is to look for a security light sale at you local lowes/home depot/etc.
they come up from time to time very cheap, can't speak to the quality/durability

i found some 150w light kits online in my price range. I wasn't sure if 150w would be enough. Thanks

150w hps is the 'first' step above the cfl's(which i use, great for the small grower)
some get good results, all depends on your needs/goals

Ok thanks i was pretty sure this is the way i wanted to go. Just wanted a second opinion before shelling out the cash.

i got 2 versions of them a sunsystem and a sunburst? but the sunsystem has a switch for on or off. other doesnt and the other one is bigger all around. whit 1 hps in a 2x2x5.5 tent i pull just under 3oz off 2 plants in htere.

a basic 400 watt hps with a reflector and bulb is 215 at my hydro store, 150 watt would be ideal for no more then 1.5'x1.5' i would think and 400 is good for 3x3-4x4, all about your budget and grow space- i personally would save for the 400, Not hating on 150s,i love mirco grows- but if your planning to upgrade again in the future why not just do it now.

HTG Supply has a 4oow HPS for I think 119. Magnetic ballast

i was looking at the sunsystem i just want to do 2-3 plants at a time in a small space. another question would help or hurt to supplement the hps with the cfls i already have? i thinking the hps on top of course and the cfls on sides.

GHOSTKRONIC said:

i was looking at the sunsystem i just want to do 2-3 plants at a time in a small space. another question would help or hurt to supplement the hps with the cfls i already have? i thinking the hps on top of course and the cfls on sides.

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Nothing wrong with supplemental lighting alot of people do that.

Great i really appreciate all the feed back thanks to everyone that responded

400 watt is only good for a 2x2....i would go for a 400 watt if I were you...or save for another couple weeks and get a led.

From what i've read, it's better just to keep on with cfl's than buy a 150w hps. As has been usggested, i would just get another harvest and save for a 400w hps. When it comes to an hps, i don't like to buy a budget model. There are many many examples of ballasts melting or setting on fire, they get hot, i like the peace of mind knowing i boguht quality and i am not going to return home from work one day to find my ballast melted or worse your house burnt to the ground.

While there are of course companies which will rip you off, when it comes to electronics as well as many other things, i always work with the notion of buy cheap buy twice. save your money and buy a good quality ballast, it'll last you for years and years, doesn't make sense to skimp and potentially put yourself in harms way.

Corso312 said:

400 watt is only good for a 2x2....i would go for a 400 watt if I were you...or save for another couple weeks and get a led.

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A 600 is solid for 4x4 ... so a 400 should be able to handle 3x3 without trouble. Jmo. cn

HTGSupply 400 watt High Pressure Sodium Grow Light
Product Number: GL-HTG400HPS





How about something like this?

no clue said:

HTG Supply has a 4oow HPS for I think 119. Magnetic ballast

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This and what the guy above me posted. I have used their 400w light and had no issues with it other than the fact that the socket cord is permanently attached to the ballast. It is a long cord though.

Also here is a link to a decent all-in-one 150watt HPS. I have used this one as well and was happy with it considering it is only 150 watts.
http://www.amazon.com/Sun-System-Watt-Reflector-Ballast/dp/B00269RWQI
I also see them around here on craigslist going for around $50.

craigslist has some great deals on used lights if money is tight....i have ran 400-600 and 1ks....my favorite is 1k and have tried to get a 400 to cover 3x3...did not quite cover it..needed to add side lighting.