Homemade HPS?

C

chunk

Active Member
I'm researching techniques about growing, and I think lighting will be a large issue for me, mainly because of my budget.

I was thinking about having a 400W HPS for vegging, along with supplemental full spectrum CFLs for flowering.

HPS grow light kits go for $180+ for the 400W set up, I was curious to know: without any wiring experience, how would one go about making a HPS system?

Is it as easy as purchasing a ballast, or what else is required? Could I get away with something like this: HydroWarehouse Online Hydroponic Superstore for a HPS system?

Thanks for your time!
 
videoman40

videoman40

Well-Known Member
Greetings, I kinda feel if you gotta ask, its out of your league. Mainly in this instance especially, as we are talking about electric, and one mistake could end it all. You can however pick up a really nice 430 watt HPS, that will do vegging and flowering for about $119.00

This ballast kit is about $55.00 but by the time you've built it, and bought everything else needed, I dont see where you would have saved any money?
In fact it might be more.

Peace
 
C

chunk

Active Member
videoman40 said:
Greetings, I kinda feel if you gotta ask, its out of your league. Mainly in this instance especially, as we are talking about electric, and one mistake could end it all. You can however pick up a really nice 430 watt HPS, that will do vegging and flowering for about $119.00

This ballast kit is about $55.00 but by the time you've built it, and bought everything else needed, I dont see where you would have saved any money?
In fact it might be more.

Peace
Click to expand...
That makes sense. How much would I expect to pay for a 400W lamp? I'm looking at a 250W MH for $160 (22k lumens). Would that be sufficient for a medium-sized closet?
 
Bayou_Billy

Bayou_Billy

Well-Known Member
Yes, given the consequences if you make a mistake, purchasing a completed system is worth the extra money in piece of mind. If you cannot afford a completed system now, best to wait and save.
 
Bayou_Billy

Bayou_Billy

Well-Known Member
You can get 400w HPS with spectrum enhanced bulbs for as low as $120. Everyone usually recommeds High Tech Garden Supply.
 
C

chunk

Active Member
videoman40 said:
Dude, this 430 watt system is ONLY $119.00
Rethink where yr buying from.
What size is your closet, and how many plants do you want to grow?
Peace
High Tech Garden Supply
Click to expand...
Oh crap. That's dirt cheap. 55k lumens, damn. Thanks :mrgreen: Another little question, how do I calculate how much this would cost me per mo. on electric? Is there a formula or something?

My closet is 5 feet wide & 2 ft. deep. I plan to grow 4 or 5 at a time
 
T

trusten

Well-Known Member
chunck read the post about security hps/mh lighting by doobsday u can purchase a 150watt hps light at lowes/home depot and all u gotta do is simply rewireing
 
A

Alpha1

Active Member
watts X hours X your KW cost / 1000
400 12 .08 1000 = .384 thats 38 cents for 12 hours
400 12 .17 1000 = .81 thats 81 cents for 12 hours
The formula is right and it works you can find KWH cost on your ele bill. But at the end of the month it won't add up. The reason being is that other number called multiplier. only the ele company knows what it's going to be and it changes every month if the power company wants too. That is there way of screwing you. The only way to tell for sure is take the KWH they charged you for and then divided that number into total cost on the bill
 
W

wyteboi6

Active Member
chunk said:
I'm researching techniques about growing, and I think lighting will be a large issue for me, mainly because of my budget.

I was thinking about having a 400W HPS for vegging, along with supplemental full spectrum CFLs for flowering.

HPS grow light kits go for $180+ for the 400W set up, I was curious to know: without any wiring experience, how would one go about making a HPS system?

Is it as easy as purchasing a ballast, or what else is required? Could I get away with something like this: HydroWarehouse Online Hydroponic Superstore for a HPS system?

Thanks for your time!
Click to expand...
billboards are free often 1000 hps/mh well just dont get caught....lol...just takes 1 to get started!
 
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