"super lumens" what is it?

bd6187

Well-Known Member
I have a 400 watt grow light. It has a setting switch . 150, 250, 400, super lumens. What's the difference between 400 and super lumens? Is it just BS?
 
When I talked to the guys from illuminar they told me the knob should never be adjusted from 100% and that it's just a gimmick to make lights seem more 'advanced'. A 400 watt bulb is designed to run at 400w. Changing the wattage changes the spectrum the bulb makes and puts stress on the bulb and internal components.
 
So you're saying it's bs?
No. Just saying it's probably just like 420 or so watts. The light will work and be a little brighter but it won't last quite as long. It also might change the spectrum. Most of those HPS/MH lights you're not supposed to use other wattages than what the bulbs made for. I know lots of manufacturers make adjustable ballasts, but I'm just telling you what I've heard about changing the wattage. It doesn't sound like it changes it a whole lot, but you should check it out. I haven't used a HPS for a long time.
 
As pad mentioned there are 420w bulbs. Would I run them? No., unless my ballast was rated for 420w and designed to run those bulbs.
I can't remember but I think at one time I had (maybe still have somewhere in the giant pile of outdated grow equipt) hortilux ballast that was 420w. Don't quote me. I only ran it once in my 20's then switched to 600's. It might even be taken apart now and used for parts. Cant remember been too long.
 
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As pad mentioned there are 420w bulbs. Would I run them? No., unless my ballast was rated for 420w and designed to run those bulbs.
I actually meant that Super Lumens setting is probably like 420 watts. But you're right about the 420 watt bulbs. The first one I ever used was a 420 watt Son Argo lamp. I probably spelled it wrong though, :eyesmoke:
 
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