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10 K full spectrum lighting.

So, someone is giving me this metal halide bulb for free, I heard from urbangardeningmagazine.com and a manufacture of them that they're good for ripening. Would they be over-kill for greens? Keep in mind they'll be in a cold garage rather than a grow room. I'm using them for a DWC hydroponic system. Thank you in advance!

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Permalink Reply by Vlad Jovanovic on January 8, 2012 at 4:09pm

Hello Eric,

Who is the manufacturer out of curiosity? People have been moaning a bit about certain '10k full spectrum bulbs' that are less than such (mostly marketing)...Also, if that particular/physical bulb has been used quite a bit in the last few years PAR may have degraded a bit? But hey, free is free try it out...I've gone the "opposite" route, tweeked HPS bulbs that contain a 35% metal halide blue element (Phillips' Son-T-Agro). This is just from previous experience long ago...Not being able to flower well with the old-time MH, but being able to do decent veg states without to much stretch...Here's a Reeflux SE 400W 10k chart. Seems like if your bulb is similar to what these guys are claiming you shouldn't really have problems with "ripening". They probably meant flowering/setting fruit.

If your doing just leafy greens...all the better. As far as 'ovferkill' that depends? What is the wattage of the bulb, and what is the area you are trying to cover? For instance 400Watts would get you a decent 16 sq.foot coverage for leafy greens.

Permalink Reply by Eric Warwick on January 8, 2012 at 4:26pm

It's a small 20 gallon reservoir with rockwool cubes as mediums (DWC). If I need more plant area that's perfect!
Vlad Jovanovic said:

If your doing just leafy greens...all the better. As far as 'ovferkill' that depends? What is the wattage of the bulb, and what is the area you are trying to cover? For instance 400Watts would get you a decent 16 sq.foot coverage for leafy greens.

Permalink Reply by Eric Warwick on January 8, 2012 at 4:30pm

I don't know the manufacturer. Also the guy breed coral for I'm guessing a few years. I'm thinking this would affect the efficiency and lumen output. But, as you said, "free is free".
Vlad Jovanovic said:

Hello Eric,

Who is the manufacturer out of curiosity? People have been moaning a bit about certain '10k full spectrum bulbs' that are less than such (mostly marketing)...Also, if that particular/physical bulb has been used quite a bit in the last few years PAR may have degraded a bit? But hey, free is free try it out...

Permalink Reply by Vlad Jovanovic on January 8, 2012 at 4:36pm

Can't beat that price...it'll probably be just fine. Make sure that you know the wattage of that bulb, and use the proper ballast for it (your friend may have given you that as well I take it). Do NOT go sticking a 400Watt MH bulb in anything other than a ballast made for a 400Watt MH bulb or your garage may not be cold for long hehe... I'm sure you know all that already though...

Permalink Reply by Eric Warwick on January 8, 2012 at 4:51pm

I'm still conversing with him. I'll ask for the correct ballast.
Vlad Jovanovic said:

Can't beat that price...it'll probably be just fine. Make sure that you know the wattage of that bulb, and use the proper ballast for it (your friend may have given you that as well I take it). Do NOT go sticking a 400Watt MH bulb in anything other than a ballast made for a 400Watt MH bulb or your garage may not be cold for long hehe... I'm sure you know all that already though...