Magnetic or Digital HPS Ballast (small space)

Hi Guys

I have recently started my first cab grow having grown extensively in larger spaces before. I am fairly experienced however not with growing in small spaces.

My current setup is a 2 door clothes cuboard with 2 X 105W CFLs, 1 X box fan, heating pad (it's cold right now here), venting and lined with panda film.
Only 2 plants right now, but will be growing 4 plants on a rolling cycle once I get going and get a second cab for my clones and mother.

So when these plants are big enough I will need to get a hps in there. Now heat is my big worry for such a small space. So I am only going to get a 250W HPS, but I still think the heat is going to be high as I need to have the ballast inside the cab for stealth.

My question is simple, how much cooler are digital balasts. They cost a fair bit more and for that price they really need to be a lot cooler for me or I will just simply get megnetic and better extractor fan.

Would really appreciate everyones opioninion especially if you have worked with both and especially if you have done so in small space.

i don't think the heat from the ballast is that big a deal either way.

1itsme said:

i don't think the heat from the ballast is that big a deal either way.

Click to expand...

I am not so sure in a cuboard heat builds up quickly it is winter here now and with 2 X CFLs it is getting up to 77 degrees easy. So it aint going to take much to push that higher. Yes in a gow tent it is not a big deal maybe or even in a room, but a cuboard may be a different story.

So I take it you dont know how much cooler or hotter either a digital or magnetic ballast is?

who puts the ballast in the cab? mine has fans built in that keep it quite cool, its slightly warm to the touch maybe 90 degrees

qwizoking said:

who puts the ballast in the cab? mine has fans built in that keep it quite cool, its slightly warm to the touch maybe 90 degrees

Click to expand...

Thanks for your comment. And I am planning on putting the ballast in the cab for stealth I am sure I would not be the first. Also I am sure some use low bay lights in a cab, since the ballast is then attached I am sure their ballast is in their cab also.

But thanks the ballast heat does not really sound any different than a magnetic one from my experience and judging by you 90 degree estimate.

I use digital ballasts as well with internal fans. They do not affect my temps. in my garden at all. They are also supper quiet=stealth. Just make sure you have plenty of air exchange in the cabinet to aid in reducing cabinet heat issues. When it is time to replace the bulbs, just do some research. There are bulbs out there designed specifically for digital ballasts. You can research it on Google.
Not sure if I would go with HID bay light though.

I have shot my 600watt Revolt with my temp gun and its surface temp at full operation in an 80 degree room was 96 degrees. My cooltube (glass) surface is normally around 98
at 100%

Peace

Asmallvoice

jazlm said:

I use digital ballasts as well with internal fans. They do not affect my temps. in my garden at all. They are also supper quiet=stealth. Just make sure you have plenty of air exchange in the cabinet to aid in reducing cabinet heat issues. When it is time to replace the bulbs, just do some research. There are bulbs out there designed specifically for digital ballasts. You can research it on Google.
Not sure if I would go with HID bay light though.

Click to expand...

Awsome info, thanx bro

ASMALLVOICE said:

I have shot my 600watt Revolt with my temp gun and its surface temp at full operation in an 80 degree room was 96 degrees. My cooltube (glass) surface is normally around 98
at 100%

Peace

Asmallvoice

Click to expand...

lol Thanks so much, this is great info...

OK so hearing that I am thinking for my stealth setup, have the ballast inside and any temp issues deal with them with better air extraction and airflow.

Right now I have two 105watt CFLS running and temps are a ok as to be ecpected. Big box fan running inside the cab with air holes which will soon be covered by 4 X 120 mm pc fan's, 2 for intake and 2 for extraction.

So if my temps go up I will ad a propper extraction fan with ducting to reduce heat.

Thanks guys you are both awsome and I will rep each of you.