New with HIDs

I want to buy some HID lights and start indoors soon. I hear that HID do not fit into regular light sockets. If i were to buy the bulbs and everything else, what do they fit into?

Blow It By The Ohhh said:

I want to buy some HID lights and start indoors soon. I hear that HID do not fit into regular light sockets. If i were to buy the bulbs and everything else, what do they fit into?

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You can buy a hps system digital or magnetic tht all you have to do is plug in but no you cannot put a hid bulb in a regular socket

The difference in sockets is actually the size of sockets. In Europe the most common socket for HID lamps is E40. According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edison_screw the closest american socket is the E39, so I guess that's the most common for HID lamps there.

Okay to efficiently use an HID light you need a ballast that matches the wattage of your bulb and then get a reflector with it so you do do not waste light. I recommend buying a kit because it will be cheaper, it will come with everything you need. A 400 watt system can range from 150 to 300 new, 600 watt can be 200 to 350 etc.. You can buy them online (ebay, htgsupply). Or a local indoor specialty grow store.

If you want to get the best deal I suggest you look on Craigslist, I see hoods and ballasts go for half their retail price or less all the time on Craigslist, just spend a few days to a week searching and eventually you'll find a great deal, good luck.