WOW, HUGE lumen loss!

[Lazyman]

Hey bushdoctor,

I tried to keep it fairly scientific, using the same hoods (I have 5 identical Xtrasun 6" AC's) and I let them all run an hour before the testing was done. The digitals were only 10 weeks old.

 

[Agent-Smith]

My old ballasts are Sunsystems, cant even remember the model (they're about 5-6 years old now, bought em new.) Reliable workhorses though, never had to touch em.

I'll second that....never had a problem with my Sun Systems ballasts either. Heck, I still have my first ever 400W ballast and it's still working great and never been opened to boot.

 

[Shackleford Rus]

hey lazy, do you think you could take some lumen readings on your quantum ballast at the 50% and 75% levels? I am currently running a 400w, but if running a 600 watt at 50% gives me more lumens I will definitely be picking one up

 

[Lazyman]

Yeah I did that when I first got them, they are right on the money (50% and 75% were within 5% of their ratings.) I've got some new clones in there running at 50 and 75% right now, so I dont burn em up, works great!

 

[Shackleford Rus]

so the lumen output is actually 50% of the rated output of the bulb? interesting stuff, good to hear. have you noticed that the ballasts run any cooler when dimmed, as the marketing claims? thanks for the info!!

 

[Red Swan]

Security

 

[Lazyman]

Hey SR, no I haven't checked actual temps, I'd prefer to have one of those laser temp units to do that accurately. Used to have one but it grew legs, lol

RS, yes, absolutely. Once you can afford it, it's even better to toss em after every run (!)

 

[Agent-Smith]

I like to change every 6 Months myself but if you got the money, every run would be nice.

 

[Red Swan]

Sounds so wasteful, but I'll try every 6 months. Hey lazyman, I love to have drinks in the Town Square ( the bar in the square) from time to time.

Love that grow tunnel Agent Smith. Thinking of trying a SOG your style , leaving only the top three buds . See how it works. Learned a lot from your threads.

 

[Agent-Smith]

Well they say to change bulbs every couple of grows, so for most people that's 4-6 months. And thanks Red Swan, I know the pics are gone so it kinda sucks but if you ever have any questions or would like advice my PM's are always open

 

[Lazyman]

Sounds so wasteful, but I'll try every 6 months. Hey lazyman, I love to have drinks in the Town Square ( the bar in the square) from time to time.

Love that grow tunnel Agent Smith. Thinking of trying a SOG your style , leaving only the top three buds . See how it works. Learned a lot from your threads.

Yeah I've seen that place, I don't live in Sonoma city actually, but have friends there so I'm there about once a week.

 

[maryj315]

Eye Hortilux has done a side by side comparison and study on digital and coil ballast

There is a link posted at Texas hydroponics good read and it will clear up a lot of misinformation that goes around. Digis are not there yet more hype than fact don't take my word for it look for yourself

Mj