400 watt HPS from start to finish?

I wanna do a closet grow from start to finish with a 400w HPS...

or should I use CFLs during veg and then switch to the 400w during flowering?

I really don't wanna spend close to 200 for the HPS/MH unless you all think it's really really worth it...

also, will 3 plants be okay for a 400w HPS?

thanks

Johnny

Hi Johhny,
A 400 wattt HPS would be fine from start to finish. If it were me, I would probably veg with flourescent tubes and then switch to the HPS for flowering. That 400 watt (that is what I use) is going to create some heat so you will need to plan for ventilation. Three plants are fine under that light. It may be over kill depending on how tall you are planning on growing. This will also be determined by how long you keep them in veg state. I have grown 15 plants under my light. That is about the max for the strain I grow.

If you are going to buy a new HPS light the you might check the price difference because I don't think the switchable ballasts are really that much more expensive anymore or might even be standard on a lot of newer lights. I checked and was wrong switchable is about $50 more.

Here is what I recommend

400W HPS Digital Ballast, Bulb and Economy Reflector Combo

Works great and is digital. If you have the money get one with a cooltube or upgraded reflector.

After that it is up to you, if you want to spend the money on electric you can use the HPS to Veg, or think about getting a 175 watt Metal Halide to Veg.

Maybe something like this for $75

400W HPS Digital Ballast, Bulb and Economy Reflector Combo

Other than that just get some cheap 4 foot shop lights, Home depot has some T8 with digital ballasts for like $8 and use that to Veg with. If you are going to just do a couple plants then get some higher wattage CFL's because then you can just place a seperate one over each plant till you flower, you can also make a DIY reflector out of aluminum Pepsi cans.

That should help youi make up your mind, if not, ask away.

hello mate
i've been growing for about 3 years now and always used a 400 hps from start to finish and never had a problem

so if i get the MH and HPS set up, when exactly should I turn on the MH to begin the vegging?

the plant will grow to a certain height (2-3 inches) until it needs light, right?

and I keep the MH about 15 inches away right? or more?

Do you have your 400watt HPS yet ?

I just read up and by putting switch on the ignitor you can make your own switchable ballast for probably the cost of a switch.

You could Veg 400 metal halide and 400 HPS.

so if i get the MH and HPS set up, when exactly should I turn on the MH to begin the vegging?

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I would from the start.

the plant will grow to a certain height (2-3 inches) until it needs light, right?

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Plants need light to grow, Iplant the seeds in soil, turn on the lights 24/7 and don't worry about it until they are mature.

and I keep the MH about 15 inches away right? or more?

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Just put your hand under it, if it's comfortable for your hand it's comfortable for the plants, If it burns your hand, then you are too close.