you seem to know what your talking about so if you dont mind ima ask a few more questions :P
ive never even seen a hps ballast so im wondering if you just screw the bulb into one part and you plug it in to a normal outlet? ive seen diagrams and they have a ballast, ignitor, capasitor, and socket and wirering and terminals. this last one i posted says it doesnt have a capasitor, what does this mean?

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I'm no electrician, but my understanding is that the capacitor is not needed, but having one can ensure that your ballast is not costing you more to run than it should. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can chime in with the specifics here.

You plug the ballast into a normal outlet, and attach the bulb as per the diagram, via a socket. I recommend using a ceramic bulb socket for heat reasons. If you can buy a cheap reflector from a hydro shop, it will have a ceramic socket attached anyway.

so you have to wire up a socket? can that be any screw in socket? i really wish i could jsut afford the good shit :P

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"I like marijuana because I want to go to heaven before I die"-Michael Simmons

I just did a quick google, and it turns ot that capacitors are used to "correct the power factor". This is from the wiki article for "power factor"

So on an operating level, the capacitor serves no purpose, but on a billing level, it may save you money.


Yeah, you need a socket. I use a 250 HPS, and the socket is larger than a normal one (E40), but I think the 150 uses a normal size (E27) fitting. You may want to double check that though. I would definately advise using a ceramic socket, as the bulbs get pretty hot.

You may find it cheaper/easier to look for a cheap pre-built hps flood light, since that will have everything you need, including the ballast, bulb, socket and a (usually crappy) reflector.

I know how it is to set up a grow with hardly any money. It is a pain in the ass, but after your first real harvest, it gets a LOT easier.

i know the 150s (atleast the ones i have) fit into normal sockets like any other bulb.

now with the capacitor, its to save money but would a 150 watt even be using THAT much power really?

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I doubt it makes much difference, to be honest. I use one, but that's because it came with the setup. I suppose you could always add one later if you feel the need, but you should be fine without one for now, at least from an up-and-running perspective. Once you don't have to buy weed any more, you will probably have more money to optimize and fine-tune your setup.

well hope i can order this and get some good light on my plants. thanks for all the help man

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"I like marijuana because I want to go to heaven before I die"-Michael Simmons