Has any one made any comparisons as far as heat output goes between MH and CFL? I have about a 3x3 area that is very difficult to ventilate. Currently there are two 125w cfl running. Would there be very much difference if I replaced the cfls with one 250w MH? Warmer? Cooler? No change?
Heat Comparison: MH vs CFL
- Thread starter rkm
- Start date
in theory, it should be cooler. MH and HPS systems use energy more efficiently, so you'd have less heat per wattage put out. although large cfls put out less heat than smaller CFLs.
but the MH would need better cooling on the bulb itself, while the CFL's disperse heat via small breeze.
but the MH would need better cooling on the bulb itself, while the CFL's disperse heat via small breeze.
communistcannabis
Well-Known Member
i'd stay with cfl in that size space, unless you can air cool you mh
IndicaFatnHeavy
Active Member
the mh would produce more imo... if u cant cool it off or get good exhaust... id stay with the cfls
Mystik
Active Member
Actually as far as ambient heat the ballast can produce quite a bit outside of the light itself.
The ballast is a high energy converter of a sorts after all.
If you could keep the ballast outside the enclosure or you have proper ventilation through your hood, you would probably be okay.
That's where most the heat is generated in the hps/mh setups though.
even the ballast in a normal floro shoplight can get hot enough to radiate heat.
The ballast is a high energy converter of a sorts after all.
If you could keep the ballast outside the enclosure or you have proper ventilation through your hood, you would probably be okay.
That's where most the heat is generated in the hps/mh setups though.
even the ballast in a normal floro shoplight can get hot enough to radiate heat.
Mysticlown150
Well-Known Member
CFL over MH but HPS over cfl.
Hmmm...something to consider at least. Gonna sleep on it and come back and reread the replies again.
My biggest concern the whole time has always been the safety side. If I had a MH in that small of a space, and it detonated I would be screwed. It would all go up in flames in such a small space.
My biggest concern the whole time has always been the safety side. If I had a MH in that small of a space, and it detonated I would be screwed. It would all go up in flames in such a small space.
IndicaFatnHeavy
Active Member
stick with cfls if u cant ventilate
I can ventilate if I really have to. It would just mean I would have to start cutting into things that I particularly don't want to. But I still have it as an option if need overrides my reluctance.
Hence, me investigating the heat issue which is already somewhat of a problem. I am looking to try something new and would like to play around with HID for a little while.
if you do go with HID go with HPS. 150 and 250 MH dont have 6500K color.
Iam in the same situation, I have a stealth cabinet grow, I dont know if I should flower with HPS or CFLs.
I dont have to worry about cooling because my cabinet is near my window AC unit. I can use the window AC unit to cool my room and my exhaust fan can exhaust hot air and suck cold air from the room into the cabinet.
Iam in the same situation, I have a stealth cabinet grow, I dont know if I should flower with HPS or CFLs.
I dont have to worry about cooling because my cabinet is near my window AC unit. I can use the window AC unit to cool my room and my exhaust fan can exhaust hot air and suck cold air from the room into the cabinet.
They do make 6500k MH in 250w, http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~action~view~idProduct~MB6211~idCategory~FILTBUMHSETW~category~250_Watt-Single_Ended-Metal_Halide-Light_Bulbs-Lighting-Saltwater_Aquarium_Supplies~vendor~.html.
From your description sounds like your ventilation is better than mine.
TeaTreeOil
Well-Known Member
Lumen output doesn't mean much for plants. 150W/6500k MHs are also available if you search.
MH and HPS are modified tungsten-filament lamps(standard incandescent).
They produce around 60-70% of the supplied energy as radiant heat. The arc also experiences temperatures up to and exceeding 1100C.
MH and HPS are modified tungsten-filament lamps(standard incandescent).
They produce around 60-70% of the supplied energy as radiant heat. The arc also experiences temperatures up to and exceeding 1100C.
Roseman
Elite Rolling Society
Despite popular belief I do not put much emphasis on lumens, actually; lumens are never even a consideration when I am looking at lights. But thats just me and I am not here to debate lights, discussing lights around here is like beating a dead horse.
This thread is here to make comparisons on heat.