Can You Use the same HPS Light for Vegging and Flowering?

[Nightly1029]

I know for CFLs you need a high kelvin light for vegging and low kelvin for flowering. Do you need special types of HPS bulbs for each of the stages, Or can you just buy any old 400W HPS, Hook it up for 18/6, Then switch it to 12/12 whenever you're going to flower? If they need to be different types, Which kinds do I get? Thanks guys.

 

[toastycookies]

yes you can. however, it is not the most efficient way.

 

[Nightly1029]

yes you can. however, it is not the most efficient way.

Thank you for the reply. Do you happen to know what kinds? Also, Are all HPS interchangeable with a ballast? Be it a low kelvin 400W HPS, Or a high kelvin 1000W HPS?

 

[lambofgod]

ya you can run them for veg and flower, although hps's bang really comes in, in flower.

 

[Nightly1029]

ya you can run them for veg and flower, although hps's bang really comes in, in flower.

Yeah, I see most people say they use Daylight CFLs for vegging, Then HPS for flowering, But I see a lot of veteran growers also say CFLs suck for vegging compared to some others.

 

[toastycookies]

Thank you for the reply. Do you happen to know what kinds? Also, Are all HPS interchangeable with a ballast? Be it a low kelvin 400W HPS, Or a high kelvin 1000W HPS?

I believe you are mistaking HID lighting for HPS. HPS is one type of HID lighting usually used for flowering. MH is another type of HID lighting usually used for vegging. MH has a higher kelvin temp than HPS. MH's are more blue, HPS are more red.

 

[lambofgod]

i use 4' t5 fixtures 6500k daylight bulbs. they work great and put off little heat.

 

[Nightly1029]

I believe you are mistaking HID lighting for HPS. HPS is one type of HID lighting usually used for flowering. MH is another type of HID lighting usually used for vegging. MH has a higher kelvin temp than HPS. MH's are more blue, HPS are more red.

Ooh, I think I understand now. I thought HID was a totally different type of light that some people use. So, I'm assuming I need a different ballast for MH and HPS?

 

[lambofgod]

Ooh, I think I understand now. I thought HID was a totally different type of light that some people use. So, I'm assuming I need a different ballast for MH and HPS?

yes ...or no...they make switchable digital ballasts. They also make a switchable magnetic balast if im correct by hydro farm.

 

[Nightly1029]

yes ...or no...they make switchable digital ballasts. They also make a switchable magnetic balast if im correct by hydro farm.

Killer! I don't want to end up buying a bunch of $300 ballasts just to find out I don't have a knack for growing.