looking for 2 600w hps systems

I'm new to all this and not really sure what to look for as far as specs, id like for them to be switchable (im only using 1 room) so i dont have to change fixtures just bulbs. im going to be covering roughly a 8x8 area. Would 2 600's be better then 1 1000w (this might be a taboo question lol) but im not sure with the area if it matters. How are the ebay systems? I built one at HTGsupply

http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-Digital-Greenhouse-600-watt-HPS-Grow-Light.asp

i upgraded the reflector to the cooltube 6'' for $35 the hps bulb to a growbright for $8 and got a growbright mh conversion bulb for $50 more as well. After shipping my total is $331 (38 for shipping) is there a better 600whps combo for around 330-350 range that i should be looking for? or something compairable and cheaper? thanks for all the help!

anybody have any input? Is this a good deal or should I shop elsewhere 350 for a 600wer seems kinda pricey to me

Personally I would get a 1000 for about the same price.

Check this out
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/daystar6-1000w-solarmax-hps-dual-voltage-xtrasun-grow-light-p-2200.html
$300(w/o shipping) and you can order a MH conversion bulb. Also many other cheap options on the site.

or better yet
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/sunlight-budget-gro-ii-1000w-mhhps-yieldmaster-ac-grow-light-p-2799.html

I'd stick with Lumatek or Galaxy Digital ballasts myself. Digilux bulbs are the only way to go with the electronic ballasts.


Get 2 of these:

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/lumatek-600w-120v240v-hpsmh-electronic-ballast-p-2107.html


Or, 1 of this:

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/lumatek-600w-240v-hpsmh-dual-electronic-ballast-p-2109.html


And 2 of these:

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hydrofarm-radiant-6in-ac-reflector-wglass-15ft-lamp-cord-p-2115.html


Bulbs:

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/digilux-600w-enhanced-blue-spectrum-hps-grow-bulb-p-2986.html

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/digilux-600w-enhanced-spectrum-metal-halide-grow-bulb-p-2983.html


Gotta love these hangers:

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/easy-glide-44-light-hanging-kit-p-2788.html


IMHO, Stay away from HTG Supply electronic ballasts. I almost had a fire because of their electonic ballast/bulb combination. HTG's magnetic ballasts seem perfectly fine, and shouldn't have any compatibility issues.

Honestly to truely light up that 8x8 and use all corners of the room (and everything in between) you will actually want 4 600s!!! A 600 covers between 3x3 and 4x4 for great growth, so 8x8 equals 4 600's. That being said a 8x8 grow room is just a dream to most of us, can pull down a lot in half that area.
Is there a reason you want the digital ballast? you don't need a conversion bulb for that ballast, it is switchable, and will switch between mh and hps without any change except the bulb. Save some money there i believe, maybe not. There is ultralohydro.com also, but hoods are very much a personal choice, if you look at hoods you will see several well over $150 just for the hood, no bulb or ballast. Good luck.

So I think I'm going with a 6x6 grow tent and not lining my wall like previously thought. Great deal posted on the 1000w system! X brian, cheaper then most 600's I've seen!