"super lumens" what is it?

bd6187

Well-Known Member
I have a 400 watt grow light. It has a setting switch . 150, 250, 400, super lumens. What's the difference between 400 and super lumens? Is it just BS?
 

bd6187

Well-Known Member
You can't run any light harder than they're meant to, they just won't last as long. Super Lumens is probably just a catchy name for 420 watts.
Right ...well...why would a 400 watt light with a 400 watt bulb have a setting that is "super lumens " above the 400 watt setting?
 

Jjgrow420

Well-Known Member
When I talked to the guys from illuminar they told me the knob should never be adjusted from 100% and that it's just a gimmick to make lights seem more 'advanced'. A 400 watt bulb is designed to run at 400w. Changing the wattage changes the spectrum the bulb makes and puts stress on the bulb and internal components.
 

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
So you're saying it's bs?
No. Just saying it's probably just like 420 or so watts. The light will work and be a little brighter but it won't last quite as long. It also might change the spectrum. Most of those HPS/MH lights you're not supposed to use other wattages than what the bulbs made for. I know lots of manufacturers make adjustable ballasts, but I'm just telling you what I've heard about changing the wattage. It doesn't sound like it changes it a whole lot, but you should check it out. I haven't used a HPS for a long time.
 

Jjgrow420

Well-Known Member
As pad mentioned there are 420w bulbs. Would I run them? No., unless my ballast was rated for 420w and designed to run those bulbs.
I can't remember but I think at one time I had (maybe still have somewhere in the giant pile of outdated grow equipt) hortilux ballast that was 420w. Don't quote me. I only ran it once in my 20's then switched to 600's. It might even be taken apart now and used for parts. Cant remember been too long.
 
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PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
As pad mentioned there are 420w bulbs. Would I run them? No., unless my ballast was rated for 420w and designed to run those bulbs.
I actually meant that Super Lumens setting is probably like 420 watts. But you're right about the 420 watt bulbs. The first one I ever used was a 420 watt Son Argo lamp. I probably spelled it wrong though, :eyesmoke:
 
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