Confused.. cfl vs pl vs hps

[Derka]

Current light options:

2 x 55 watt pl with "bright" reflectors (6500k bulbs)
6 x cfl 26 watt 6500k
2 x 150 hps bay lights.

Currently using the cfl option, curious how it compares to the PL.

The hps bay lights literally dropped into my lap. Multi tap variety that weigh about 35 lbs each. They are currently wired for 220, I would like to mod them into remote ballast, but I do not trust my knowledge or understanding of electricity.

Currently using a pc veg box with the 6 lights crammed inside. Getting mediocre results.

What are my options? My budget is less then 100 dollars.

 

[Rhino cerbu]

go with 2 x 150 hps bay lights

 

[Phedrosbenny]

I would use the 2 HPS for my main lighting and the rest make great side and bottom lighting.

 

[twrex]

why are we comparing 110w, 156w, and 300w systems here? That seems like a very broad spectrum for any given area. If you've got the space and ability to cool the hpses then use them, or just use one, especially since you said you got them for free.

 

[Derka]

Unfortunately the hps are high bay pendant style lights. They were torn out of a shop that had been wired for 220. I'm no electrician, and I'm leery about tearing into the light, given its a hid, the chance of electrocution and fire is much greater then say, a fullham ballast.

I would like to do a horizontal cool tube with the two 150s, my biggest issues at the moment is that I have a cabinet, but the cabinet has 16 gauge side walls.. I'm not relishing spending an hour or two with a dremel or grinder to open ventilation holes.

So until then I'm doing a pc/rubbermaid style growbox. I've been using the cfls and getting meh results, still dialing in the right solution.. I really would like to make the jump to hps though.

Or CMH, been reading a lot of good things about it.

 

[someotherguy]

you won't be able to use those 150's inside a PC
case, they just run too hot for that small a space.

once you gain some experience you will be able
to rewire them and remote the ballasts, it really
isn't all that difficult.

frankly, IMO, your best bet would be the PL-L's,
they take up virtually no headroom and they run
way cooler than HPS or even standard CFL's.
they're also simple as shit to wire up.

anyway, here's a few pics, a couple of my PL-L
clone box and 2 of a couple of 150's i remote
ballasted to show it isn't too hard to do, plus,
there are many tutorials to walk you through it.



peace, and stay safe, SOG

 

[Derka]

Thank you for sharing the pictures and the advice SomeOtherGuy!

I'm pretty much sold on PL-L lights, I've used them for years in aquaria, which is really my other hobby with fantastic results.

I guess the biggest issue I'm running into since I encountered ICMAG and its treasure trove of knowledge, is one of information over saturation. I've been skimming and browsing so many different build & grow journals that I keep changing my mind in what approach I want to take.

 

[someotherguy]

Thank you for sharing the pictures and the advice SomeOtherGuy!

I'm pretty much sold on PL-L lights, I've used them for years in aquaria, which is really my other hobby with fantastic results.

I guess the biggest issue I'm running into since I encountered ICMAG and its treasure trove of knowledge, is one of information over saturation. I've been skimming and browsing so many different build & grow journals that I keep changing my mind in what approach I want to take.

lol, i can dig it man! ...there are so many different
ways to skin this cat it's hard to pick one, lol.

my suggestion to you is to keep it simple at first,
stick with what you already know, and just don't
let yourself become discouraged if things don't go
as you'd like.

i'd also say that mj is called a weed for a reason!
it is a very hardy plant and can stand much abuse
from the inexperienced, lol, i am living proof!

anyway, have fun man, if it ain't fun, it ain't worth it.

peace, and stay safe, SOG

 

[Derka]

Keep it simple, stupid.

Which also happens to be my general outlook on life!

I started in soil, one plant showed pre flowers so I cloned her into dwc, sticking with the lucas method until I find something more.. simplified. My container so far has just been a pc, but this particular lady is quite demanding of space, even with significant lst, I haven't topped her yet.

 

[Tilt]

Unfortunately the hps are high bay pendant style lights. They were torn out of a shop that had been wired for 220. I'm no electrician, and I'm leery about tearing into the light, given its a hid, the chance of electrocution and fire is much greater then say, a fullham ballast.

I would like to do a horizontal cool tube with the two 150s, my biggest issues at the moment is that I have a cabinet, but the cabinet has 16 gauge side walls.. I'm not relishing spending an hour or two with a dremel or grinder to open ventilation holes.

So until then I'm doing a pc/rubbermaid style growbox. I've been using the cfls and getting meh results, still dialing in the right solution.. I really would like to make the jump to hps though.

Or CMH, been reading a lot of good things about it.

1. drill
2. metal hole saws
16 gauge no problem

or drill the corners of the cut and use a sawzall to cut the hole
grinder to clean the edges.

 

[FreezerBoy]

When I rewired my 150 ballast, it was the first time in my life. With no prior experience, it was a breeze. When I upgraded to a 250 several years later, I'd forgotten all I learned the time before but, again, it was a breeze. A few digital photos, tape markers on wires disconnected so I knew where things went, voìla. The idea is intimidating until you get inside and see there's not all that much to deal with.

If the idea still freaks you out, ignore me. Feeling safe in your grow is not something to pass on.

 

[Derka]

Unfortunately our local craigs list is overwhelmed with these units, just in the last few days there are several hundred available for 5-10 apiece.

 

[blimblom]

5-10 a piece for what?

well about your quest

CFL are cheap as hell but less efficient than PL and also they tend to lose a lot of valuable light because they are.... compact

PLs are more efficient than CFL, are easy to mount, take less space, etc.

HPS on the other hand, and specially 2 x 150 as you stated are for much bigger setup

So it really comes down to your needs

My first grow was inside 2 IKEA boxes (less than 1sq foot) and 2 feet high, one over the other and upside down.
I used CFLs because they were dirty cheap and crampted something like 120 watt inside. I had an early harvest as I wanted as much head high as I could get. All in all I yielded something in the order of 60gr which can be considered mediocre by most, but 60gr for me is way over my (and my friends) needs.

Now Im planning something a little bit bigger, and as I have to buy everything from scratch, I m entertaining the idea of going with LEDs , as small HPS arent as efficient as big ones and produce much heat.

So first measure your needs, before you choose lighting.
I certainly belong to the closet category so anything more for me is overkill.