Would it be cheaper to run 2 150w hps vs a 400w hps?

Dr.noob

Active Member
I know that sounds obvious, but I've heard that ballast use electricity. I could get 2 150w much cheaper then, an actual 400w grow bulb. Or would the 400w be that much better anyways?
 

mycomaster

Well-Known Member
The right lighting is all about intensity really. I would rather run a single 400W light over 3 150W lights. I can understand the thought in maybe spreading the light around, but it's really not that much light to be spreading. The intensity the one 400w can deliver with a good reflector is alot better than the 2 150W lights even closer to the plant. I think if I were you I would just invest with the right equipment the first time, and really get a decent grow in. After you see the result's you'll be back asking if it would be better to be running two 400W lights or one 600W or maybe a 1000W. Best of luck friend. Peace out.
 

Candybeast

Active Member
I am using 2x 150w and 1x 400w in a 4x4 tent. So far everything is going great I also have 4 28w t5s on the sides for more supplemental light. 2purple dream 2 animal cookies 1 unknown sativa . this is my test run for this tent then in running 6 kush n cheese from dinafem. Purple dream is from King klone seeds. They are the main two, though the sativais a def bonus, fuck the animal cookies only there to take up space. Had a bad rub of hermies started with 12 seeds.
 

Candybeast

Active Member
I find that the 2 150w while small and with limited penetraion, they are complimented by the 400w . The light they emit travels farther with help from the stronger output of the 400w.

Not to mention I used to grow solely under the two 150w hps in a 3x3 room. And I would run four plants on a 12x12 from seed schedule. Usually yielding 35-60g per plant , untopped just LST for taller phenos.
 

Attachments

dubekoms

Well-Known Member
How much you buying the 150 watters for? I got my 400 watt for only $140 on amazon, definitely worth it.
 

Candybeast

Active Member
I paid 50$ each but got them for a discounted price. I live next to a hydroponics store. The 400w is actually a 250/400w MH/HPS interchangeable self contained system. It was made by sun system, I paid 150$ I think
 

Candybeast

Active Member
Originally they had auto strains under them , but then I realized that growing 12/12 from seed pretty much transforms into strain into "autoflowering" mode. So I was running 2 ft tall plants under 300w total plus some CFLs averaging 45g per plant. Nice part is you can add a new seed whenever you like. Now I am upgrading to having to seperate tents. That way I can add a veg period and flowering period tent perpetual harvest.
 

tntgreen13

Well-Known Member
Originally they had auto strains under them , but then I realized that growing 12/12 from seed pretty much transforms into strain into "autoflowering" mode. So I was running 2 ft tall plants under 300w total plus some CFLs averaging 45g per plant. Nice part is you can add a new seed whenever you like. Now I am upgrading to having to seperate tents. That way I can add a veg period and flowering period tent perpetual harvest.
I would TOTALLY have to disagree with this. Yes, 12/12 from seed may take less time, as most autoflowers are intended to, but is a COMPLETELY different style all together. Running reg or fem seeds 12/12 from see tricks the plant into an early flower yes, however an auto flower can be kept under 18/6 or 20/4 light ratio through out it's entire life. In both cases however, you could pop a new seed anytime. Just my two cents on this comment.
 

Frajola

Well-Known Member
Originally they had auto strains under them , but then I realized that growing 12/12 from seed pretty much transforms into strain into "autoflowering" mode. So I was running 2 ft tall plants under 300w total plus some CFLs averaging 45g per plant. Nice part is you can add a new seed whenever you like. Now I am upgrading to having to seperate tents. That way I can add a veg period and flowering period tent perpetual harvest.
High CandyBeast,
I'm about to run a set of autos , so here it is the question " is it possible to run autos on 12/12 regiment from seed to flower"?
thanks
peace:leaf:
 

Kingrow1

Well-Known Member
High CandyBeast,
I'm about to run a set of autos , so here it is the question " is it possible to run autos on 12/12 regiment from seed to flower"?
thanks
peace:leaf:
Yes but it would probably be the least effective light regime possible.
 

astronautrob

Well-Known Member
High CandyBeast,
I'm about to run a set of autos , so here it is the question " is it possible to run autos on 12/12 regiment from seed to flower"?
thanks
peace:leaf:
Ran two autos 12/12 from seed my last run had a reduced yield imo although I've never ran these specific autos (they were freebies) I've run others before and ended up with more weight but not a huge difference ime
 

Frajola

Well-Known Member
Ran two autos 12/12 from seed my last run had a reduced yield imo although I've never ran these specific autos (they were freebies) I've run others before and ended up with more weight but not a huge difference ime
Damn genetics game, we gotta pay to learn, lol. I'm going 4.

thanks
 

Frajola

Well-Known Member
I know that sounds obvious, but I've heard that ballast use electricity. I could get 2 150w much cheaper then, an actual 400w grow bulb. Or would the 400w be that much better anyways?
u can have a DIm ballast 400w and down if u want. or a Dim 600w down to 400w, 250w also. BEtter than 2 x 150w.
 

Kingrow1

Well-Known Member
Yer i run a 600w dimmable, 660w 600w 400w 250w, helps manage heat sometimes. Got mine in a coolshade with a 6" high powered ruck inline fan.
 
Top