Hey everybody,
I started my babies out with 4 125w 5500k CFLs, 1 100w 6500k CFL, 1 100w 2700k CFL, and 1 150w 2700k CFL, now they are in veg mode and it is time to put up the MH and HPS's I think (this is my first grow).
However, At this time I have one 400w 4100k MH and 1 1000w 2700k HPS (both are from reputable companies and came with wing-type reflectors, however my wife gave me a 2nd MH with a "home made" ballast from ebay, but thats my 2nd question). Until I figure out what to do with the 2nd MH so I dont start a fire, how should I configure an MH and HPS so all of my plants (about 20) get an equal amount of light from each? Any way I can think of doing it there are going to be some plants on the ends that receive way more low spectrum light or way more high spectrum light.
Second question:
My wife was trying to help and bought me another MH light from ebay with a "home made" ballast.
http://cgi.ebay.com/400-W-METAL-HALIDE-GROW-LIGHT-BALLAST-BULB-CORD-SOCKET_W0QQitemZ200358288947QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea648de33&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
What I was wondering, is if as long as I keep the wires soldered and covered up nicely is there any more risk of fire or other malfunction than a standard ballast? I did not want to skimp but she was just trying to help me with my new hobby and didnt know the finer points.
Thanks everyone!
I started my babies out with 4 125w 5500k CFLs, 1 100w 6500k CFL, 1 100w 2700k CFL, and 1 150w 2700k CFL, now they are in veg mode and it is time to put up the MH and HPS's I think (this is my first grow).
However, At this time I have one 400w 4100k MH and 1 1000w 2700k HPS (both are from reputable companies and came with wing-type reflectors, however my wife gave me a 2nd MH with a "home made" ballast from ebay, but thats my 2nd question). Until I figure out what to do with the 2nd MH so I dont start a fire, how should I configure an MH and HPS so all of my plants (about 20) get an equal amount of light from each? Any way I can think of doing it there are going to be some plants on the ends that receive way more low spectrum light or way more high spectrum light.
Second question:
My wife was trying to help and bought me another MH light from ebay with a "home made" ballast.
http://cgi.ebay.com/400-W-METAL-HALIDE-GROW-LIGHT-BALLAST-BULB-CORD-SOCKET_W0QQitemZ200358288947QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item2ea648de33&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
What I was wondering, is if as long as I keep the wires soldered and covered up nicely is there any more risk of fire or other malfunction than a standard ballast? I did not want to skimp but she was just trying to help me with my new hobby and didnt know the finer points.
Thanks everyone!