Which is best, 400 hps with extra cfl's or 600 hps alone? less energy used

Ok guys, I am looking to save on energy costs. I am currently using 1 400 watt hps, 1 24" with 4 t5's 24 watt each, 1 68 watt cfl (replacing 300), 1 40 watt cfl (replacing 150) , and 1 23 watt cfl (replacing 100). I am not sure how to calculate the watts, and would like to know if someone could tell me if as far as energy use goes, am I better using 1 600 hps, or am I better off the way things are now?

Thanks!!!!!!!!

400w
24w x5 (120)
68w
40w
23w
--------
651w total

Assuming you're using the HPS for flower and the CFLs for vegging you should probably just keep things the way they are. Although really 651 watts really isnt that much even when you're running 18/6, the average 1000w lamp only adds $50 to your bill depending on where you live. Not really the best way to trim your expenses

I would get one of them dimable ballasts, then you can turn it down or up depending on your needs. Galaxy lumatex and quantum all make them.
You could turn down your 600 watt ballast all the way down to only 300 watts.

ExDex1x1 said:

400w
24w x5 (120)
68w
40w
23w
--------
651w total

Assuming you're using the HPS for flower and the CFLs for vegging you should probably just keep things the way they are. Although really 651 watts really isnt that much even when you're running 18/6, the average 1000w lamp only adds $50 to your bill depending on where you live. Not really the best way to trim your expenses

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I am actually using the cfl's for flowering also, just for side lights to add extra light. Because of flowering, I am running 12/12. My last months bill kwh usage tripled the month before, so I am trying to do some energy saving things. All of the bulbs being used right now are for flowering. The cfls are 2700k soft white. I know these are not nearly as good as the hps, but like I said I am just using them for extra side light. IF I would basically be using the same amount of energy just buying a 600 hps as all the other lights, I would rather have one light and the best.

I have started doing other things in my home as well to try to save on energy. My husband and myself are kind of confused on why our kwh was so high, but we thought we have 3 kids, each with his own gaming system, area heaters in 3 bedrooms, computer, and ususally when the kids are home, the ps3, xbox, and wii are all on at the same time, as well as the computer. So we did what we should have done a long time ago, and limit the kids play time on the systems. HOpefully that helps, as well as wearing warmer jammies to bed instead of using the extra room heaters. But if I can do even a little bit more with the lights situation I would like to, if it makes a difference.

your electric bill doesnt directly flux. due to outside temps?.... I'm assuming your in chicago?

Chirpin4th said:

your electric bill doesnt directly flux. due to outside temps?.... I'm assuming your in chicago?

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Yes, chicago, I do not understand your question.

what size is your grow room?

kbo ca said:

what size is your grow room?

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I have it sectioned off to an area of about 5x5, the room is actually about 8x7 but i made a section sectioned off with myler to keep the light contained in a smaller area

DirtyDiana said:

I have it sectioned off to an area of about 5x5, the room is actually about 8x7 but i made a section sectioned off with myler to keep the light contained in a smaller area

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i would get a 600w hps, sell the 400w on ebay to recoupe funds and keep the cfl's for a seperate clone/veg area , you know it makes sense , or you could buy a 250w hps and use it with the 400w (better lumens coverage using 2 lights) and again cfl's for veg area =D however the difference between a 250w ballast and a 600w ballast is not much , here in the uk about equivalent of 50$

The biggest savings you'll see switching from all the CFL supplement to a single 600w is going to be in the money you spend on bulbs, and a couple bucks on your electric bill.

Big way to save on your electric bill is to unplug your PC, xbox, ps3, ect. When they're sitting idle and still plugged into the wall they're still drawing electricity and running up your bill slightly.
You could also make sure that your windows aren't leaking air and that you have adequate insulation throughout your home. When I moved in my recent home we had no insulation in the basement or the attic, installing proper installation costs a bit upfront but saves you a shit load on energy costs in the long run.

You can also look into whole house surge protectors. It's a little box that honestly I have no idea how it works, our cost about $800 installed, but it cut our monthly electric bill by about 10-20% depending on normal usage. Great investment.

Edit: If you buy a whole house surge protector, DO NOT get the "nitro box" they claim to cut your bill by 50% and its total bullshit. They're overpriced units and low quality. Leviton makes some good ones, just make sure you find one thats rated for the square footage of your home.

Thanks ExDex, so in your opinion, I should invest in 1 600 and just use that? I have started unplugging everything in my home when not in use. I live in one of those fast put up new homes that is made like total crap! So we cover the windows with plastic in the winters and stuff like that. I am doing things around the house, but I just want to know what would be best, to stick with what I have, or switch to 600. So far looks like 600 is the route to go. THANKS EVERYONE!

Yeah 600 seems like the best bet. You'll save tons on light replacements, and only have a tiny difference in your total yield. If you get a high quality bulb you might actually stay the same on yield since HIDs generally have higher lumen output than CFLs and you'll definitely have better canopy penetration

Definatley go 600 you wont be dissapointed

i say again , your 400w + a 250w is better than 1-600w and pretty much the same cost for electric with better coverage, also you could make your grow area bigger if you wanted later on as its 5x5 in a 7x8 room i think you said, this would be diffulcult with just a 600.

bloomfields said:

i say again , your 400w + a 250w is better than 1-600w and pretty much the same cost for electric with better coverage, also you could make your grow area bigger if you wanted later on as its 5x5 in a 7x8 room i think you said, this would be diffulcult with just a 600.

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I would love to go in this direction, but unfortunately as far as money goes, Id have to sell one to upgrade to another. Without knowing anything in the beginning, I listened to the growshop guy and spent probably way more money than I needed to, and for what I originally told him I was wanting to do, he said the 400 would be fine alone. Which I have come to learn is incorrect. So having invested more than planned, I have to sell the 400 and can use a 600 ballast from my brother.
THANKS A BUNCH EVERYBODY!

in the 5x5 area your best off with the 600w only if you have proper ventilation and you can keep the heat down. you're even better off if you invest in a light mover of some sort. right now in my 10x10 flower room i have two lights covering the canopy area that would normally take six lights to cover. so you get more bang for your moolah.

Myself i'd scrap the floros and go strictly with a 600 hps. Your yield will be better with the 600 which makes up for the little extra cost of electric....Like a guy said earlier, unplug things your not using at that moment. You be surprised on how you can save by unplugging alot of shit. Cofffe pots, microwaves, steroes, video game consoles, etc.

Ok, so I ended up getting another 400 hps, which looks like a good idea. 2 400's and ill keep the cfls still for lower side lights

DirtyDiana said:

Ok, so I ended up getting another 400 hps, which looks like a good idea. 2 400's and ill keep the cfls still for lower side lights

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nice, i recently found a 400w hps with 430w bulb, and a mh conversion bulb for $50 on craigslist!