strange lighting plug.

What's up guys? This is my first time back on RIU in a few years. You guys helped me with my very first grow ever! Ended up getting 4 ounces of awesomeness thanks to your help. Anyway, I'm about to start my second grow since I have money and resources now. I got an awesome light from a friend of mine, and the plug seems foreign. I'm sorry if this is the wrong place to post this! Any help will be appreciated! Just can't figure out what type of adapter I will need to get this working on an American outlet.

that would plug into a ballast not a wall

With that hood I would be careful with the temps since it isn't air cooled

Thanks, dude. Where can I find a ballast for this? Are there any stores I can find them rather then the internet?

Burn A Spliff said:

Thanks, dude. Where can I find a ballast for this? Are there any stores I can find them rather then the internet?

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try googling your closest hyro or grow or just lighting store

bradburry said:

try googling your closest hyro or grow or just lighting store

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Thanks for that, I guess the real question is what kind would I need? Would any of these work?

http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=electrical ballast

no, most of those are florescent ballasts, what you need is a HID ballast. Check the end of your bulb, it will have a number like 400w 600w 1000w ect. you will need to buy a ballast that works with the bulb. I have a lumatek dimmable ballast that can be set to 600, 400 or 250w and I've never had a problem with it, but there are lots of different kinds.

B.B.V.C. said:

no, most of those are florescent ballasts, what you need is a HID ballast. Check the end of your bulb, it will have a number like 400w 600w 1000w ect. you will need to buy a ballast that works with the bulb. I have a lumatek dimmable ballast that can be set to 600, 400 or 250w and I've never had a problem with it, but there are lots of different kinds.

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It says 400w

Burn A Spliff said:

Thanks for that, I guess the real question is what kind would I need? Would any of these work?

http://www.walmart.com/search/?query=electrical ballast

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most of them are for flouresnt tubes....theres some for hps .

just buy one which goes with your wattage and your good

bradburry said:

most of them are for flouresnt tubes....theres some for hps .

just buy one which goes with your wattage and your good

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I'm really uneducated with this new equiptment so I apologize for any ignorance. Would any of you by chance be able to post a link to one that would work for me? I can spend $75 or less. Would be super greatful!!

Burn A Spliff said:

I'm really uneducated with this new equiptment so I apologize for any ignorance. Would any of you by chance be able to post a link to one that would work for me? I can spend $75 or less. Would be super greatful!!

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sorry im on my xbox.....someone will.

I wish u were near me, I got a spare 400w ballast and hood combo id throw at you lol

http://www.lumatekballast.com/products/ballasts/#prod-151

here are the type of ballasts you need. Check ebay they arent all that expensive and digital ballasts are nice and quiet and pretty efficient. Like i said there are lots of of different kinds of HID ballasts and some people prefer different brands. Check out this rollitup post it has the names of lots of different brands of ballasts you can look into

https://www.rollitup.org/t/whats-the-best-dimmable-ballast-on-market-today.562832/

http://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Horticulture-APL400-Hydroponic-400/dp/B0052ACH0E

I like iPower and Apollo for low cost digi ballasts. check ur local craigslist too, prolly ppl selling 400 ballasts

I am in MI actually, lol, bout an hr south of G.R.

You guys are awesome! I love this community! So, does the lamp plug into the ballast, and the ballast plugs into the wall?

Burn A Spliff said:

You guys are awesome! I love this community! So, does the lamp plug into the ballast, and the ballast plugs into the wall?

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Yep thats how it works

correct, and can run 120 or 240v the digital ones auto detect that for you, they got the "S plug" (what you got there) connection on a 12" cord off the ballast, then a standard power cord in the other end. (Like any PC uses) (This you plug into a timer, timer into wall.)

Digital ballast also allows u to use metal halide (bulb u have there, veg bulb) AND HPS (flower) bulbs

B.B.V.C. said:

Yep thats how it works

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Okay cool. Next question..Is that a good light to start the seed out with? Or should I start with something not as strong?

(Register you product, ballasts DO fail, and the companies are usually real good about RMA'ing you the new one, to the point you almost WANT to break it 1month b4 the warranty ends, lol)