lighting

i have just bought a 400w hps bulb and a 600w hps bulb,got the ballast 600w the reflector too,just unsure how far away to keep the 400w and how far to keep the 600w,people have told me to use my hands, if its too hot for me its too hot for the plant,just want some rough guidelines to go by cos am still a newbie lol.also can i use a 400w bulb in a 600w ballast?

i am using 400w for veg and the 600w for flowering,forgot to mention.

THe first time I ever ordered a light, i orderd a 400 watt system, the sent a 1000w ballast, well the buld didnt last long. No you cant use the 400 watta bulb in the 600 ballast, it will burn the bulb up, not sure what effect it would have on the ballast.

u basicly dont need your 400. match ballast to bulb wattage. unless its digital or switchable, which in your case i believe it is neither. so put your 600HPS in tha 600HPS ballast. return or sell the 400

cheers mate,so how far to keep the bulbs from the plants?the 400w and the 600w.

it realy just depends on heat. they could be 6'' away aslong as you had an air-cooled light, and heat is not an issue. but if its not cooled you will probly want a fan blowing the heat away before it hits the tops. check my grow https://www.rollitup.org/grow-journals/463583-2nd-flower-3-strain-600w.html mine is 10''-12'' 600w system.

Use the hand method ....start by placing the light a foot or more away from the tops of your ladies....Place your hand above the top of your plant , If your hand is comfortably warm and not burning your plants will be fine....12 to 18 inches from the tops is rule of thumb when using a non vent cooled hps....

thanks,just a bit of reasurrance will make me sleep better lol,norcal they looking fine any tips whilst growing?

yeah pics lol! topping, LST, and super cropping are good ways to max yeild amongst other things. and tips will be beter givin with more info on your grow.

Just like every one else has said , pics my man , Of your cab not just the plant

Good air flow is always key , if you have room you could get a 6" clip on fan and position it to blow above you plant but below the canopy

I have a 150 hps that i was able ti sit on top of my plant and it was only 80 degrees ,

Granted its not a 600w but the same principle applies ,

Here is a pic of my old dresser cab , you can see where i have the 6" clip on fan blowing above the plant and under the canopy ( Just an idea my man )