Reflector

[journeyquest]

The ad states: "Will work with 400, 600, 1000 hps " Any reason why i couldnt use a 250 hps bulb in this reflector?

 

[strydr]

Is the bulb end the same? As long as the bulb can screw in to it, I see no issues with a 250. It's prob. overkill for your bulb, that's why 250 is not listed. Dispersion may just not be very strong with a 250. The reflector is basically just a extension cord for your ballast (with a hood attached..)

 

[FreezerBoy]

Odds are overwhelming that "Mogul" is the socket size/name you want. 150's down often come with a smaller, "Medium" base; The same as your standard household socket. I don't know if 250s are available in a Medium base. Unplug a table lamp and see if it fits. If it does, it's Medium. If it's too big, it's Mogul. Note you can swap out the sockets yourself if you like.

While a socket might be considered an extension cord or the terminus thereof, reflectors are NOT. Their sole function is unrelated to electricity. They prevent your lamp from throwing 75% of your light in the trash. Now what would you pay?

 

[strydr]

While a socket might be considered an extension cord or the terminus thereof, reflectors are NOT. Their sole function is unrelated to electricity. They prevent your lamp from throwing 75% of your light in the trash. Now what would you pay?

Agreed.
the 250 may not have enough penetrating power for a hood designed for bigger bulbs. Your hood should be matched to the bulb you plan on using. The 250 will physically fit, but may not perform like you would get from a smaller (more concentration) hood.

I recently saw a new hood, some XXXL thing- it was massive- I felt I could use it as a sled, that's how big it was. anything but a 1K would just underperform in that.

 

[journeyquest]

These are the reflectors they sell at the garden depot.com I need a hood or ? for a 250w hps in a 2.5x2.5 cab. I will use a lumatek ballast and sylvania bulb. I dont want to spend a fortune, I was thinking of building my own cool tube but need some input about best reflection for the $$$. thanks

 

[DiscoBiscuit]

Here's a thread with light reflection comparisons with different hoods.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=51325

Cool tubes present challenges when it comes to reflectors. Manufacturers put a narrow piece of reflector material inside the tube and optional wings to clamp on the outside. I just put a bat wing over the tube.