Can I run my Hydro Farm lights with a 3.5k generator?

[BashertofCyndi]

Can I just plug my 600's rite in?

 

[BigDawg]

what kind of generator? Probably won't be worth it unless it's just for when a storm knocks your power out or something.

 

[paladin420]

I understand mag ballasts do not preform as well as electronic with a gen.. Could be store guy BS...my .02

 

[BigDawg]

yeah usually its the other way around... not all digitals work well with gennys. I believe quantum digital ballasts, Galaxy and global greenhosue lighting ballasts are approved for generators. Don't think lumateks and Nextgens are.

 

[paladin420]

It was Quantum as a matter...he knows I hav an off the grid grower or 4...so $$$ shades any answer he gives thanks..

 

[Rowdy420]

!. You need a generator that is rated for continuos duty, the ones at your local big box hardware store will not function for very long if you run it for long periods.
2. The cost of fuel will be so damn much you might as well just pay the power company and save all that schlepping of fuel.
3. Yes they will just plug right in. With that said there is a lot of other equipment that you will need and if running off a generator they will not be functioning when the genny is shut down.

Good luck, Peace

 

[BashertofCyndi]

Hey thanks for all the replies!

Yea its just a backup for when the power goes out.

I ran hp aero for years and used it only for my pumps and chiller to keep my nutes foggin and chilled. I didnt run my lights durring power outages, just my pumps. It works to keep your plants alive.

Now that I'm into a more simple system where I dont need all that power for pumps and chillers I figured I might be able to use my generator for my lights when the power goes out.

I just wanted to know if I could just plug my 600's into my generator and lightem up. I heard bout some folks needin a sein wave converter or somthin to run theyr lights properley.

Bashert

 

[ijim]

Use the generator to charge a bank of batteries. Then use an inverter to run your lights. That way you don't have to run your generator as much on full load and you can use any 120volt ballast and bulb. You save fuel and noise.