Using HPS from germination

Can i use a HPS light from the start of my grow? I don't want to spend extra money on a florescent if i don't need it.
Also, what's the deal with the ballast? Is it the timer and lamp? is that it?
Thanks alot guys!

there is a thread about this somewhere... according to Ed Rosenthal - MH is a waste of money and recommends using an HPS. The ballast supplies the energy to power the light. Think of it as an oversized (and extremely hot and heavy) power brick (those extra big plugs or boxes you use to connect electronic equipment).

So you need a ballast (the power), the sockets (something to screw the bulb into), the bulbs, a reflector/hood, and all the wiring. Unless you are an electrician, buy a complete unit - have a look at the digital and switchable ballasts in case you decide to use MH and HPS bulbs.

Also - HID lighting is very hot so you should also consider air or water cooled reflectors. Lighting is most likely to be the most expensive item in your grow room.

cheack out my grow if you wanna see your questioned answered

cheack out my grow if you wanna see your questioned answered

Very Good thanks. I'm going to get a set from lowes or home depot or something.

stoner408 said:

cheack out my grow if you wanna see your questioned answered

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had a look through your journal - but i missed the part where ballasts were described or if HPS was the way to go from seedling.

Joker52 said:

Very Good thanks. I'm going to get a set from lowes or home depot or something.

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i don't think you're going to find good HID grow lights at Lowe's or Home Depot - much better off getting them online or from a local grow shop.

you can get everything you need at those two stores if you decide to do a floro grow though.

would a 150w HPS be good for flowering two small plants????
thankss

150w? Would also like to know.

it says 16,000 lumens coming out of it.
but would that be enough for 2 plants?

it depends on how large your plants can grow so the answer is yes and no. a 150w HPS would be adequate for 3 or 4 very short plants but inadequate for a single large plant - which is why i say yes and no.

i think i'll get a 250 watt. Considering if i get a male it's gone. i don't want a sauna.

well i want to grow 3 plants under:

2x 80w fluoro tubes for 3 weeks.

then switch 2 a 150w HPS. (maybe 2 plants about 1 1/2 ft tall?)

would this be alright anybody'???
thanks

mrXgreenthumbX said:

well i want to grow 3 plants under:

2x 80w fluoro tubes for 3 weeks.

then switch 2 a 150w HPS. (maybe 2 plants about 1 1/2 ft tall?)

would this be alright anybody'???
thanks

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i think your plan will work but why buy two 150w HPS instead of one 400w? my understanding is the higher the watts the more efficient the lights (at least when it comes to HIDs).

no not 2 x 150's.
a single 150 HPS for flwer.
and 2 80w CFL's for veg.


does that sound good for 2 small plantS?

mrXgreenthumbX said:

no not 2 x 150's.
a single 150 HPS for flwer.
and 2 80w CFL's for veg.


does that sound good for 2 small plantS?

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oh sorry - didn't get that. yes - i think that would be adequate.

but i could i do this for alot cheaper though? :

2x 26w 6000k CFL'S
2x 26w 2700k CFL's

then for flowering just switch to 12/12 then add a 70w HPS ( adding 6,800 lumens)

think thatd work for 2 small plants????

Ok, now what are CFL's (sorry for nub Q's). Are they cheaper than HPS? Will they veg and flower?

edit* what's the cheapest solution for me. I'm all about saving money!

probly just going with about 5 "CFL's" they are the big spiraly light bulbs ( energy saving light bulbs)

CFL= compact florescent lighting

if you are growing a 1-3 plants - CFL lighting is great. much, MUCH cheaper than most HID lights and much cooler so overheating is reduced. however - you have to keep your plants short (or use a buttload of CFLs so you might as well be using HIDs) in order to grow large and tall plants.