dimmable Ballast help plz

I don't get it, is there a specific time that i need to dim my lights, i have a 600w mh and 600w hps, i am in vegging so the MH is now plugged in, is there a need to dim the light? is there some sort of procedure or "specific time" that they need to be dimmed? or can I run them at 100% without any problems.

When they're small plants keep the wattage down, as they grow turn it up.
It's to save some electricity, potential heat problems etc.
Make sure to use a 250 watt bulb if you're running it dimmed to 250 watt etc etc

Dude idk wat this guy's saing but DON'T buy a 250 watt bulb for a 600 w ballast dimmed down that's dumb as fuck and a serious fire risk get a 600 watt bulb for a 600 watt ballast then dim it down to wat ever. Start with 50% 2 weeks 75% 2 more weeks 100% gradually do everything but watch for temp spikes

Dim a dimmable ballast down to 250...you need to use a 250 watt bulb. Run it at 600watt; a 600 bulb.

Do NOT put a 250w bulb into a 600w ballast dimmed down. You don't need to dim your ballast unless your temps are getting out of whack.

I contacted a few companies about this subject, some say you should change bulbs while others say it's not an issue with their ballast.

That's stupid! I'm not trying to doubt ur ways sworth. I've takin a look at ur journals and it looks like u pull some fuckin fire meds. But I just don't understand where it would be safe to use a 250 watt bulb for a 600 watt balast. Even if it's dimmed down. Everyone I've ever came across tells me that's a fire hazard bulb will pop or burn out. And even if it did work that would be just more money to spend... Ide just go for a 600 w bulb and dim it down instead of having to buy different bulbs. And have a risk of a fire. No one wants that!

The theory is that bulbs are made to fire at a certain wattage to produce the correct spectrum. When firing a 600w at 50% you're theoretically not getting the correct spectrum. I guess that either way works as you can veg under pretty much any light source.

Well I do understand the concept but I wouldn't do that shit. It really dosent make that big of a difference in spectrum when dimmed. So if any one wants to do that dumb shit, do it but I wouldn't advise it. Wat ever happened to K.I.S.S y would I change my bulb to a say 250w bulb, when my balast could be pulling alot more juice then 250? even tho it could be dimmed down it could still be pulling over 250 watts! Y not be safe get the recommended size bulb for the ballast? Then running in to a problem possible fire. Idk man wat ever u wanna do i was just giving some advice. Good luck

ONEDON said:

I don't get it, is there a specific time that i need to dim my lights, i have a 600w mh and 600w hps, i am in vegging so the MH is now plugged in, is there a need to dim the light? is there some sort of procedure or "specific time" that they need to be dimmed? or can I run them at 100% without any problems.

Click to expand...

I have same ballast dude....get most out of it...been runnin mine seed til now hps bulb,,,they look awesome....fast...hoping to get good harvest...yup....lol...scrog is way to go...I try get everything I can out of light,,,right?? lst, tying down, tuckin leaves...plants love light...why dim it?? I though that at first but now see,,,blast em with light,,,