Indoor HPS Ballast

[dwarven]

Hi guys,

I'm gonna order a HPS 400 w: http://kaya.es/pt/sodio-hps/2112-agrolite-sodio-hps-150w-250w-400w-600w-1000w.html

I thought that i could plug that lamp directly on a regular ballast (like i had for CFL), but i've read that the HID bulbs needs a starting system. I've searched on a few growshops of Spain for ballast for HPS but all i found is the complete kit (the lamp and reflector).

I was planning to order a reflector in two weeks or so.

Can someone explain me what's the startup system of HPS? I've searched on web and from what read it's a transformer (i don't know if this is the properly word in English).

Btw, what is your opinion about this reflector: http://kaya.es/pt/reflectores/3091-reflector-diamond.html

 

[insert name here]

Cant tell you much about the reflector, but I can say a couple of things in regards to the 400W HPS, she puts out some heat, so if you have a smaller space that you are going to grow in, make sure that you have great ventilation, Smell control and probably good access to ventilate someplace out side the area that your cabinet or grow space is located. I would say you would be good with an electronic ballast too, a little more money, but makes less heat, less noise, and you can get the superlumen switch which might give you 10-15% more lumens could be worth it.

 

[shumway]

Hps ballasts are made up of 3 parts.

1. Coil (main part "ballast")
2. Capacitor
3. Ignitor.

You cant run bulbs alone without these parts!

If you don't have any previous wiring and electrical experience buy a complete ballast.

Check out the link below for more info.

http://www.420magazine.com/forums/h...w-can-i-build-my-own-hps-mh-light-system.html

 

[dwarven]

Thanks shumway, i guess it's better to order a complete ballast I'm thinking on this one: http://kaya.es/pt/kits-sodio/4503-kit-400w-hps-mh-basico.html
The space is just 1.30 meter height (in the loft), so the heat will be a real problem. If i keep the plant 40 cm from the light and the pots i'm gonna use have 20 cm, it remains 70 cm for the plant to grow (they're gonna be transplant to outdoor by the way).

I could order a 250 HPS but i want to have at least 4/5 plants ready to transplant outdoor, and with 250 w i don't think that would be enough.

You think that a regular fan (not pc fan) that you buy for 20$ would solve the ventilation or is that a bad solution?