Found this deal..need advice badly

[StayHigh149]

Is this a good deal? Also, what type of questions should I ask the seller?

Rite now I grow in Rubbermaids but I'm moving up to a HydroHut Mini.

Here's what I found:


Hydrofarm brand hydroponic kit. Includes the growing system (7.5 gallon reservoir, growing tray, pump, timer, drain tube, instructions), a 400 watt grow light and ballast. Never used. $175

 

[StayHigh149]

...or this one:

400w "HTG Supply" HPS Grow Light. This unit comes complete with ballast, bat-wing reflector, and 400w HPS bulb. This unit has been used for one grow, approxiamately 3 months of use. It is virtually brand new!!! $75



I'm not up on lighting & all of that yet so if anyone can give me some advice I woulod greatly appreciate it.

 

[StayHigh149]

Wow! 47 views & not 1 reply? Not saying that any1 is obligated to lend a hand BUT....I'm not smart on hydro & my lighting knowledge is limited when it comes to good light makers/ballasts, etc.

Is any1 out there willing to lend some advice? I always take the time to research things thoroughly but these are spur of the moment things & I have to act fast.

This is my 2nd post in this forum trying to get some help on this.

What would be the effects of using a MH thru the whoel grow? Can I change a MH ballast to HPS myself? Digital, magnetic or the other kind?

Does any1 have opinions about the setup I posted from HTG supply? It's inexpensive but is it decent quality?

Please...........

 

[dope_roor]

first off, let me give the disclaimer that i've never done a hydro grow before, but this is my opinion based on research i've done on the internet...

the first classified ad features the hydrofarm megagarden hydro setup which is listed on their website at $179.95 before shipping. its an ebb and flow system which is pretty easy to DIY. if you feel more comfortable getting a premade system i'd say this is a fairly good deal considering the listed price.

the second ad has a high pressure sodium light found on eBay, and depending on where you live it's about $140 shipped.

in your position i'd just go grab the first one since it includes a 400 watter which is convenient, i see the hydrofarm reflector listed, i would also ask what brand the ballast is.

also make sure they don't know you're growing mj (might be a no brainer but to be safe)

 

[livewire420]

you could've built that ur self bro for like $40 good luck with the run though.....

 

[StayHigh149]

Thx for the feedback!! I really appreciate it. I'm goign to check one of them out in a couple hrs.

 

[Haps]

The first thing I would do when buying used stuff, is to see what it costs today new. The difference in 175 and 179, is not enough discount to take a chance the seller is telling you the truth. This is how I would view it, and I am wrong as often as right, so....

Also, a used bulb has zero value in any equation, even if they tell you the truth, was it really 3 months, or more like 6?
H

 

[Hold Your Fire]

I'd go w/ the first pkg. I don't like used. It might be a hydrofarm ballast, but far from their best one. That's ok though. It prolly has a 1 yr. warranty, the used ballast has nothing. If you have to, a year or so down the road, invest in a new ballast. Right now MD Hydro has 600 watt lumatek's for $165 or so, if you must, sell a little to a friend and there is your new ballast.