Used Ballast

I need to learn from any good or bad experiences you may have had.

This is my first time setting up a grow. Starting out seems pretty expensive if you're doing it right. One of the most important (and seemingly pricey) aspects of gardening is having a powerful and reliable light source. Most of what I've come across is extremely expensive unless you buy the Apollo brand being sold on eBay. I've already been told to stay away from these.

I'm looking for a 600W HPS but I can't spend $400+ just for the light!

I've come across some USED ballasts on e-bay, namely the Hydrofarm Xtrasun dimmable or HPS/MH convertible ballasts. Buying anything used seems sketchy to me because you never know the true working condition.

Has anyone had any good or bad experiences buying equipment this way?

If I go this route instead of buying a kit, how can I be sure that the hood and ballast are compatible?

Thank you in advance!

I have bought both used and new. I have had good experience buying older sun system magnetic ballasts they seem to run forever.
The thing about buying used is i wait for a great deal and if its not a great deal i will offer lower. i have a hard time paying full price for anything used.

What size ballast are you looking for?

You know what they say? you get what you pay for,

The light source is one of the most important things on your shopping list. my advise would be save your pennies and get yourself a light you be proud of.

600w ballast and hood on Amazon 100$ a pop

I'm looking to start out with a 600w HPS. I've found some used ones on eBay for about $70-80. But since this is my first grow room, first grow etc, I am nervous about buying something used.

Again, this is just a hobby I wanted to take up. I might have a few grows but I doubt I'll do this long-term.

I've seen the ballast and hood combo on Amazon! Have you tried one yourself? The price tag is hard to resist.

Maybe someone can point me toward some budget brands that still offer a middle grade quality but wont burn my house down.

FriendlyPharmacist said:

I'm looking to start out with a 600w HPS. I've found some used ones on eBay for about $70-80. But since this is my first grow room, first grow etc, I am nervous about buying something used.

Again, this is just a hobby I wanted to take up. I might have a few grows but I doubt I'll do this long-term.

I've seen the ballast and hood combo on Amazon! Have you tried one yourself? The price tag is hard to resist.

Maybe someone can point me toward some budget brands that still offer a middle grade quality but wont burn my house down.

Click to expand...

Hey, I bought 2x of these used. Lumatek 1000w dimmable 120/240 for around $100. If I was to spend more, I would get the Gavita DE, but man those are hot! The DE's might not work in a tent!!!

This ballast will give you room to expand, always leave room to expand later and get the equipment like you plan on expanding!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lumatek-LK1000-Digital-Ballast-120V-240V-MH-HPS-600-750-1000w-dimmable-cord-/272285136114?hash=item3f657574f2:g:qaUAAOSwc1FXbY12

If you are spending $400, you should be getting a DE for the price. More light for the same watts, but they are not designed to be air cooled with a hood, tricky to cool.

I started with tents and portable ac's, and now I have a built room with a mini-split. Nowdays, I feel like tent grows are for people renting.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Gavita-Pro-1000E-E-Series-DE-Double-Ended-Complete-Fixture-1000w-1000-watt-/272308108504?hash=item3f66d3fcd8:g:-coAAOSw0kNXgYxX