400w hps cooltube setup, dimming question.

Dimming bulbs creates different PAR light outputs.

With most dimmable ballasts manufacturers recommend using the correct wattage lamp for the dimming feature you are using


double check the manufacturers specs to make sure. Would hate for you to void a warranty due to small print.


Noise levels will be created by your fan and how you fit it. Bungee cords create less vibration noise. Excess heat can be controlled by dimming your ballast. However intake temperature plays a vital role also. Basically if your intake temp is high then your room will be high regardless of whether your ballast is dimmed or not.

I would recommend overspec'ing your fan and use a controller to make sure temps can be controlled.


J

Originally Posted by jondamon

Dimming bulbs creates different PAR light outputs.

With most dimmable ballasts manufacturers recommend using the correct wattage lamp for the dimming feature you are using


double check the manufacturers specs to make sure. Would hate for you to void a warranty due to small print.


Noise levels will be created by your fan and how you fit it. Bungee cords create less vibration noise. Excess heat can be controlled by dimming your ballast. However intake temperature plays a vital role also. Basically if your intake temp is high then your room will be high regardless of whether your ballast is dimmed or not.

I would recommend overspec'ing your fan and use a controller to make sure temps can be controlled.


J

So I wouldn't be able to just dim out the 400w to be equal to a 300w?
I already have a fan controller, I am actually just waiting on my light & ballast to get here.

And for the noise I bought a box, I have wrapped my fan with clingwrap now im going to buy some insulating foam and just spray the box full.

I am attempting to use 400w with a 2x2x5'3 (gl60), But in case I cant keep the temps down I would have to buy a whole new light setup then?

The short answer is yes you can just dim your bulb.

However it depends upon other factors as to whether your bulb emits the same light once dimmed, whether the manufacturer of the bulb says they can be dimmed, whether the manufacturer of the ballast recommend using correct wattage for each dim setting.

Some manufacturers recommend using the dim feature only with lamps of the dimmed wattage, others say you can dim any bulb, bulb manufacturers say whether their lamps can be dimmed.

check your manufacturers for ballast and bulb and see whether they have any recommendations.


Like I said though you can pretty much dim any bulb, but it does more than just reduce the wattage/heat being output.


J