HPS lighting question

[darkravenAMP]

Ok, after my one experimental plant got stolen, I've decided that the only way for me to figure out how to grow is to do it indoors, I'm planning on purchasing a 400 watt HPS lamp kit with a "maximizer" reflector:

http://www.discount-hydro.com/budgetlighting.asp

Is this a good buy? or should I shop somewhere else. Preferably somewhere that accepts money order.

Second question: Are light reflectors (AKA Mylar/White walls) THAT important? Because I have a space for it, but problem is my walls aren't white, is it worth investing in a four square foot cube or so that I can paint the walls white etc?

Also, do HPS lights normally come ready to plug in and with hanging hooks etc?

I would really appreciate any advice in this matter seeing as I have no idea what I'm doing.

[Bopper]

Hi Mate, I just used painted hardboard which I lined my grow area with. I've a journal you could look at in the journal's section. It works for me - I'd say you def need to do it!

As for what comes with a kit, it depends although most places sell hanging kits with adjustable cable / string for about £6-£10 (less than $20 US) - why not ask the supplier what you get?

Good luck

[HEALER]

go onto ebay hyroponic lighting and you will get a set up for around £60

[IGotTheCottons]

Yeah... Having something to reflect the light is pretty important. The more light that reaches your buds, the bigger your buds will be. Mylar isn't that expensive, and will work the best. Flat white wall paint will work fine as well if you don't wanna get mylar.

You'll want to read some grow guides if you have "absolutely no idea" what you're doing...

Here's a good one to start with: http://www.geocities.com/quickgrowguide

It's broken down into sections so you can quickly jump to the parts that are on what you've got questions about.

[darkravenAMP]

oh yeh, i've read that geocities grow guide, very extensive.

I've read green's bible and that has been most informative. My outdoor grow was doing fine til it got stolen. The only thing I don't know alot about is where to purchase a cheap yet effective lighting system complete with hanging instruments, balast, bulb, etc. Basically I want to be able to screw in the bulb, hang the ballast, and plugin. Also, I only plan on about 3 plants, if i were to build a container, how big would I need it to be? For my first grow I'm planning on just doing some bagseed, so how tall will they get?

[dylan]

that looks like a good price to me. most lights on ebay are not much cheaper, so i would get the one you are looking at. i would also get a MH conversion bulb for the veg phase.

[darkravenAMP]

dylan, for the MH bulb, wouldn't I have to get a ballast that supports both types?

Also, I think I'll stick with HPS for my first indoor grow. But MH has been proven to yield more girls so who knows. Thanks alot for the advice everybody, btw. Appreciate it.