how to use 250W HPS bulb without ballast

[kemjika11]

Hello,

i just got my 250W hps bulb recently, and i had also ordered a 15 foot cord for it. i got the cord today, and the bulb fits nicely into it, but the plug is quite different. i think its supposed to be connected into a ballast. i didn't want to spend alot of money, and thats why i didn't get the ballast, but i am wondering how i could just connect my bulb into an outlet with a cord or something. in the meantime, i am stuck and don't know how to use my bulb without buying a ballast. i would really appreciate any input with regards to this type of bulb. would a hardware store have any cord that i could just use and connect directly to power? thanks .

[Mr. Muffin]

nope a ballest doesnt just put power in a light it changes the frequency of the power, its gives power in short bursts....
so u need a ballest

[Dr.Doe]

A ballast is a must, There is no other way!

[toastybiz]

It could be quite dangerous to try to run that bulb without a ballast.

[czarr]

Do you think we use it for fun? For most the ballast is the most expensive compenent of the grow, if you can't afford one consider cfl's

[phaphaphapha]

u should have used whatever money u wasted on the bulb to buy a decent CFL
research, then spend money hopefully u learned something, good luck next time

[BoSelecta75]

Wont he need a HPS at somepoint tho? Didnt think u could go all the way to harvest with CFLs

[czarr]

No, you can go through an entire grow with only cfl's.

[DataBass]

The cfl's are a pretty good way to go and maybe you could get 70% back on your hps bulb on eBay. 250 watt setups are pretty comman, someone would buy it.