400W HTGSupply grow light kit

[Jeremy Wheaton]

Hello, I was hoping to get some feedback from the group about a possible light kit before I actually pull the trigger and get it.

I am currently selling my 4 UFO 90W Illuminator LED grow lights because they just don't seem to be all they were cracked up to be.

I have decided that I'll put the money from selling those towards a more traditional grow light setup. My grow area is about 4'x8' and wrapped in mylar sheeting. I was looking at the 400W systems over at HTGSupply and was hoping to get some feedback/input from the group at large who might already own lights from them or know someone who has. This is the light kit I was looking at "HTGSupply Ultimate 400w HPS & MH Grow Light".

I really want to grow culinary herbs, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and maybe some cucumbers or squash at some point.

Are they very hot? I'm in a cold weather climate and I think any extra heat might be a good thing in the winter months.

Thanks for any tips/feedback/etc you all might provide.

[Jon Parr]

I like CMH, and I get them here:

http://advancedtechlighting.com/cdmed18.htm

They also have HPS, and a ballast kit is $69. I get my sockets and cords at local head shops for $15. Also a 400 W HPS is $19 on the shelf at Home Depot, no shipping, no waiting.

Are they hot? Yes and No. The total heat produced will be less per watt than other types of light, including your LEDs, but the entire heat generated is at the single point source of the arc tube, which is hotter than scarlett johansson. A reflector that does not trap heat and a little air movement should be all you need. I run vertical bare bulb CMH and they are cool enough to touch.

[Roger]

A 400 watt light isn't going to sufficiently cover a 4x8 growing area.  Keep in mind 400 watts will generally cover a 3x3 area, 600 watts a 4x4 area, and a 1000 watt system roughly a 6x6 growing area.  If I were you, I would recommend purchasing two 600 watt HID systems.  The sale of your LEDs will not cover the cost of the two systems but I believe you'll be much happier with the outcome.  You can purchase two 600 watt systems (includes reflector, bulb, ballast, hanging hardware) for about $800 dollars if you shop around.  One advantage I think you will like.  You mentioned you needed a little more heat.  Generally you would need to vent two 600 watt systems; however, if you'd like to keep the heat for your plants these should do a nice job as long as you don't vent them.

[Roger]

Good to know Randall....I was going to quote a little less, but you want to be sure you're getting quality product.  From my experience a lot of these cheaper combos consist of less quality merchandise.  Don't get me wrong, I want to get it as cheap as possible, but I also want stuff that is going to last.  You should check out Worm's Way.  For the next two months they are offering 15% off of light systems.  Here's a link to their site kitted units....http://www.wormsway.com/specials_2011.aspx

Looks like you can get two 600 watt systems for a little under $700 dollars.  Good quality stuff.  I've ordered from them before and have been really happy with their service and quality of product.

Randall Wimbish said:

Roger. The link I posted above You can get two 600 watt systems for a little over $400 With all the stuff you mentioned plus two timers. 

[Roger]

By the way there actually offering a special right now...buy a timer and get one free.

Roger Emmick said:

Good to know Randall....I was going to quote a little less, but you want to be sure you're getting quality product.  From my experience a lot of these cheaper combos consist of less quality merchandise.  Don't get me wrong, I want to get it as cheap as possible, but I also want stuff that is going to last.  You should check out Worm's Way.  For the next two months they are offering 15% off of light systems.  Here's a link to their site kitted units....http://www.wormsway.com/specials_2011.aspx

Looks like you can get two 600 watt systems for a little under $700 dollars.  Good quality stuff.  I've ordered from them before and have been really happy with their service and quality of product.

Randall Wimbish said:

Roger. The link I posted above You can get two 600 watt systems for a little over $400 With all the stuff you mentioned plus two timers. 

[Roger]

Oops, I meant "they're" not there.....shame on me :)

Roger Emmick said:

By the way there actually offering a special right now...buy a timer and get one free.

Roger Emmick said:

Good to know Randall....I was going to quote a little less, but you want to be sure you're getting quality product.  From my experience a lot of these cheaper combos consist of less quality merchandise.  Don't get me wrong, I want to get it as cheap as possible, but I also want stuff that is going to last.  You should check out Worm's Way.  For the next two months they are offering 15% off of light systems.  Here's a link to their site kitted units....http://www.wormsway.com/specials_2011.aspx

Looks like you can get two 600 watt systems for a little under $700 dollars.  Good quality stuff.  I've ordered from them before and have been really happy with their service and quality of product.

Randall Wimbish said:

Roger. The link I posted above You can get two 600 watt systems for a little over $400 With all the stuff you mentioned plus two timers.