HPS Light Question

[Badali05]

I recently ordered a 400W HPS/MH Switchable system off ebay unfortunatly, it only came with an HPS bulb and not an HPS/MH conversion bulb. Seeing as how I sent almost all of my money on the complete system I don't have any money left to get a HPS/MH conversion bulb.

Just to clarify, I have read quite a bit regarding MH/HPS lighting systems. I do know that the MH light is used during vegetative and the HPS is typically used during the flowering period. My question is since I dont have enough money to get a conversion bulb, can I just use my HPS light during the vegetative period as well as the flowering period, or will that not work?

 

[Tonto]

Yeah, you can use the HPS for the whole grow....
You can use anything for the whole grow!! Jusy get different results. I'm currently on day 19 of my MH/CFL only flowering cycle....
As for a conversion light, I would think that it's not a single light that switches form MH to HPS, but rather a switch or changing wiring slightly and using a completely different bulb.....
Good luck with the grow... where did you get the light from? Perhaps you have a link to a similar product? Do you have anything growing right now? Do you have any pics?

 

[Canso]

from what i understand.
You can use a regular MH bulb and just switch the balast to MH.
A MH bulb is under $40



conversion bulbs or for using HPS balasts.

 

[Badali05]

I got it off of ebay for $120 including shipping, it is on it's way. Unfortunatly, I cannot find a link to anything resembling the unit I got. Basically, it is an HPS/MH Switchable Ballast. It includes ballast, 400W HPS bulb, and a reflector. Currently, I have a few plants started which are about 2 weeks old and I will see if I can't take some pics this weekend and get them posted. Btw I am pretty sure that a 400W bulb was prime for my growing area which is 3.5' tall by 4'long, is this true, or should I have gotten a lower wattage bulb?

 

[Mutt]

the target is 50W per sq.ft.
your at 14 sq.ft. (3.5'X4') so 400/14=28.5W per sq.ft.
I would consider putting floro sidelighting to helps with the dark areas that will be around the edges. IMHO

 

[Hick]

length X width= sq/ft...you should be looking for 50 watts per sq/ft
3 1/2 ft tall?...considered the light will consume approximatly 1 foot and the pots 1 foot, without a "cooled hood" the plants need to be at least 1 foot away from the HPS, where are your plants going to grow?..
You need more room my friend.

 

[Dr.GreenThumb]

My grow was done under a HPS bulb for the entire time, I wanted to know the results without using a MH bulb. I actually perfered the HPS bulb over the MH. http://www.marijuanapassion.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4041