Best HPS bulb for Lumatek ballast.

I hate posting this, but I'm getting lost in all the previous posts and not getting the info I need.

I have a 400w Lumatek dimmable ballast. My Hortilux HPS bulb is looking a little dark almost black towards the base of the bulb from my last grow. Don't want to reuse. Understand the Hz issue.

Looking into Ushio vs. Digilux as I need something more digi compatible.
Does anyone have any recs on which one to go with?

The digilux has more posts about blow ups, however, I can't tell if the Ushio's are designed for digital ballast or just more compatible than hortilux. Most of the posts are dated and don't have follow ups as these were newer at one point in time. Now that they are not new, I would like some input as to which one is better and which model as some have enhanced spectrum options as well.

Also, as the crappy hydro stores around me don't carry either blub, does anyone have any reputable on-line stores to purchase these from?

Muchas Gracias

Every think about the Lumatek High PAR HPS bulbs? I've been using one and greatly prefer it over my hortilux.

I have considered them, however, I saw a few posts that put these two over them. I will look further into them. Where do you get yours? Thanks!

The Digilux or Bad Ass, are my bulbs of choice for mine. They have more lumens then most other bulbs and are made for digital ballests.

I got mine from my local hydro store - love to support the local guy and they were cheap and included an in store warranty. I want to say I paid ~$65 after tax for a 600w but believe I have seen the 600s online for as low as 50.

I asked for a digilux (which the store charges much more for) and they insisted I go with the Lumatek. Haven't tried the digilux but I love the lumatek after running a hortilux.

Right on. Appreciate the suggestions. Anyone else?

lumatek bulbs for a lumatek ballast is the best choice in my opinion. i have been very happy with mine.

Ushio 400w and lumatek ballast here. I was using a hortilux before,I like the ushio better and it's cheaper.

Are you guys ordering these online? Websites?

So far I have found these:
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/digilux-400w-enhanced-blue-spectrum-hps-grow-bulb-p-2985.html

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hilux-400w-enhanced-spectrum-hps-grow-bulb-p-3130.html

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/lumatek-400w-highpar-output-hps-grow-bulbs-p-3688.html

Suprisingly cheap......

Hey Im only completing my 1st grow this week but i have the Ushio bulb for my 400w and it works great. I bought mine at a hydro store and I asked the guy working there which was better the ushio or digilux and he recommended the ushio even though it was cheaper than the digilux.

SUNBLASTER dual spec. check em out. using one with my 400w lumatek ballast, check out my grow

digilux is a good bulb, but they do fail from time to time.
If you get a digilux, try to buy it locally, because CAPs returns department will take at least a week or 2 to mail you a new bulb. If you buy locally they can just replace it in the store and you don't have to wait for the CAP to mail you a new bulb.

The Lumatek brand bulbs have a pretty high failrate as far as ive seen.

I use the SUNMASTER DUAL SPEC 600w with my LUMATEK 600w dimmable. I also use a FUTURE TECH 400w MH for veg time.




J

IMO the new hps bulb designed for digital ballasts made by HTG is the best value for the money. They have identical stats as the Hotilux except they put out higher lumens and they are only $30.

I ended up going with Ushio. I have a hortilux ...the base is looking black. I guess the point of the exercise was to get something that wouldn't fail, so while the upside of digilux looked promising...I decided to go with ze germans. Thanks for all the suggestions. Keep the thread going. I'm suprised there isn't greater consensus on this issue at this point in time.

I am using a digi ballast and I still use hortilux bulbs. I'm an old school guy I guess, I've always liked these bulbs. I tried a different bulb in the past and I felt like the hortilux outperformed it and I've been leary to change.

I buy a new bulb pretty much every grow (although I hang onto the used ones like a weirdo). I don't worry too much about premature failure because I always follow premature replacement.

FWIW, I only use digital ballasts, 9 of them. I run GE lamps with the 600. Never an issue. Sylvania lamps with the 1Ks. No issues, either. I used a pair of 400w digital ballasts for a little over a year and tested Sylvania, GE, and Philips lamps for extended periods. Can't report any problems at all.

Here is where you can buy the lamps:

http://1000bulbs.com/category/400-watt-high-pressure-sodium-lamps/

http://www.dchydro.com/product/3584/400-HPS-GE-LUCALOX-ECO/

http://www.dchydro.com/product/3229/600-HPS-GE-LUCALOX-XO/

http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/1000w-hps-sylvania-epa-compliant-grow-bulb-case6-p-2361.html

Edit: Forgot to mention that I just started testing some 1K Digiluxes, replacing the Sylvania lamps. So far, they measure incredibly well. Well see how they make bud.

Simon

I ran an eye + lumatek my first grow, had a ballast problem. and thought it was because of the compatible issue. researched a bit, and decided to go with the ushio hearing (forums and local hydrostore) they are great with digital ballasts. and now have been running galaxy 400 and ushio and have been happy since. ive also heard good things about the digilux, so decided to pick up the 600mh, its damn bright @ 75000Lumens runs pretty cool too

theonlineguy said:

ive also heard good things about the digilux, so decided to pick up the 600mh, its damn bright @ 75000Lumens runs pretty cool too

Click to expand...

If you haven't bought the 600MH, you may want to consider something else. I tested a pair of the 600MHs in veg; very slow growth. Took them out after 3 weeks. They had great specs, but just didn't deliver in the real world. Hopefully you'll have better luck.

Simon

I am running the 400W Hortilux Blue MH. It is more expensive, but it is the best bulb I could find on the market for being a 400. I am running it in a grozilla with a 600 Super HPS, But I would still run it alone if I went with 400's. I am also running the 1000w Hortilux Blue in my Raptor Hood with a Lumatek ballast. Haven't went through a harvest yet, but I am happy so far.