Switching to HPS

JoeBlow5823

Well-Known Member
I actually have 2 backup ballasts, several backup bulbs to chose from (both mh and hps), a backup hood (who knows why, got it used for a price i couldnt refuse), and a backup 10x39 carbon filter and multiple inline fans. Also a couple backup 8'' ac infinity filters too. Part of me is glad about some of the cheap shit i bought when i was starting out- it all just went on the shelf as backups as I upgraded. When i got to the end of my first run with the hps bulb, i got a new one and kept the old one as a backup. Anything that fails can be replaced immediately and the grow doesnt miss a beat.

Having any sort of backup system for a problem with say the 1300$ gavita would be a massive headache to deal with. I would imagine any issues with the light it would have to be shipped to them, determined what the issue is, and after they decide whose fault it is, they decide if can repair it or if they need to send you a new one. Only speculation but that is what ive typically dealt with in the past. That whole process sounds like it would take 2-8 weeks. tossing up a cheap amazon board for a day or two might not be a big deal, but no way would I be ok with being stuck in the middle of flower without proper lighting for more than a couple days.
 

bk78

Well-Known Member
I actually have 2 backup ballasts, several backup bulbs to chose from (both mh and hps), a backup hood (who knows why, got it used for a price i couldnt refuse), and a backup 10x39 carbon filter and multiple inline fans. Also a couple backup 8'' ac infinity filters too. Part of me is glad about some of the cheap shit i bought when i was starting out- it all just went on the shelf as backups as I upgraded. When i got to the end of my first run with the hps bulb, i got a new one and kept the old one as a backup. Anything that fails can be replaced immediately and the grow doesnt miss a beat.

Having any sort of backup system for a problem with say the 1300$ gavita would be a massive headache to deal with. I would imagine any issues with the light it would have to be shipped to them, determined what the issue is, and after they decide whose fault it is, they decide if can repair it or if they need to send you a new one. Only speculation but that is what ive typically dealt with in the past. That whole process sounds like it would take 2-8 weeks. tossing up a cheap amazon board for a day or two might not be a big deal, but no way would I be ok with being stuck in the middle of flower without proper lighting for more than a couple days.
So it would be just as easy if my ”$1300 gavita” had a issue to go to any local barn and get a light for next to free until my REAL light was ready?
 

JoeBlow5823

Well-Known Member
So it would be just as easy if my ”$1300 gavita” had a issue to go to any local barn and get a light for next to free until my REAL light was ready?
I would not be willing to risk inadequate lighting for those weeks that it takes to get the good light back up and running.
 

bk78

Well-Known Member
I would not be willing to risk inadequate lighting for those weeks that it takes to get the good light back up and running.
But you run inadequate lighting always, so what would the risk be? If I remember correctly you already use barn lighting.
 

getogrow

Well-Known Member
So it would be just as easy if my ”$1300 gavita” had a issue to go to any local barn and get a light for next to free until my REAL light was ready?
YES! That or you have another 1300 light waiting for a backup.... i suppose you could steal a street light to hold you over
 
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