Variable 600w - What is the point ??

I have a 600w variable ballast. Can anyone enlighten me as to the point of these ? How do I use one correctly as I have one 600w bulb... Do I need to turn it down to the 400w setting towards the end of flowering to simulate the ending of summer transition to Autumn to try and replicate the natural processes of the sun ? Any enlightenment or tips would be very welcome..... Thank you

Do u mean your ballast has a switch to lower the intensity of the ballast? Like a 400w 500w 600w setting? That's just for u to use how u want incase u don't have many plants and want to save energy if u want to replicate the late summer fall season u just make sure your plants only recieve 11 or 12 hours of light to start the flowering stage

I use to use a 400w MH bulb for veg and a 600 HPS bulb for flower on a single dimable ballast.

Figgy said:

I use to use a 400w MH bulb for veg and a 600 HPS bulb for flower on a single dimable ballast.

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This is what I do as well

Figgy said:

I use to use a 400w MH bulb for veg and a 600 HPS bulb for flower on a single dimable ballast.

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I was thinking this would be the correct way to use it but towards the end of flowering I was going to swap back to a 400w bulb to try and replicate the end of summer / late summer sunshine...

slyone said:

I was thinking this would be the correct way to use it but towards the end of flowering I was going to swap back to a 400w bulb to try and replicate the end of summer / late summer sunshine...

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Nope, just run 600 all the way to harvest. Most weight is packed on the last 4 weeks or so depending on strain. Unless you are having temp problems or light saturation then there's no need to drop the wattage.

My 600 watt HPS can run at 50% (300 w) or 75% (450 w) but I only do this when the plants are first introduced to the HPS (I veg with CFL)

I'll run 50% for a day or two, then 75% for another day or two...then full blast until harvest.

other people may use the power reduction to save electricity consumption

My ballast will do 250w 400w 600w or 600w super. I run my 600w mh bulb on 600w if i run it on super it flickers. I run my hps on 600w or super in mid flower. You should not run a buld at a lower or high wattage then it is rated. If you want to ru. At 400w then you need a 400w bulb.

Thank you good people.... I will experiment as time goes on with different bulbs, wattages during stages of flower and see how it goes.... All your answers are very much appreciated and has given me some food for future thoughts.... I love RIU.. <3

intenseneal said:

My ballast will do 250w 400w 600w or 600w super. I run my 600w mh bulb on 600w if i run it on super it flickers. I run my hps on 600w or super in mid flower. You should not run a buld at a lower or high wattage then it is rated. If you want to ru. At 400w then you need a 400w bulb.

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This is not the case with all ballasts. Some ballasts run at 50% 75% 100% 110% . These ballasts are created for the purpose of using a single bulb and turning it up or down depending on your needs.

My ballast has settings for 400, 400sl, 600 & 600 super lumens.. I am confused as to how I should use this correctly....?

bertaluchi said:

This is not the case with all ballasts. Some ballasts run at 50% 75% 100% 110% . These ballasts are created for the purpose of using a single bulb and turning it up or down depending on your needs.

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You sure? I heard using say a 600w bulb at 400 watts will burn the bulb faster and won't put out nearly as much light as a 400w bulb at 400w

slyone said:

My ballast has settings for 400, 400sl, 600 & 600 super lumens.. I am confused as to how I should use this correctly....?

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the way I understand it set it at 400 for a 400 bulb and 600 for a 600
SL will burn your bulb faster for 60watts more light. I only use it on the last grow that bulb will see

I turn mine down to 400 and plug in a 300w led at the end of flower, keeps the temps relatively the same that way

smotts said:

You sure? I heard using say a 600w bulb at 400 watts will burn the bulb faster and won't put out nearly as much light as a 400w bulb at 400w

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It will burn the light faster but for some people multiple bulbs is not an option