CMH lighting set up ideas

Pondering on whether to change my lighting up. Currently I run two 4x4 tents with air cooled 1k bulbs in blockbuster reflectors. Thinking of switching over to CMHs. I am trying to decide between running one 4x8 tent with a 3x6 table in it, under three 315cmhs daisy chained; or running two 315CMH units daisy chained in each 4x4 tent. Or running one dual 315w (630w) in each 4x4 tent.

Anyone have any opinions on what would work best for quality, yield and efficiency? Would the two in the 4x4 be overkill and not as efficient since they wont be spaced out as much?

In general....630's are probably least flexible. 315's preferred. Remote ballast provides additional flexibility.

4x4 - A pair of vertical bulb 315's can kill. Grower has to do their part!

I wish someone made a bulb that had both CMH and HPS arc tubes. Best of both worlds. Was it @GoBrah that was talking about that?

Renfro said:

I wish someone made a bulb that had both CMH and HPS arc tubes. Best of both worlds. Was it @GoBrah that was talking about that?

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Didn't they used to make the dual arc lights with the mh/hps? I think I remember having those.

TintEastwood said:

In general....630's are probably least flexible. 315's preferred. Remote ballast provides additional flexibility.

4x4 - A pair of vertical bulb 315's can kill. Grower has to do their part!

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I was looking at the vivosun vertical hanging fixtures. Ballast is built in so heat may be an issue, Not sure how much they put off.

smokadepep said:

I was looking at the vivosun vertical hanging fixtures. Ballast is built in so heat may be an issue, Not sure how much they put off.

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Less heat in tent if ballast not in tent. If ballast needs to be replaced....easier swap if separate.
Just sayin

Some CMH ballast (square wave) have the option of a remote ballast. I use a 630W DE CMH from Hi-Par and use a remote ballast.

CMH do run cooler than the equiv wattage in HPS but warmer than the equiv in LED.

Hi guys,
I run 2 315s mounted horizontal in a generic GH hood (can't recall model) I like the remote ballasts and wired mine together with switches so I can run one or both. They are covering roughly 3x3 area though. In a 4x4 tent...and like Tint implied, you're gonna have to move some plants to equalize canopy.
JD

Renfro said:

I wish someone made a bulb that had both CMH and HPS arc tubes. Best of both worlds. Was it @GoBrah that was talking about that?

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We made some bulbs like that, BUT due to its short life time, low lumen maintenance and high failure rate. Those brand owners wont consider to promote this on market. Things are money driven, we had to stop the development since its not profitable.
I think CMH and HPS dual bulbs fixture is the best solution for indoor growers, i was talked with ballast/fixture manufacturer tried to push this but they were busy on other matters. I'll talk to them again when we finish current R&D projects.

smokadepep said:

Didn't they used to make the dual arc lights with the mh/hps? I think I remember having those.

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Eye hortilux has it