Used ballasts?

[Dr. Bloom]

Hi Everyone!

I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience or oppinions about uying ballasts used. I noticed that there are daily posting on craigslist for 175-1000 watt ballasts for quite good prices. They range on average from $100 for a 400 watt, to $200-250 for a 1000 watt.

I already have a 400 watt in my flowering room, and am thinking about adding another. Do you guys think I should buy a used one....or is there any particular reason why you would advise against it?

Thanks,
Dr.

 

[yamaha_1fan]

The prices you mention dont seem to be anything that great. $250 for just a 1000 watt ballast seems high

 

[Dr. Bloom]

Yeah I agree....(although that was for a new one)......but i found one guy offering two 400 watters for $100 for both. $50 each is not bad.
Another guy i contacted is willing to sell his unused 400watt mh for $100. Doesn't sound too bad to me.....i guess i should have posted that in my original post lol.)
I'd love to have 400 each of MH and HPS.....i just want some input on how risky buying a used ballast would be in terms of them breaking down. I've never had any trouble with the one that I have.....but i don't know if others have had more trouble.
Thanks.

 

[Ganjananda]

I bought used

I bought used

I bought used equipment on Craigslist, but I got it cheap enough that it is worth the financial risk if it doesn't last long.

I got 2 400W ballasts (both from kits), a cheap reflector, a slightly used standard bulb and an unused high quality Sunmaster bulb for under $70. It seemed to good to pass up for a starter set.

Problem was that I wasn't as careful as I should have been with the contact with the seller and I created an unnecessary security risk for myself.

I don't know how long my equipment will last, but since I'm only wanting to run one light I think my buy was worth it.

Most of what I have seen available on Craigslist seems reasonably priced, but not a super bargain.

 

[Guest]

Personally I've bought a used 400w MH that was perfectly fine and never had a problem with it. It's all going to depend on the ballast, just make sure before you go check it out you ask about how old it is, etc... Also visually if the ballast is in good condition.
Whenever you buy something used you take a chance with the person selling it, most people I know stray away from used stuff because they like knowing it's history of use.

 

[az_kush]

I can order a new ballast with fixture from my supply house for a 400 watt mh for 125.00

 

[Guest]

I get a whole 400W or 1000W ballast kit boxed with wiring for....

http://www.jonsplantfactory.com/qs/product/63/4186/164643/0/0

 

[Guest]

Nothing wrong with used ballasts, However you need to check out ebay. You can buy a slighly used 1000 watter for less that 50 bucks!!!!

 

[Dr. Bloom]

Thanks for the helpful replies guys!
Any other input is still welcome.

Northern Farmer: Does ordering grow supplies online make you nervous at all?

And thanks Ganjananda, it's nice to hear from someone whose already given it a shot.

Garden Dweller: Yes I agree, it's very important to assess how "used" your used purchase actually is.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the helpful replies guys!
Any other input is still welcome.

Northern Farmer: Does ordering grow supplies online make you nervous at all?

And thanks Ganjananda, it's nice to hear from someone whose already given it a shot.

Garden Dweller: Yes I agree, it's very important to assess how "used" your used purchase actually is.

Honestly, I live in BC so I don't order equip.

Here it's as easy as going to a store for a pair of shoes cause there are so many Hydro shops, even of the smallest towns.

Ordering online is risky IMO. There is data on a server and the bigger the order the more appealing it may look to authorities and thieves in the unlikely event that it may reach their hands.

Jon's is no longer taking online orders. The best way to go if ordering equip is to phone in. Records are handwritten, temporary and shredded after. Police do not go through trash cans fishing for info here unless they are already on a trail and saw their perp leaving the shop with an equip order. It's evidence gathering for an existing investigation then.