Hps vs Metal Halide!!

[four_two_0]

Hey everyone,it has been quiet some time since i have been here,some of you might remember me(though its doubtful)but i am dr.greenthumbs.An i just gotta say i am very glad 2 be back.I didnt want 2 make a seperate thread for saying hello so i just included it here.Ok on 2 the questions.


My friend an i were chatting the other night about growing an hes wanting 2 start an indee operation.We were discussing lights among other things an he mentioned cfls an i told him that if hes wanting 2 do it he might as well do it right an go with an mh,
well i have thought of something is there really that much diffrence between the hps an mh reflectors,ok im not the best with explaining so please bare with me.What im trying 2 ask basically is,is it possible for him 2 just buy an metal halide system then when it comes time 2 flower just buy an hps bulb,or is that just out of the question?

1 more thing.....man it is so good 2 be back.

420-aka dr.g

 

[C21H30O2]

he will need to buy what called a switchable ballast. they aren't hard to find and they run both MH and HPS. though i would recommend that you try a grow or two flowering with just the MH. i just did a run with MH all the way through and the the yield is a bit less the flavor of the bud was out of this world. super fruity and berry flavored. again and again i hear from others saying they get a better finished product with MH or a combination of both. perhaps its strain dependent, when i have more space and time i plan to do some serious exploration into the issue.

 

[TC84]

Here ya go http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-SWITCH...ryZ42225QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

MH is better for veg and HPS is better for flower although an HPS will work great for entire grow. The best thing would be to have a combo of both for flower but HPS works great, just read around.

TC

 

[four_two_0]

c21h30O2....thank you man i really do appreciate your input.
I have took a look in my book from the local hydro shop an have found a ballast for 50 dollars so ill let him know 2 go pick one up.
I havent done much researching on the flowering with just the mh,2 be honest i didnt even think it would work with the diffrent rays an all,but if you just did a run with a mh alone then ill let him know.
I was just trying 2 save him some money as hes down on his luck an thought that if it was possible 2 buy the mh system then buy the hps bulb it would save him some trouble.But since you have pointed out that its possible 2 do a whole run with the mh that will be even better 4 him,i mean im sure he wont mind losing a little yeild,it's not like hes not trying 2 be commercial or anything so im sure it'll be no big issue.Once again man i really appreciate it,you were right 2 the point an answered it very well much respect bro.thank you.

Edit
Tc an igrohydro sorry i missed your 2's post,,so you both say hps would work for the whole cycle of growth.Well both the hps an metal halide are the same price @ the shop so it would definately be a better move on his part 2 go with the hps when both will work an with the hps he wont sacrifice yeild.Ok guys thank you for answering the questions it really is very appreciated i assure you.I tried giving you each rep. for your insight but 4 some reason im ineligible @ the moment,so for now much karma an respect towards you 3 once again thank you very very much.

420

 

[igrohydro]

Hps,dualspec do for both stages.

 

[FreezerBoy]

Take a look at the CMH thread. http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=72215

More blue than MH, More red than HPS. It's what you're looking for in a single bulb.

 

[MoleMcHenry]

Or you could buy a HPS ballast and bulb for flowering. Add a HPS-MH conversion bulb for 40 bucks for veg. The added bonus is HPS running MH conversion bulbs put out more lumens than MH ballast and standard MH bulb.

 

[confedrate69]

all my 1000w are hps ballests with mh conv bulbs i have great secuess that way

 

[medgrowr02]

Go with a digital ballast, switchable and relatively close to magnetic prices. Plus, people say they're cheaper to run which makes your grow more efficient.

Isn't it optimum to keep you MH bulb in until about 2 weeks into flower, so you don't deal with the 2ft stretch? Wont that keep our buds nice and compact? Then switch to HPS to watch the weight add up?

 

[Indica-420]

i have been told digi ballast are good just dont get a growbright bulb go ahaead and upgrade to the sunmaster if possible..

so i will be ordering the 600w didi with sunmasters conversion bulbs