Going to be growing about 5 plants. Going to get Metal Halide lamps for budding and High Pressure sodium lamps for the vegetation stage. They come in different wattages. How powerful would you recommend the lights be. Thanks!
First of all, you want to find a dual ballast lamp, so it's just a matter of changing the bulb and turning a switch when it comes time to go from veg to flower. As for the wattage, you probably want 600w or 1000w. This will depend on your space. A 600w will basically cover a 3x3' space, and a 1000w should cover a 4x4' space.
Think I found what I was looking for. This lamp comes with a HPS & MH bulb. Probably should get 600w thanks! http://www.amazon.com/iPower-GLSETX600DHMAC6-600-Watt-Digital-Dimmable/dp/B005GYRZV2/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1423437475&sr=1-4
I have a problem if any can help, I have never had any problems with my lights until I bought a hortilux day blue 400w mh, it cost $120 and I'm on my 3rd one, it stops working after a week and it's under warranty so I get a new one. The guy at the hydro store says I need to buy a new ballast but the one I have works fine with the cheap 400w mh bulb, anyone heard of this? Maybe a bad batch of bulbs?