Any advantages in the ballast being separate from the lamp unit?

I'm looking at a 250w setup, some have the ballast built in, others to not. The latter claims better heat management...

All input greatly appreciated.

__________________
Gimme some of 'dat, home sweet home grown.

yeah the cost is wy greater....those lights you are looking at are to pricey....buy a 400w from inside sun..complete kit for 120bucks

__________________
Drunk Drivers Kill People; High People Just Miss Their Exits

I'm not quite sure what your question is, I'm going to assume (dangerous things assumptions) that you're referring to a proper grow light with reflector and separate ballast and one of those all in one floodlight things from homedepot?

If you're going to spend any money on a HPS growlight, get one designed for growing plants with and not one of those things designed for other purposes - they're worlds apart.

Also consider carefully the kind of reflector you buy with the grow light - not all reflectors are the same and some are a lot more efficient than others.

I'm not sure what size area you want to cover, but you might want to consider this before you decide on a 250, you may need larger. A 250HPS is a nice choice for small grows, partnered with a highly efficient reflector you maximise your light output and minimise your running costs.

Babygro they make a 250w system that is a big hood with the ballast built in. they are like 250bucks. i think that sunsystem makes them

__________________
Drunk Drivers Kill People; High People Just Miss Their Exits

With a remote ballast you can place it outside of your grow room and eliminate that source of heat in the grow room. With an attached ballast the heat from the ballast is in the same room and adds to the heat build up. That is the basic difference other than price in these units.

Ahh right. I have seen those systems, don't see the point in them myself, mostly because you're stuck with that reflector and cant change it.

A 250w HPS with an adjust-a-shade is a lovely little system.

Bigballin007 hit it right on the head, also, $250.00 seems like an awful lot no?
High Tech Garden Supply $117.95

I've seen the adjustable hoods, but can you install a glass divider to protect the plants and bulb (I read where a drop of water on a hot bulb like goes pop...

What's better white or chrome reflector?

And you are right. They can be found much cheaper...
Econo Plus 250w HPS with Chrome Reflecto... - InsideSun=

And just one more,
What's the deal with 'conversion bulbs', any disadvantages?

Thanks much.

__________________
Gimme some of 'dat, home sweet home grown.

You don't really need a glass divider, most reflectors don't have them and the ones that do, tend to be air cooled. Yes, drops of water on bulbs can make them go *pop* - don't spray water at your bulb

White or chrome? Given the choice white - chrome scratches easily and causes 'hot spots'. Ideally what you want is 'hammered' or 'dimpled' aluminum which spreads light evenly and doesn't cause 'hot spots'.

Conversion bulbs = expensive and lower lumen outputs, but does allow you to use MH output in a HPS system. Even better - get a switchable ballast !

A 400 watt system is only $119. Read the specs:

The grow light ballast is a brand new REMOTE 400 watt HPS ballast, with an innovative design that separates the ballast core away from the capacitor and ignitor components to provide high performance and long life. This grow light ballast is made to our specifications with high output lighting results for horticulture / hydroponics / indoor gardening use. The High Pressure Sodium grow light ballast also features a convenient retractable handle with large keyholes for wall or ceiling mounting options. The lighting ballast also has oversized rubber feet for electrical safety and quiet operation. The 8 foot power cord and 10 foot light bulb output cords are constructed of the highest quality, heavy gauge industrial grade electrical cord usually seen on grow lights costing much more. The HPS ballast is pre-set and ready to plug into standard 110/120 household voltage, but can easily be changed to 220/240 volts. The High Pressure Sodium 400 watt High Pressure Sodium grow light ballast will operate any standard or horticultural 400 watt High Pressure Sodium lamps and 400 watt Metal Halide Conversion lamps. The universal socket set can be used with many other reflectors for future upgrades including air-cooled reflectors, umbrella style hoods or many other grow light reflector hoods, making this system a great value in hydroponic and indoor gardening lighting.

High Tech Garden Supply