First of all. First timer. Carded, med use. I've done my research on GC. Many countless hours of reading. Better than a movie, that's for sure. Y'all seem great and helpful. THAT being said, and after I've buttered ya up a bit. I need a question answered. Found out the lights (250w HPS and MH converter) i'm getting from a buddy... are all connected. Like, ballast is connected to the bulb housing. I have a 3x4x5 box, am very worried about heat now. had it all figured out till i was hit with this whopper. My question is: Is it common to use lights with ballast connected to the whole unit? I thought they were always seperate? very weirded out by this and would love any info you might have. Thanks! *oh and what is "German" style reflector??* **google just ain't doin me justice tonight**
most lower wattage HID system's come all in one, with the ballast and socket both inside the reflector this is common among 150's and 250's even some 400's.... i had a 400 self contained unit like that and gutted it, got some of the same gauge wire and made my own 15' cord...this allow's me to keep the ballast's outside my grow area, knocking the heat down 60-70%... cheer's
Wait a minute, I'm using a 400W HPS right now that's all encased in one unit. You mean I can gut it, move the ballast and it'll cut down on the heat?
Thanks for the advice! I'll have to find somebody good with lights so I don't just break it myself...