Question about ballast

Blow

Active Member
If I buy a 1000 watt balast would I be able to use a 400, 600, or 1000 watt bulb on it up too 1000 watts. And if so will it be using the lesser watts if im not using the 1000 watt bulb. Are there any special light out there like this? Some guy was trying to sell me a 1000 watt balast and he said I could use any bulb on it up too 1000 watts. Im kinda new to the whole indoor grow lights and could use any advice given my seeds are in the mail. Thanks :joint:
 

lonestarbudd

Well-Known Member
normally when you buy it it will specify wether its rated for the different wattages... i really wouldnt be able to give you specifics. all i know is that my ballast and fixture is a conversion set up, which means i am lucky and can use both hps and mH bulbs... :peace: good luck
 

The Garden Shed

Well-Known Member
no you need to buy the specific wattage for the bulb. 1000W bulb, needs 1000W ballast, 600W, goes with 600 ballast. The guy was not giving you good advice. TRy a shop light or CFL until rooted seedling, HPS or MH will be an overkill and a waste of energy, however if you want nice yeild i suggest nothing less then 600W HPS, MH is for fast Veg 3 week cycle. HPS has the necessary orange/red spectrum for fruit development. MH is mostly blue light, great for phototropism and root growth.
 

Blow

Active Member
Thanks. I thaught it sounded kinda weird I found him on craigslist. Everybody woulda just got a 1000 watt. I think imma go with a 400w hps/mh I only have 3X3X8 of space.
 

Florida Blooms

Well-Known Member
Expect heat issues if you're not going to keep an ac on it in that small of a space.

I'm in a 5x6x8 closet and keep the door open at all times with an ocsilating wall fan and im still in the 80-90 range....
 

BobVila

Active Member
I've used a 250 watt HPS ballist in a 6x1.5x2 foot space, put the light right up to the plant and cranked out a nice yeild. It will get hot so it has to do alot with how you are going to cool the light and the room too.

Also be careful with the " 400w hps/mh " you can't just slap bulbs around in different ballists.
 

Blow

Active Member
I found a protable A/C on craigslist also for $150. So I will be using that along with my house A/C to keep temp down. Small price to pay for quality bud. I think it will cost me a little less than the price of an ounce here to get started.
 

Blow

Active Member
I was looking at those ive found some cheaper ones though. U might want to look around a little more. But def on my wish list.
 

Florida Blooms

Well-Known Member
Well, i did do quite a bit of research. This company has a guarantee for 14 days (any reason). I needed a large filter with a quiet powerful fan. I realize ducting fans are the best... but i dont want to cut any holes in my closet heh.
 

Florida Blooms

Well-Known Member
... No... 1000 watt ballast = 1000 watt bulb
600 watt ballast = 600 watt bulb

There is not a bulb that can be used with both.
 
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