This kit has a Philips bulb, would this be a better buy?
Word up, I use that exact ebay 315 cmh in a 5x5 cloning/leafy greens tent. It does just as well as my sunsystems once I switched out the bulb, although it pulls more at the wall because the ballast is cheaper. I would recommend getting an HID reflector, a ballast meant for a 315 CMH, and some phillip's bulbs if you don't want to buy a full kit with CMH. You can save a few bucks that way. Generally, though, I'll recommend running a CMH in vertical config because of the 360 radiation.
Hey man thanks for the reply!
So do you think I should shoot for either of the ones I linked, or just save some more and get a sun systems?
I would just save for the sun systems at that point. If reflector is a must, definitely get one that's going to work properly.
What's wrong with the reflectors supplied?
CMH bulbs don't emit as much energy out the sides as they do from the tip. You want to have your bulb oriented vertically, otherwise you're wasting a lot of light on possible reflector losses. That's why you gotta get a fixture with a hood style reflector that has the bulb oriented vertically. Sun Systems fixtures have good reflectors, as do the phantom CMH, etc.
O rly?
All I have to go on here is measurements with my cheapo lux meter, but the difference is noticeable. We're talking like 45% reflector loss vs. 15-20% for a proper reflector with the correct bulb orientation. They don't just make CMH reflectors like that for shit's and gigs, there is a reason.
Good info to know when looking at these, I guess they're cheap for a reason. Probably just go for a omega or maxibright and switch out the reflector.. Should be close right?
Not really a matter of legit. A reflector is what it looks like, if it looks quality it is quality. Ballasts are another story. Sunsystems, Phantom CMH, etc all use the 315 watt Phillip's ballasts with different cases on them. You want a ballast that's gonna be decently efficient, otherwise you're gonna waste a lot of electricity just converting from AC to DC.
NOTHING. That one with the philips bulb is a hell of a deal.
There are several horizontal reflectors on the market, and many people swear by them. I'm guessing your test was between a decent vertical reflector and a shitty horizontal reflector. Also the footprint that the reflector covers matters.
Fair enough, what would constitute a good horizontal reflector in your opinion? Genuinely curious here.
