Switching from CFL to HPS

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member
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 :bigjoint:
 

Warlock1369

Well-Known Member
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.
 

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member
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.
 

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member

Warlock1369

Well-Known Member
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.
 

Warlock1369

Well-Known Member
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.
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.
 

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member
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.
 

Warlock1369

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

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member
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.
 

Warlock1369

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

Cloudz2600

Well-Known Member
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.
 
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