Question..

I have a dimmable lumatek 400w ballast.

I "dim" it to run at 250wSL, using a 400w/430w bulb.

My question, is it more efficient to use a 250w bulb instead ?

yes . read this . http://www.eyehortilux.com/Search/?usterms=dimming big question is can you put a 250 watt bulb in that blasts ? with out damaging the bulb you need to research that .

stick with a 400 watt bulb in your 400 watt ballast for best results. The lumatek directions are explicitly detailed for you in this matter, read them first. follow directions and avoid fire or disappointment

bryan oconner said:

yes . read this . http://www.eyehortilux.com/Search/?usterms=dimming big question is can you put a 250 watt bulb in that blasts ? with out damaging the bulb you need to research that .

Click to expand...

thanks a lot! will give it a read!

chemphlegm said:

stick with a 400 watt bulb in your 400 watt ballast for best results. The lumatek directions are explicitly detailed for you in this matter, read them first. follow directions and avoid fire or disappointment

Click to expand...

thank you!

I should add, this way I was growing for the last 4-5 years, and endup often with over a 1g per watt. so it seems to be working fine this way. but now that im looking to buy a new bulb for my next grow, im thinking about getting a 250w bulb and see if it works better or not.

so you grow over a gram a watt using a 400 watt bulb dimmed to 250 and works great for 4-5 years and you wish to change something to see if its better? I keep doing what I've always done because I like what I've always got. you are a brave new pioneer type, I wish you great fortune.
be safe

chemphlegm said:

so you grow over a gram a watt using a 400 watt bulb dimmed to 250 and works great for 4-5 years and you wish to change something to see if its better? I keep doing what I've always done because I like what I've always got. you are a brave new pioneer type, I wish you great fortune.
be safe

Click to expand...

Thank you, sir!