What does anyone think of this HPS system

[Conquistador]

I am planning on purchasing a HPS system for my grow closet (2' D x 4' W x 6'H) to finish the vegging and flipping to flower. I have been looking around and found this on ebay for $119 (US$).

http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-HPS-GROW-LIGHT-400w-System-Hydroponic-sun-lamp_W0QQitemZ120462772924QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c240abc"]http://cgi.ebay.com/400-watt-HPS-GROW-LIGHT-400w-System-Hydroponic-sun-lamp_W0QQitemZ120462772924QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0c240abc
It boast 55K lumens. I have had poor luck with the 4' flr. tubes. My babies are stretching and for the amount of watts I am already using (10 at 40w) it is not cutting it.

Any opinions or comments?

 

[OldHippieChick]

HTGsupply.com is a great resource for lighting. I looked at this light. I went ahead and spent a bit more on a cool tube and a 600Watt and a digital switchable ballast for my 2x4x5 tent. Temps are your first concern - not much pot grows in death valley. I can't say enough about the customer service. I'd check out their website and call - I called after spotting their ebay sales and with a little conversation, he modified my package to satisfy me.

 

[Conquistador]

I am trying to keep it under $200 for the lights. So far this has been the most expensive investment. The local hydro shop's cheapest system is $300. Thanks hippiechick, I will give them a call

 

[OldHippieChick]

I think they can upgrade the reflector to an enclosed model for like $20 - that way if you have to vent the heat out of the space at least you've already got that part covered.

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

I really recommend an air cooled hood. I just don't see you being able to keep temps in line without it. This of course, also means that you are going to need to get a fan capable of pulling the heat. That is also going to be a fairly expensive item. I would recommend getting a Can, Eclipse, or Vortex fan. Don't go with a cheap little inline fan--it will not do the job and they can be REALLY REALLY LOUD. It is generally better to get a little bit larger fan than you need and put a speed controller on it.

 

[leafminer]

Yeah definitely on fans. I use a 6" inline fan that cost around $17 and though it does move a lot of air through, it makes too much racket. A big fan running slowly can be really quiet. I want one of those huge great fans like you see in movie sets sometimes, the ones big enough to climb through!

 

[Conquistador]

I did call this supply house and ordered the 400w HPS with the upgraded air-cooled hood. I also ordered two 6" in-line fans, one for the closet and one for the lights. Both of these will be vented with the fans in the attic so noise is less of a concern. I checked out your DIY cool-tube. Very nice Hemp goddess. That will definitely be a future project. So far my major problems have been keeping the temp and hum. in check just from 4' fluorescent. Avg. temp range 77-85 degrees/20% hum. But two new 10" fans have evened out the room. 71-79 degrees.

 

[smokingjoe]

I really recommend an air cooled hood. I just don't see you being able to keep temps in line without it. This of course, also means that you are going to need to get a fan capable of pulling the heat. That is also going to be a fairly expensive item. I would recommend getting a Can, Eclipse, or Vortex fan. Don't go with a cheap little inline fan--it will not do the job and they can be REALLY REALLY LOUD. It is generally better to get a little bit larger fan than you need and put a speed controller on it.

The exception to this inline rule is mixflo, they are awesome.

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

The exception to this inline rule is mixflo, they are awesome.

Thanks--I have never heard of them, I will check it out.

 

[Conquistador]

I have accounted for the fan noise problem thanks to another member's link and design. The fan (6" suncourt 250 cfm duct fan for $30 from home-repo) sits in a 16" x 12" x 12" insulated box.

EXT. VENT > TUBING > LIGHT > TUBING > FAN BOX > TUBING > ATTIC VENT

With the closet doors closed there is now noise at all!
:yay:
With them open there is a very soft, hardly noticeable hum. Another 6" fan attached to a newly installed ceiling vent in the closet pulls cool air up through the closet and spits the spent air into the attic. Since the fan sits about 18" above the ceiling and is wrapped in insulation too there is no noise from this either!

Sorry no pics right now.