Roll_that_shmoke
Member
Just a simple question. Is there a "top of the line" magnetic ballast I can buy or are they all pretty much the same. Seen a pretty decent one on Amazon for 80 bucks.
Magnetic ballast
- Thread starter Roll_that_shmoke
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thenotsoesoteric
Well-Known Member
There are definitely varying degrees of quality anyways. I don't think a $80 ballast from amazon would qualify as top of the line. I'd say american made ballast would be better built than a chinese made one. China has horrible quality control. That being said I've ran the cheap $100 sun systems ballast with no issues. I'd probably suggest buying your ballast from a brick and mortar store near you, that way if the ballast quits working the store could fix it for you under warranty.
Roll_that_shmoke
Member
Would Lowes or some thing sell that. In my area that's probably close as I would get. We have no hydro stores and all the plant nurseries are mom and pop places with not much advanced equipment at all inside
ttystikk
Well-Known Member
And it's worth about that much. Find another light source, you'll thank me later.
ttystikk
Well-Known Member
Google and mail order let you shop the world, bro
ttystikk
Well-Known Member
All of this is bad or outdated advice. No one makes ballasts in America anymore, they're ALL Chinese made. They're cheap because the tech is old and amortized. They are very reliable so needing local support isn't a big issue.
That said, they're obsolete. Get a full spectrum COB LED fixture and you'll be happy with the results.
Johnson Grow Lights
Northern Grow Lights
And many more.
If you want good results, start with good equipment.
Roll_that_shmoke
Member
Don't mind me I'm just still researching all light options from mag, led, and digital. I'm using 8 cfl's right now but I've heard the magic don't put out rfi unlike the digital. But led flood lights seem kick ass from the videos on YouTube I've been watching.
thenotsoesoteric
Well-Known Member
Bad advice? No body asked about cobs bro. If dude is trying to find a cheap 80 ballast then what makes you think he has $600+ dollars for a 3 cob light? The only thing I didn't check was if ballast are still made in the US because OP could research him self. As far as mag. ballast there isn't a lot to judge them on beside quality of build.
And to say someone doesn't get good results from hid, come the fuck on bro look at my grow journals here with just a single 600w hps. Over a pound each time with minimal effort of top quality smoke.
ttystikk
Well-Known Member
COB LED from a reputable maker, I listed some. Everything else is obsolete or amateur hour.
thenotsoesoteric
Well-Known Member
Amateur hour.
Roll_that_shmoke
Member
@thenotsoesoteric holy fuck. Those are some nice plants. @ttystikk I checked out he sites for the led's a bit expensive for my wallet. I'm just growing for personal use and to have extra when company comes over. My grow space isn't big at all. Even when I get an actual grow tent it wouldnt be big. My space now is just a 45 gallon tote turned on the side and sprayed flat white inside. Hid might melt the paint off the inside, so I figured the flood lights may be good too.
I've seen the videos where a guy literally bought a 3000k flood led and had some huge buds.
I've seen the videos where a guy literally bought a 3000k flood led and had some huge buds.
thenotsoesoteric
Well-Known Member
Yeah, no hid in there but I think even cob would be too hot for that as well. Small led would work or yeah just some cfls. For hid or cobs I'd say you want something a bit taller, like a 2'x2'x5' tent. CFLs will get you some smoke but you'll have to do some reading to find what combo to use. Cheers man and good luck.
Roll_that_shmoke
Member
Thanks you all help and advice is highly appreciated.
cindysid
Well-Known Member
I would love to have the cobs also, but I can't replace my hids with less than about $4000.00(to replace 6kwatts) and that's if I had the knowledge to build them myself. I will definitely be going that direction next year. Medical expenses are stripping my budget right now!