HPS Lighting Questions, I'm a first timer help appreciated!!

VirginMaryJane

VirginMaryJane

Member
So i managed to "find" some free 70w & 100w hps bulbs in my local area and am planning on putting them to use. I know that they require a ballast kit but from the looks of it none of the kits i see include a socket. Now do you need to buy the socket separately or does it come with the ballast kit? btw I'm looking on 1000bulbs.com. What I'm worried about is getting the kit and then having to get something else to use the bulb.


Any ideas??
BTW my budget is 40$ per light
+rep for help thanks guys!
 
S

spambunny

Member
Just buy a decent hps with a ballast there not expensive, will come with a guarantee and the bulbs will be new so you know about how long theyle last lights when growing really isnt a part you wana skimp on. Free stuffs always attractive but free electicals left on for hours on end. Not a good idea .
 
dimebong

dimebong

Well-Known Member
I don't know what you're looking at on that site, but i don't see any lighting kits that include the remote ballast, shade, holder, socket and bulb. No socket would be included with their ballast kits.

They aren't even selling assembled ballasts so it looks like you have to hook it up yourself which is good because it's cheaper. Usually people buy remote ballasts which are already wired up and put into electrical housing like these: http://sog.shopau.biz/catalog/index.php?cPath=28

The ballast kits only include the magnetic ballast, and ignitor (a capacitor would come with a 400w); you will have to buy the socket, holder, and shade separately.
 
dimebong

dimebong

Well-Known Member
"the ballast is suitable for mounting in warehouses and manufacturing facilities where high heat may be an issue"

They are trying to sell to electricians, not gardeners.
 
luciferateme

luciferateme

Active Member
must be nice where you live, finding free stuff where i live is normally frowned upon by blokes with truncheons and caps!
 
PJ Diaz

PJ Diaz

Well-Known Member
spambunny said:
Just buy a decent hps with a ballast there not expensive, will come with a guarantee and the bulbs will be new so you know about how long theyle last lights when growing really isnt a part you wana skimp on. Free stuffs always attractive but free electicals left on for hours on end. Not a good idea .
Click to expand...
+1

You can get a 400 watt HPS for under $100 including ballast,bulb and reflector on Craigslist or Ebay. If you're lucky, you could even find a 600w for that price. I sold a 400w full kit with HPS and MH bulbs and a decent reflector on CL for just $75. It's really not gonna be worth it to try to piecemeal some bullshit rig together. You'll realize that after the fact, if you do go through with your plan, and end up spending more money in the long run anyway.
 
VirginMaryJane

VirginMaryJane

Member
Thanks guys and suggestions would be great. Should i get MH for tighter node spacing for veg? Keep in mind i only have 4-5 plants, and i an UNEMPLOYED. Which means I'm broke as fuck. So i can't afford basically anything:(
 
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