Lets say I have a 400w MH and I want to switch to a HPS, is it as simple as changing bulbs or do they have to be two completely different setups?
If you have a digital ballast, you can just change bulbs. If it's a magnetic MH ballast, you'll need a new ballast/bulb setup.
digital's general do run both types of bulb, run cooler, burn brighter, and more energy efficient..there also expensive... but if you have a hood, socket and cord, you should just need a ballast.. regular or magnetic ballast are def different.. they run hotter, less energy efficient, etc..but really get the job done regardless... a hps system will except a mh conversion bulb.. a mh will not except a hps bulb though.. or get a switchable ballast.. but for your money i'd go digital for sure..
You could also get a conversion bulb. I don't know much about them, but I know that you can get an HPS conversion bulb that would go right into your MH fixture. They're about double the cost, but I've heard good things.
very true man, but so far the only good one i've found out there is a hps conversion hortilux...it's a bad mofo but can be had for less than 80$ about the same price as a good reg hps or mh bulb.. hort's are never cheap cause they are awesome bulb's..
Wow guys thank you very much . I've got one plant growing right (beasty bagseed) now in sub-par conditions its been about 1 1/2 weeks since its broke ground, I was just getting some info for future grow
If ur only going for on plant than I'd suggest getting the conversion set up and maybe lowering ur wattage.. In all, it should be cheaper..
When I can put 100% into a grow I will definitely have more than one plant....depending on what kind of cab/ what size cab I get. I am definitely looking for better/more efficent ways of lighting for my beauties.
