Uprgade reflector and bulb, or just the bulb.

I have been using two 600w grow kits with cooltubes from Apollo (like this) for my last two grows, and things have been going well. But I know things can be better. I know changing my bulb from the generic apollo HPS to a Ushio or Hortilux bulb will make a difference. I am just not to sure if spending $350 on reflectors is worth it over the ones I already have.

I have a 4'x8' area to work with, and have decided that I want to try doing a 4 plant scrog instead of 4-6 mainlined plants. I have had my eye on the Blockbuster 6" reflectors based on this test.

So what do you think Spend $470 on two bulbs and two reflectors, or just spend $120 on bulbs?

Before I upgraded 2my current setup I was in the same situation and chose 2go with the bulb. A better bulb will make you feel better. Get the reflector your next grow if you think ya still need it.

Make your own reflector for now and get the Ushio's. There are so many do it yourself ways to make reflectors on a dime, get creative

Well I already have two reflectors which I am sure are better than what I would make.

I run 2x600w in a 5x10x7 tent. I had the Apollo kit they sell with the xxl hood and cool tube. its probably the same one you (op) have. I upgraded my hood first to a Big Kahuna 6" a/c hood x2. big improvement in light spread. fills out my room very nicely, even on the side/end walls vs the Apollo hoods. I do plan on upgrading my bulbs as well (swap them every 18-19 weeks) to those Ushio bulbs. hoping for a better yield form what the specs say about it.

the big kahuna hoods are very heavy. most tents might barely be able to support 1, 2 forget about it. mine are hung from joists by 600# carabineers and 600# chain. they have 2 options for the cooling ducting, either ---- or from the top like a chimney. the mogul sockets are on adjustable plates (up/down left/right). they do have their issues. the glass doesn't seal properly. a 3.00 pack of weather stripping 3/4" wide fixes that (found at Wmart). you must also silicone the ducting stacks after you secure them. they leak a lot, the seal and some rivits as well.