ok, i'm posting this because I am trying to put together my first setup.. but i am so confused on lighting issues... i understand the bulbs, wattage, and lumens.. however their are certain components such as ballasts and hallides which i do not understand.. i have tried to read up on them and i still just dont understand.. hopefully some of you guys can help break down these components and tell me how they work inconjunction with the rest... any help would be greatly appreciated.
oh and another thing.. is it ok to buy used lighting equipment? would you guys go with it if its a good deal or just buy new? whats the average life on hps bulbs?
I would definately stay away from the used stuff unless you know the person you are buying from first hand . I would not even consider buying a used bulb . IF you spend enough time you can easily find some new stuff that wont cost all that much more than the used stuff . Its human nature to want Top dollar for everything so you most likely wont be getting much of a deal on any used stuff . Make sure the frequency of the light is correct . Some lights are strongest in the blue spectrum which is useful during vegetative growth and some others are strong the red spectrum which is essential for decent bud growth Metal halide = Blue High pressure sodium = Red CFL's can be either red or blue . Some other CFL's are also neither one of these frequencies and they are not that useful Plants need specific colors of light during vegetative growth and then need another color during Flowering . These 2 colors are blue and red . Lights that are dominant in the blue spectrum are the Metal Halide lights . Lights that are dominant in the red spectrum are the High Pressure sodium . AS for a ballast , it is basically a Power supply for the light . This is a simplification . It is simply a shoe box sized object that Emits heat . The light plugs into the ballast . The ballast converts standard electrical energy into the type of electricity that is Neccessary for the light to function .
