Where can I go about buying mh or hps bulbs? I live in a rather conservative state, so driving down to the local hydro shop is out of the option. I saw that the local hardware stores sold them, but they were a far lower price than those I found online. Are these different in anyway?

Also, if anyone could give me a price range for the light setup (thinking 600 watts), I would appreciate it. I'm on a bit of a budget, so if I have to buy online, I would like to avoid shopping from the site that charges a premium.

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I haven't been this deep in the bush since the day I was born

You can get a digital switchable ballast that runs mh or hps bulbs with lower power consumption for $119 at Maryland Hydroponics They also sell decent hps bulbs for $39. I have only seen 1 maker of 600 watt mh bulbs on ebay for like $38.The bulbs at hardware stores dont have specialized color ranges and waste light wavelengths as opposed to specific for growing lights. The setup at Maryland is the ballast and cordsets so you will then need 2 things a mogul socket online or light store 5-10 bucks and a reflector.Can get a $38 reflector at Worm's Way - Gardening Products, Supplies, Service, Support, and Knowledge Base for all your hydroponics, indoor, outdoor and organic gardening needs, year 'round! look for sunleaves sunwave light reflector. I use these setups and both places are real good about backing thier stuff.Or if you want older technology OpenDNS has some setups for more money

Go to the general hydroponics web page and search for a dealer in your state.