hid lighting mh or hps - Page 3 - Orchid Board

gixrj18 · #21 01-15-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Can I put a new MH bulb in the same fixture that currently has a HPS bulb?

Royal,
They do make MH conversion bulbs that can be used with an HPS socket and ballast, but it has to be a conversion bulb. Although, for some reason, I don't think they make HPS conversion bulbs that will work in a MH socket and ballast. So if your socket and ballast is an HPS, then you're good to go. Go to your local hydroponics shop, or the company that made your light, and ask them for a conversion bulb to fit that light setup.

Royal · #22 01-16-2009, 10:18 AM

Ok, thanks. I'll be on the lookout for a conversion bulb. I'm in no dire need, my HPS is doing just fine. I just don't like the color as much.

The small town I live in has no hydroponics store, and I didn't buy the light (hand-me-down), so I'll need to look around. Maybe I'll look at that site Ross is always linking to.

gixrj18 · #23 01-16-2009, 10:48 AM

The HPS is supposed to be good for the winter, because it has a similar spectrum to the winter sun. The MH will do you better for the active growth season, due to the blue spectrum in it. I would suggest looking for a "full spectrum" MH bulb....something in the 5000k range. These aren't as blue, and still provide a little red.

gixrj18 · #24 01-16-2009, 10:51 AM

Try here, this is my local store....Simply Hydroponics

johnblagg · #25 08-24-2009, 08:36 PM

The hps ballast can be used with mh by simply taking out the ignitor.I buy my lights at the local electrical supply store and just buy a 400 watt hps ballast and put a switch in to make it a conversion type.
How far away from a 250 watt hps would you suggest for Catts.

ericst11 · #26 08-25-2009, 03:17 PM

I use a 1000 watt double ballest that can be changed with a switch from HPS to MH . last year i used a HPS and this year i thought when i brought the plants in i would try a MH .Heres some pics.

johnblagg · #27 08-26-2009, 12:56 AM

great setup.I have two 400 watt hps and two 400 watt mh but dont want to burn my new catts up.I have a 250 watt hps I have my new catts under right now and am fretting ill burn them up every where you look they say hold your hand unde the light hand not too warm its far enough,sorry to say but thats not true for everything.What distance is your light from your plants and if you have any idea how far away would be good for 400 watt or the 250 watt hps I have?

ericst11 · #28 08-26-2009, 11:35 PM

that 1000 watt metal halide is about 4 ft off the tray and about 2 to 2 1/2 off the sides and i have a fan that is on high directly on that light to get rid of the heat . seems to work alright i have plenty of light for what ever i want in there i use the sodium last year but i think the halide will do better and cooler this year but that room stays 60 at the low and 80 at the max most of the time its about 78..

johnblagg · #29 08-27-2009, 10:26 AM

Wow thats high light for sure I had my 250 watt hps about 2 feet from my plants and was a littles worried as my blc goldenzell 'lemon chiffon' started getting red on the new pb and a few roots on my mac holmes 'newberry' started getting red on the top of the roots and looked a like they were getting a little damaged.All my plants are still small and I just put them in s/h and they all have new growth and new roots but I have never grown anything except dendrobiums and phals before and they just grow no matter what I do to them I got lucky and they like the picture window in winter and under a cypress tree in summer.Now I am trying to figure out Catts and really want good light for them and no suitable window with that high light.I have a 8x8 room with a small ac so temp is no problem and a humidifier so rh is at 40 to 50 right now and I just this morning raised the light another foot to be sure.If yours are doing well 4 feet from a 1000 Watt then three feet should be ok with a 250 watt.I have several 400 watt mh and hps also so I may go with a 400 mh in the center of the room and the hps as a supplment for bloom times.
Thanks for replying and feel free to tell me of anything you think I should do.

ericst11 · #30 08-27-2009, 12:32 PM

I'm no differant then you i just see what works and if it does for me thats great it might not work the same for you . Every budy has a differant growing space but some things are similar . IF you go with the HID lighting make sure you have plenty of air movment and the hint of red is nota bad thing it means there getting alot of light. what to watch out for is black spot burns .By the way i grow catts ,bulbos ,dens and maxillairias and they all seem great just watch your plants and they'll tell you if they like it or not and if you see red and you don't like it move them back a little but catts ;love that light i put mine right under them and on the wall right next to the light.