Ballasts and automatic time relays

[burlingo]

hi,

just set up my new 600W HPS lamp. so far so good. i purchased an automatic time switch thingy a couple days ago but somehow didn't read the bit "do not use with ballasts..."

why is this? should i not bother?

 

[Cr8z13]

Hmmm. Maybe it can't handle the power. Get a better timer. Something like this.

 

[burlingo]

Hmmm. Maybe it can't handle the power. Get a better timer. Something like this.

maybe, even though in the description it says it works well for 600W lamps, but not for ballasts.

off topic slightly, ran my set up for a few hours, the lamp and ballast got very hot, i guess this is quite normal?

might have to get some sort of air conditioning or a fan or something.

 

[Cr8z13]

Yup, heat is an issue. You will need to vent the heat away. Need to know more about your grow setup to recommend options.

 

[burlingo]

Yup, heat is an issue. You will need to vent the heat away. Need to know more about your grow setup to recommend options.

i have this

grow tent KIT chamber DARK ROOM ST2. 600W HYDROPONICS on eBay, also Hydroponics, Plants Seeds Bulbs, Garden Plants, Home Garden (end time 24-Aug-08 23:45:33 BST)

set up in a room in my house. there are 2 windows within a few feet of the actual tent.

 

[Cr8z13]

You're going to need an inline fan for exhaust. Maybe a reflector that allows air cooling too. While you're at it, you might as well get a carbon filter too. Smell is going to be a big problem. Get a fan/filter combo and save some money.

 

[burlingo]

ok cheers man,

smell i can deal with, the only living thing near enough are sheep. hopefully, they wont give the game away.

ill look into the fan/filter combo.

thanks

 

[burlingo]

this sort of thing on the right lines

GROW ROOM EXTRACTOR FAN HYDROPONICS 150MM 6" on eBay, also, Extractor Fans, Heating Cooling Air, Home Garden (end time 29-Aug-08 23:41:54 BST)

 

[thcheaven]

Over the weekend I purchased and installed a Cooltube and Inline fan. took the ambient room temp from 93-95 to 79-83! best $ I've spent yet!

 

[thcheaven]

probably a lil small, measure you room, figure out the Cubic feet and find a fan that will completely refresh room in 4 minutes or so.....Vortex, has 10 yr warrenty

 

[Cr8z13]

I think you will need a fan that can pull at least 2x more air for the size tent that you have.

 

[burlingo]

ok, i was drawn in by the price.

 

[burlingo]

this can do more:

GROW ROOM EXTRACTOR FAN HYDROPONICS + VENTILATION DUCT on eBay, also Hydroponics, Plants Seeds Bulbs, Garden Plants, Home Garden (end time 01-Sep-08 11:28:19 BST)

thoughts?

 

[Cr8z13]

That should do nicely, but be prepared for the noise. Those things aren't quiet. Mine is a little less powerful and I have to dampen the noise with a bunch of old t-shirts and I can still hear the thing, but it's not nearly as bad.

 

[Cr8z13]

One thing, I see that your tent has a 200MM exhaust hole. Your fan is slight bigger than that. Hopefully that won't be a problem. Be sure and get yourself some ducting too.

 

[burlingo]

haha, well looks like i'm going to have to make a few sacrifices. like sleeping!

oh well, it will be worth it (fingers crossed)

thanks again, you've been a really big help today =D

 

[Cr8z13]

You're welcome. Maybe you can help some noobs after you're set up and get a feel for things. It's all about reciprocity.

 

[burlingo]

You're welcome. Maybe you can help some noobs after you're set up and get a feel for things. It's all about reciprocity.

i hopefully think so!

just glad some people such as yourself are willing to take the time to explain things to us very annoying noobs =D

 

[Cr8z13]

i hopefully think so!

just glad some people such as yourself are willing to take the time to explain things to us very annoying noobs =D

I was one of those annoying newbies when I joined.