Envirolites vs HID

L

lando421

Well-Known Member
I'm vegging 3 plants about a month in with CFL's @ 11,000 lumens. I'm interested in getting an HPS for my flowering cycle, and have been pricing around.
My local shop said 300$ for a magnetic core 600w hps ballast and bulb...I've been to high tech garden supply's website, but its pricing in USD only, and I would have too pay double that.

My question is, should I shop around for the best price on ebay for a 400 or 600watt HPS system, or should I look into envirolites with red spectrum.

Does anyone know of any good sources of information on envirolites and the differences?

Is HPS superior?

Any info would help!
 
FilthyFletch

FilthyFletch

Mr I Can Do That For Half
HPS is alot better for flowering.If your in the US I have a 1000 watt hps ballast and bulb for $200
 
MajoR_TokE

MajoR_TokE

Well-Known Member
Did you ask the person at your local shop if they have any used ballasts? I know that in my area they have some 400w used ballasts going for half price or less, because people usually upgrade from 400w to 600w or 1000w later on.
 
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lando421

Well-Known Member
ok MT...In your lighting post the first response was someone being slightly rude about the existance of envirolites....The only reason is im only going to have a few plants at any given time (6 at most), so I'm not interested in spending a ridiculous amount. I'll spend what is needed for a good grow, and I want the best possible system for my money; however if envirolites are competitive in regards to price and I can get the same lumens and spectrum, then there is essentially no difference, no?

correct me if i am wrong
 
R

rocket

Active Member
check with local hydroponics shop. they probly have used stuff. Use combo of lower wattage hps with other lighting if thats all you can get. thats what i am doing. 150w hps + 75w hps + 80w grolite flourec + 2 27w cfl. It adds up.
 
Kingdom Sky

Kingdom Sky

Active Member
Actually, Major Toke started a thread called "Lighting & Lumens" (which I thoroughly enjoyed reading) that contains this very same argument, it will teach you a little about the differing opinions on whether CFL's and the like, especially those that emit flowering wavelengths, are a suitable substitute for HPS's. There seem to be many on each side of this debate, and I would offer that many have had good experiences and many have deemed them dissapointing. It probably depends on a few different environmental and strain factors, but I don't think you'll ever find a consensus opinion on this...
 
splifman

splifman

Well-Known Member
I agree, that you should definitely check out the 'lighting and lumens' post started by major toke. Some very good information is provided about envirolites and cfls in general and their benefits. You'll come across some good arguements for using both types of lighting, some based on facts and some based on personal experience.
I think most people agree on the issue that for flowering HPS is best, however cfl's can be a suitable substitute and can give good results. Some supplimental UV light along with cfls for flowering can help give an even better final result (than with just cfls alone). Happy reading....
 
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