Change CFL for HPS?

Hello guys!

I have 2 auto, first one having 19 days and second one having 8 days. I keep them in a tent, under 2 white CFL s , each 65W.

I also have a 150W Philips HPS and I don t know what to do, if I should replace the CFL with the HPS. I read that even though you can use the HPS for vegetation, the plants tend to get stretchy.

When should I make the switch, are those 2 lights enough for them at this point?

Thank you for the help!

If it were me I'd put them under all three. HPS is not ideal for veg but will still outperform the CFLs. I would do all three because I assume your white CFLs are like 6500k? All three would give fairly balanced light. I've never grown autos but it would seem to be they would benefit from the mix as they are basically trying the flower from the start. Like I said... never grown autos though. In my flower room I have hps supplemented with 6500k CFLs and the plants do great.

Run all your lights. With an auto your yield will be low enough, don't starve it for light.

Thanks for answer.

The thing is I have one reflector, a small tent and to keep both would mean to improvise ”a stand” for the CFLs.
The CFL s are no name brands and I am afraid that dont have that many lumens and maybe that s why my plants look smaller then I think they should be.

What would be the downside on using HPS for vegetation?

Hiya firsttime2014, have you got any Pics of Plants or Setup?

I use them Clip on Bulb holders and small Table Lamp Stands for lighting up the sides and underneath when needed..



and maybe depending on CFL Bulb you could "Hack" one of these..


What is the Large Bulb(150W?) you using Mh or Hps...

I think its definitely hps for flower being the preferred light spectrum for flower is around 2000~2700K which is the redder range of the rainbow compared to the vegative state where the preferred spectrum is 6500K or the blue range which the metal halide provides, although the HPS works very well for both veg and flower.
(I Could Be Wrong) - Baked....
One thing you may want to try for thickening up your buds is some reflective material placed around the lower area of the plants to provide some light reflection into the lower and inner areas of the plants.

Peace

You have the pictures.

If I have an 150W HPS kit, can I use with the same balast an 150W MH light?

Till I get a clip-on I installed the HPS on the reflector, keeping distance because of the heat and just put the 2 CFL lights on the corners, no reflector for them but there is reflective material, are on the corner, so... I should be good, for a couple days .

Image detail: on the top 150wHPS with an reflector, 2 CFL on the corners 65 W

firsttime2014 said:

Hello guys!

I have 2 auto, first one having 19 days and second one having 8 days. I keep them in a tent, under 2 white CFL s , each 65W.

I also have a 150W Philips HPS and I don t know what to do, if I should replace the CFL with the HPS. I read that even though you can use the HPS for vegetation, the plants tend to get stretchy.

When should I make the switch, are those 2 lights enough for them at this point?

Thank you for the help!

Click to expand...

Put all of your lights on them, why not?

I think I'll just buy one 150W MH and end all the hassle.

The question, can I use the same balast and igniter from the 150W HPS ?

Thank you!

firsttime2014 said:

I think I'll just buy one 150W MH and end all the hassle.

The question, can I use the same balast and igniter from the 150W HPS ?

Thank you!

Click to expand...

No, you can't use an HPS ballast to fire a MH lamp, not unless it's a switchable ballast, and at 150w, I doubt it is...

firsttime2014 said:

I think I'll just buy one 150W MH and end all the hassle.

The question, can I use the same balast and igniter from the 150W HPS ?

Thank you!

Click to expand...

Depends on your Ballast/Setup.. I mean you can Buy Dual Bulbs...

I'm not saying you should Buy This exact one(seems a bit expensive to me) - £16.00+PnP £5.20Sunmaster 150W Dual Spectrum HPS DS and that's off FleaBay... I still think you would be OK with the setup you've got and just add more of the Blue(and Red) if you want.. as long as you got Air movement and Fresh Air replacing the Stale you will be OK..by-the-by CLF work better as close as you can get them..2~3" try holding hand at same Level as Tops of Ladies...IF your hand gets warm/Hot raise your lights...if not you good to go..

PEace

Use CFL and MH light to build vegetation. Use HPS to build flowers. Since you're growing an Auto, switch to the HPS when you see a good amount of preflowers. Many of us switch back to MH/CFL/LED in the last 2-3 weeks of flower to increase UVB exposure and resin production.