Grow light question

[Bleed~green]

So I've been thinking about converting a 150 watt hps security light to grow with and I was on ebay looking at them when I saw ballast kits for like 20 bucks, I could use one of these to build the light with correct?

Thanks
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[TheCleanGame]

The 20$ ballast kits run hot and often draw as much as 400w or more when they get a little aged...

Spend the $$ to get a good 150w ballast from howard or advanced. You'll get that extra cash back in saved electricity within 6 months.

Keep it Clean!

 

[ydijadoit]

Agree with Clean. I converted a 250w HPS security light to a grow with, when I first started.
I bought it for $50 off craigslist, and thought I'd save a bundle. I made mine a remote ballast, and by the time I bought quality plugs, wire, wire nuts, etc. I didn't wind up saving a penny.
I bought my wife a 150w grow light from Sunlight Supply for her houseplants. It cost about $70, online. Done.
Last piece of advice, if you have the room, I'd go with a 250, or 400, but only if you can keep things cool. More info on your setup=better help from the forum.
Regards

 

[Bleed~green]

Thanks for the quick responses and advice, I haven't build my cab yet but I'm thinking it'll be a stealth dresser grow, I'm moving into my new apartment soon so I'll have to see how much space I'm dealing with. How much extra power would a 250 use?

Thanks
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[ydijadoit]

For a dresser grow, you are probably right to look at a 150W hps. Unless you have a big dresser, even a 250W would require a lot of moving air to keep cool, and that gets noisy in a hurry! If you need to know the exact power requirements of your ballast, you can google around and find those numbers fairly easily. Mag ballasts draw a lot of power on startup, but at the 150-250W range, it won't make a difference. Just turn off your computer, and that would offset your grow light power consumption.
Don't forget to get a larger carbon filter than you think you need. It will pay off a couple weeks from harvest!
Regards

 

[Bleed~green]

Thanks guys, one more question, if I wanted to hang my bulb vertically where should I start? I mean do I have to order a hood and ballast and take the bulb socket out of the hood, or is there a cheaper/easier way to do this? Thanks again.

 

[Zen Medz]

Bleed, I'm not sure how big your cabinet or dresser is going to be but I think an air cooled reflector or cooltube may be your best option. If you think you can keep things cool with a bare hanging bulb pick one of these up:
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/mogul-socket-w15-lamp-cord-16ga-wo-junction-box-p-4774.html
Or buy a cheap wing style reflector on Craigslist and take the socket assembly off. Best of luck!

 

[Bleed~green]

Thanks for the link, yea I was gunna build a DIY cool tube. I just didn't know where pick up a socket.