1000 Watt Bulbs

I'm looking to replace my bulbs for the new year and need some input. I have always used Eye Hortilux 1000 watt bulbs with very little problems. Has anyone used any of the lower cost bulbs(ipower or Apollo)? The lumen output is the same along with the warranty and bulb life. I hate to cheep skate on grow equipment but these days we need to save where we can. The price difference is substantial around $500 for Hortilux compared to $150 for Apollo (5 bulb price). Thanks for the input!

USHIO HiLUX bulbs are nice.

IMO its better to replace every cycle using standard cheap HPS bulb as opposed to running a premium bulb with enhanced spectrum for a full year.

Of course replacing an enhanced spectrum bulb every round will always be best.

SnapsProvolone said:

USHIO HiLUX bulbs are nice.

IMO its better to replace every cycle using standard cheap HPS bulb as opposed to running a premium bulb with enhanced spectrum for a full year.

Of course replacing an enhanced spectrum bulb every round will always be best.

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Thanks Snaps and happy new year! Your a wealth of information and experience!

Always happy to share. I learn a lot here too.

Happy New Year to you too! May it be a great one.

Yeah, the ushios are great, and much better deal that eyes. I have 3 different bulbs I am getting ready to install and see side by side differences and meter readings.

superstoner1 said:

Yeah, the ushios are great, and much better deal that eyes. I have 3 different bulbs I am getting ready to install and see side by side differences and meter readings.

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Let me know what you find out when comparing the bulbs? I'll probably wait for a couple weeks before ordering new bulbs on amazon.

I'd like to see a side by side comparison grow.

a 4 x 4' tent with 9 clones and a BRAND NEW 600w Hotilux
and another tent, exactly the same size and equipment
BUT a HORTILUX lamp that had already done a full crop....?

I'd like to see at what point NOT replacing bulbs starts to cost more than replacing them.....???

Hey there,

I have a 1000 watt Hortilux Eye. My space is limited and after some thought I think I went overboard. I've got a selectable ballast.

Do you guys thinks it's OK to run the 1000w at 400w or should I buy a new 400 w bulb and put the 1000 w to the side for now?

TIA

It will degrade that bulb faster then normal but can be done. Did you get a standard or digital designed bulb as they offer both. 400 watt bulbs are cheap enough Id grab one. I usually use 600 watt lumatek digital dimmable ballast and 600 watt bulbs. I do run them at the 360 level for veg then in super mode which is pushing the 600 watt bulbs to just under 650 watts. I use lumatek digital bulbs so they handle it better.Bulbs are good for 2 maybe 3 grow cycles at most. 1000 watters go bit faster good for like 2 grows before decent drop in output

I bought a 5500°K bulb for $50. I look for alternatives that aren't targeted at a specialty market and save tons of $. This bulb was recommended for aquariums.

Thanks for the instant reply.

Yes, it's a Solis Tek Matrix electronic ballast.

I'm in an apartment and have light beams shooting everywhere! My closets are way too small for 1000w. I'm contemplating a run to the big-box hardware store and picking up the cheapest 400W HPS bulb. I can toss the bulb after each cycle.

I ve tried maybe 20 bulb makers. I find you do get what you pay for for the most part some exceptions. I have settled on Lumatek and Digilux bulbs as being my favorites. They last long no quick burnout. Lumnes output is right where claims are. Good warranty and digitally tuned for best output with the harsher digital ballasts. Price is good and can get spectrums you prefer.

So anyway... I went to the big box last night and picked up a "SYLVANIA 400-Watt BT37 Mogul Base Metal Halide HID Light Bulb" for $28.99 +tax. After online research it turns out color temperature is 4000K.

Today I went to the hydro shop and they had the Plantmax Natural White 400-Watt for $19.59 +tax. Color temperature is 4200K. I picked it up and returned the Sylvania.

rmax said:

So anyway... I went to the big box last night and picked up a "SYLVANIA 400-Watt BT37 Mogul Base Metal Halide HID Light Bulb" for $28.99 +tax. After online research it turns out color temperature is 4000K.

Today I went to the hydro shop and they had the Plantmax Natural White 400-Watt for $19.59 +tax. Color temperature is 4200K. I picked it up and returned the Sylvania.

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The 200°K color difference isn't going to make a difference. The peak for photosynthesis is at 5500°K but I can't say it often enough, color is far less important than the quantity of light.

Here is the setup with a 400W.