Question about smaller wattage HPS

Hi. I found this on ebay, and I was wondering if you still need a ballast with HPS bulbs at smaller wattage like e.g 70w?

- Saur

I use 2 150 watt HPS lights & get good results. IF you have a small grow Im sure it will work for a plant or 2.

Thanks for answering, but my question was if I would still need a ballast to light these bulbs?

I think I read somewhere that at lower wattage, ballasts are not needed. But I'm not sure at all.

as far as i know yes, a ballast is still needed.

don't take that for truth but, no matter how small a florescent you have it still has to be ballasted sooooo...... ok i'm making an assumption but there you have it.


after a quick search on google, 42 seconds later i can provide with a more reliable assertion that yes you do need a ballast for any HPS bulb to function properly.

Yes you have to have a ballast, you don't need a monster but if you ever plan to go bigger you may want to plan ahead.

I want two seperate small rooms, with just one of these in each (First time grower, so I am not going to go "big" yet).

So I would have to get an ballast like say, this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-S70MLTLC3M-70W-S62-HPS-Ballast-/260832674488?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbad6c2b8#ht_500wt_1156

Saur said:

I want two seperate small rooms, with just one of these in each (First time grower, so I am not going to go "big" yet).

So I would have to get an ballast like say, this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-S70MLTLC3M-70W-S62-HPS-Ballast-/260832674488?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cbad6c2b8#ht_500wt_1156

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i would go with a 150hps with a built in ballast.. its easier and you dont have to worry about mis wireing something.. you can get one for 73 bucks with free shipping on ebay. if im right, you can even buy a attachment to make it aircooled.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HPS-150-Grow-Light-SYSTEM-Bulb-sun-sodium-150w-w-/400178977797?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2c869c05

fir3dragon said:

i would go with a 150hps with a built in ballast.. its easier and you dont have to worry about mis wireing something.. you can get one for 73 bucks with free shipping on ebay. if im right, you can even buy a attachment to make it aircooled.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HPS-150-Grow-Light-SYSTEM-Bulb-sun-sodium-150w-w-/400178977797?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5d2c869c05

Click to expand...

That kind of light, would be perfect. Sadly just for shipping to denmark would be over 60$, plus customs fee.

I have yet to see one of those systems here, but I'll try to search some danish/free shipping to denmark hydroponic stores.

Saur said:

That kind of light, would be perfect. Sadly just for shipping to denmark would be over 60$, plus customs fee.

I have yet to see one of those systems here, but I'll try to search some danish/free shipping to denmark hydroponic stores.

Click to expand...

Do you have any home improvement store like www.homedepot.com ? They sell ballasts that you can wire your self. You can buy the ballast, bulb, and socket and its very easy.

Saur said:

That kind of light, would be perfect. Sadly just for shipping to denmark would be over 60$, plus customs fee.

I have yet to see one of those systems here, but I'll try to search some danish/free shipping to denmark hydroponic stores.

Click to expand...

try htgsupply.com ive used them a couple of times and am always real happy with the results.

you dont need a ballast with a cfl, they go strait into the mains

hey guys, lookin for advice with my 1st attempt at auto flower. is pk schedule same as it would be for a 12/12 system?