Really need help deciding on what grow set up to get.

i have two choices and im really torn on what one to buy one is 400 watt and the other is 600 watt im really looking for quality and reliability do you think buying online is smart or would going to a hydro store be better. I would greatly appreciate the help

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Dimmable-Detachable-Reflector/dp/B00547I5I8/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1358416060&sr=8-47&keywords=ballast

OR
http://www.progressive-growth.com/proddetail.php?prod=lumatek600-SLK
+Plantmax 600 hps bulp
+Magni wing Reflector

I buy ebay and make the rest myself... Id say it depends on the size of your grow space....dont forget about bulbs either..u get what you pay for...

You should go with a 600 watt. More efficient watt to lumen ratio... You will be happy with the 600 watt. I wouldn't use a 600 mh for veg though... The optimum setup is perpetual. You would have, say, a 400 metal halide for a small veg room and two 600 for a flower room. Most people have their veg room within their flowering room; in which case you have to make sure it is sealed up from light leaks.
To sum it up, go big man. For the extra 200 watts you will use, the light will produce about 40,000 more lumens than the 400 hps. Cheers! Welcome to RIU, happy growing.

ps: the 600 watt link you have are terrible prices... Go on eBay or Amazon, tons of great deals for complete 600w grow light set-ups. You get what you pay for, but sometimes you pay more for less...

The big question is can you cool the lights? What fan are you planning to use? Always go with as many watts as you can cool.

Agree with mr2shim. Go big to grow big with lights and air equipment.

If space permits go with 600. I'd also go to a hydro store and pick your stuff up. Usually they will work with ya on price if you buy a whole system. Then if something goes wrong bring it back and let them deal with sending back if anything ever goes wrong.

LocalAnarchist said:

i have two choices and im really torn on what one to buy one is 400 watt and the other is 600 watt im really looking for quality and reliability do you think buying online is smart or would going to a hydro store be better. I would greatly appreciate the help

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-Dimmable-Detachable-Reflector/dp/B00547I5I8/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&qid=1358416060&sr=8-47&keywords=ballast

OR
http://www.progressive-growth.com/proddetail.php?prod=lumatek600-SLK
+Plantmax 600 hps bulp
+Magni wing Reflector

Click to expand...

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Electronic-Dimmable-Reflector-Hydroponic/dp/B00521B894/ref=pd_sbs_indust_4/182-9965533-2496918

You can get the 600 for only a couple dollars more than the 400


I would check out HTG if you have the extra $$$ to spend. I don't know anything about apollo but I had *heard* they were good.

how much more heat does a 600w generate then a 400w, im looking at getting one of those apollo lights myself for the tent in my bedroom but with only a 4inch fan and an oscilating fan to keep things cool im worried about sweating to death

i run an apollo 400 watt in my veg tent with a 6 in inline fan dimmed down to 40% and tents stay between 75 and 77 my 600 watt flower tent runs about 77 78 with a 6 in inline fan dimmed to 50% my ambient temps range from 68 to 71

beuffer420 said:

If space permits go with 600. I'd also go to a hydro store and pick your stuff up. Usually they will work with ya on price if you buy a whole system. Then if something goes wrong bring it back and let them deal with sending back if anything ever goes wrong.

Click to expand...

The ONLY way I would go to a hydro store is if you're in a legal state. In NC cops were watching people, then followed them home, dug through their trash found evidence then arrested them.

Adjorr said:

how much more heat does a 600w generate then a 400w, im looking at getting one of those apollo lights myself for the tent in my bedroom but with only a 4inch fan and an oscilating fan to keep things cool im worried about sweating to death

Click to expand...

I personally don't think a 4" inline can move enough air to properly cool a 600w. Unless you keep your bedroom like an icebox I'd go with a 6" inline

kk, ill just stick with the 400w light then i think until after my first grow when i can save up for my equipment

you all have great comments thank you for the help i will get the 600w with a metal halide
Thanks again mates

I have yet to find a hydro store with good prices on lighting equipment, Their hoods are ridiculously priced. Then you have to lug all of that equipment home.

Just waste of time when you can find it all online and have it delivered to you for usually cheaper.

i run 400w mh in a 4x4 tent with a big air 4"filter and 4"inline 2 speed fan and it stays just under 80 same with the 1000w hps