Found a light setup on ebay

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kipdrordy21

Well-Known Member
I'm currently in the process of pricing/researching equipment for what will soon be used for a 10x10 medical grow operation although I'm unsure about the quality of a light setup I found on ebay. I was thinking about staying somewhat cheap for now and possibly upgrading to higher profile equipment. I that this setup is going for a little over $200 with everything included although it does not come with a 5 year warranty for the ballast like higher profile brands. Has anyone ever used one of these setups before? If so how ling did it last? Worth it or should I go for the high quality stuff? If I could start out with this kit and get a couple years use from the ballasts then upgrade to some lumateks, I would be satisfied. Here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/1000-WATT-HPS-MH-6-AIR-COOL-TUBE-6IN-GROW-LIGHT-1000W-/310332681827?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item484144ee63
 
sogalax

sogalax

Well-Known Member
It is tempting, I have heared a lot of bad storys about the digi green house and lumitek look-a-likes, noise and heat issues,

I would look for used brand names on craigslist,if ur looking for a deal.
 
K

kipdrordy21

Well-Known Member
sogalax said:
It is tempting, I have heared a lot of bad storys about the digi green house and lumitek look-a-likes, noise and heat issues,

I would look for used brand names on craigslist,if ur looking for a deal.
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Thanks for the info. Craigslist in my area actually seems pricey for used equip not to mention the warranty may also go void when resold. I'll prob go the safest route and buy new if I decide to go high quality.
 
crystalman

crystalman

Active Member
in my opinion never by used ballist , you can by used hood and stuff like that and trays from grow shop but when it comes to electrical i would by new
 
alotaball

alotaball

Well-Known Member
If you buy used.. go magnetic imo.. they last forever.. and if they do go out.. really cheap and simple to fix.. I would only go digital if lumetek ect is in your budget
 
K

kipdrordy21

Well-Known Member
alotaball said:
If you buy used.. go magnetic imo.. they last forever.. and if they do go out.. really cheap and simple to fix.. I would only go digital if lumetek ect is in your budget
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Good info! Are magnetic ballasts loud? Also what do you need to replace in order to fix them and how much does it cost? Also does this apply to all brands of magnetic ballsts?
 
alotaball

alotaball

Well-Known Member
Some are louder then others.. the ones I have right now .. have no sound really except when they first turn on they humm a little.... When you buy one off craigslist.. just ask them to fire it up for ya.. if it humms real loud or doesnt fire the bulb everytime.. dont buy it.. if it fires right up.. gets bright pretty fast and isnt very loud.. chances are you will be fine for a long time.. most magnetics I have had.. last forever.. I had to replace an igniter once .. think it was 12 bucks.. not bad at all. But otherwise.. they are very reliable...

Digital DEF has benefits.. BUT.. the cheapy ones are a waste of money and will burn bulbs.. What I did was bought some used Magnetics..just to get my grow going.. once I had a harvest.. I re invested some of my "donation" money into some NICE digital ones.. then I have the magnetics for backups...
 
K

kipdrordy21

Well-Known Member
alotaball said:
Some are louder then others.. the ones I have right now .. have no sound really except when they first turn on they humm a little.... When you buy one off craigslist.. just ask them to fire it up for ya.. if it humms real loud or doesnt fire the bulb everytime.. dont buy it.. if it fires right up.. gets bright pretty fast and isnt very loud.. chances are you will be fine for a long time.. most magnetics I have had.. last forever.. I had to replace an igniter once .. think it was 12 bucks.. not bad at all. But otherwise.. they are very reliable...

Digital DEF has benefits.. BUT.. the cheapy ones are a waste of money and will burn bulbs.. What I did was bought some used Magnetics..just to get my grow going.. once I had a harvest.. I re invested some of my "donation" money into some NICE digital ones.. then I have the magnetics for backups...
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Your getting me interested in these magnetic ballasts. What brand have you had best luck with, or have all been good? Btw are most light sockets universal for these HID lights? Can you switch ballasts and still use same light socket?
 
alotaball

alotaball

Well-Known Member
Yep most are the same.. atleast with the 400/600/1000's :) I have hydro farm and valuline ballast as of right now that are magnetic
 
M

mrmadcow

Well-Known Member
2nd what alotaball said. if you cant afford a good electronic ballast, go w/ a magnetic ballast. most make no more noise than a small fan and last forever.(15-20 yrs) the 2 parts that go are the cap & ignitor each should be under $25.
 
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