Switching from CFL to HPS

Hey guys, long story short I've been using CFLs and was going to switch to LEDs, but I'm concerned about bleaching. Friend told me to think about using a 150w HPS and a cool tube and I could have the tops touching the tube and be fine. For space/stealth reasons getting a tent isn't an option. Anyway, I'm really just wondering:
A) Do brand name bulbs really matter that much and if so what are a few I should look at
B) I did a quick ebay search and found this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Apollo-Grow-Light-Hydroponic-Air-Cool-Tube-Reflector-for-MH-HPS-Light-System-/170771522120?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item27c2c6a248#ht_6715wt_1166, for a double 30gallon sterilite grow would one of these suffice for a 150w HPS? Is that an appropriate price?
C) What do I need to look at when looking for a ballast?

I don't mind reading any informative links at all if it will help. I'm kind of going into this blind lol. Thanks in advance

You still don't want plants to tuch the cool tube. Even with 150. Ether SCROG the shit out of them or switch to a T5. Plants can tuch them.

For sterlite... I would stick with CFLs or PL-Ls. You don't want the dang things melting. 2 x 55w PL-Ls would be perfect and much safer. This is what you need
http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-HTG-Supply-2-Foot-2-Lamp-PL-55-Tek-Lamp.asp

Hmm I'll look into PLLs. Is 10k lumens the highest I can get? I'm getting 13k from CFLs, though the decreased amount of heat would be nice. I have a pretty decent budget($250-300) for lights, but I'm kind of limited on space. 10k isn't bad and will probably suffice for 2 plants though. Was looking more for an upgrade instead of trading lumens for less heat.

For 300 bucks you can't even touch a good led. stay cfl or go T5.

Definately stick to cfls in what u are planning to grow in. It's too risky to ven stick a hps of any sort in it..

Warlock1369 said:

For 300 bucks you can't even touch a good led. stay cfl or go T5.

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http://www.hydroponicshut.com/pro-grow-180-watt-led-grow-light-hydroponics-hut.html

PG-180 is only $309, it's better than the BS240 and since I'm not growing more than 2 plants would work. I wanted to go LED, but since I only have 2'9" of vertical space I would have to keep my plants pretty low right? Not sure if it was BS or PG, but they recommended 10-14" from canopy.

T5 are better then cfl all day long. Hell even the T8 are better. T12???? Not sure. Been 16 years sence I grew with them.

Cloudz2600 said:

http://www.hydroponicshut.com/pro-grow-180-watt-led-grow-light-hydroponics-hut.html

PG-180 is only $309, it's better than the BS240 and since I'm not growing more than 2 plants would work. I wanted to go LED, but since I only have 2'9" of vertical space I would have to keep my plants pretty low right? Not sure if it was BS or PG, but they recommended 10-14" from canopy.

Click to expand...

First off never trust a hydro place showing how to grow weed. They are only reaping in the stoners. A true hydro store will have veggies under it. And with under 3' of vert space why spend 300 on any light? Not trying to be a dick but your wasting your money.

Oh, I don't trust any company, I've been looking at reviews and grow journals. Well, I don't plan on spending 300 mainly because that much power would be wasted on my plants like you said and I don't want them to be bleached since I have such a small vertical space. Was just showing that $300(ok 309) can buy a somewhat decent light.

Main reason I want to switch from CFLs is because this summer heat fucked me over bad. Even with the a/c on, not much it can do when it's 105F and I didn't mind a higher initial investment if it meant a lower long term and I didn't have to mess with how many lights I have on to make sure I didn't get above 85F. If I had to change my setup why not get something better is what I thought.

Don't think you're a dick, what you're saying makes sense to me and I agree. I just need something different because having a bin 6-9 degrees higher than the already high ambient is killing me. That and light burns on buds aren't cool.

Cfl is the coolest you will get. You need to rethink your options. Bigger area or stay where you are. That's my opinion.

Hmm same friend who recommended the HID cool tube used this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/LOTUS-HERE-BEST-CFL-GROW-BULB-YOU-CAN-BUY-6500K-MORE-LIGHT-THAN-250W-8U-/330615560046?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cfa39176e#ht_3921wt_1166. $60, but she says her grow spaces were actually cooler using this than regular CFLs. And at 15k lumens each I could probably get away with one, but two would be nice for an even canopy. That and I've got everything I need except the e26 to e39 adapter which is only like 3-4 bucks.

I may have to look into getting a proper cab, but I hate DIY.

Panda plastic is your best freind. 1buck for a 10x1 area. Make a 4x4x8 tent for under 50 bucks. What eles do you want?

Tent isn't really an option. Landlord comes in an inspects the place to make sure everything is working about once a month. It's a bunch of college students(well 5-6 of us) living there so I guess he expects something to happen. Rent is stupid cheap though and it's right next to the campus. A tent kinda screams "I grow pot" so it would be kind of hard to explain the 8' tall black box in my bedroom.