Another SUPER nub question about connections/lighting

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I was always good with horticulture, but very far from an electrician.

I picked this up for freeee! 3 Halides, 1 400W HPS
I have the reflection hood that hangs, where the light component gets attached (not in the picture).

Question:
The Ballast cable has three wires: Black, White and Green
Light Socket component has two wires: Black and White
What shall I do with the green one, assuming it's a ground?

just dont attach it either end, gren or green/yellow is normally the earth wire

This isn't a super noob question at all, 80% of the people on here would have no idea how to do it lol

while the green wire isn't needed to complete the circuit, it is their for a reason -safety !!
attach it to any/all metal housing that the ballast touches.
as for wiring the rest, here is a diagram

http://www.advancedtechlighting.com/71a825.htm

scroll to bottom

The green is very important. It should attach to the metal box that you socket goes into.


You need to get a electrical box to screw the socket to and the green wire goes to the box. They don't show it in the wiring pics but you do need it.

Rebuilding magnetic ballasts can be scary for most people. I went to a place that sells the parts to rebuild and bought a new ignitor and capacitor (the power supply rarely fails) for my 400 watt HPS and completed the repairs in less than an hour start to finish for about $40.00 if memory serves. The counter people were helpful and told me to call then with any questions. You have to watch handling the old capacitor as they can hold a charge even after they are removed from the bvallast.

Wow, yeah capacitors can steal your life! I used to blow them up by crossing the wires (the capacitors in disposable camera's that is - highly recommend not doing it)

I connected the green to the metal core on the socket. It's a weak ground but I'm sure it will work, right?! Haha.

I am debating whether or not to use my 400w HPS or my 400w MH for these seedlings that are about to pop. I have a 35 gallon fish tank i turned into a growbox, super nub.
Reynolds aluminum wrap, and cardboards to contain the light. No fans, yet... I need to test the temp. I'm sure the HPS is lower in temp. though.

I am going to eventually grow some outside when it warms up, and convert my closet into a grow space after i get rid of a dresser that is no longer needed.