Best of the cheap HIDS

BushMaster15

BushMaster15

Well-Known Member
i haven't grown indoor for a few years now and I've recently moved to a location where I'll have a small 8x8 room to do so.
My question is, after the move, I'm on a tight budget... I need to know what the best of the cheap HID grow kits to purchase would be. Ipower, vivosun, Apollo, etc.
I can't decide between a 600w or 1000w set-up but know I'll be purchasing a cool tube kit. The first few grows will definitely be soil grows in 5 gallon buckets and will probably do a 4x4 or 5x5 scrog. I've already purchased the genetics (Blue Matter) that I plan on running the first go round but need to decide on lighting asap.
Any help with this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
 
Rusher

Rusher

Well-Known Member
If you can't decide between the 600 or 1000w, follow this:

25-40w of light / sqft of space.
8x8= 64sqft

64sqft x 25w = 1600w
64sqft x 40w = 2560w

So if you plan on using the full 8x8 you are going to need a pile more light than either of the options you suggested. If you plan on using a smaller space within the 8x8, follow the formula accordingly.

I think iPower may be the cheapest available, but be careful, you get what you pay for.

Cheers
 
Creature1969

Creature1969

Well-Known Member
K, so, I spent about 2 weeks mulling over a light. I couldn't find any definite answers on the new digital ballasts other than the expensive well known brand reviews. I finally decided to just try my luck figuring all the cheap ones are likely made in 1 or 2 factories in china. I just got a pre made setup that came with the size tube I wanted and both MH/HPS bulbs. The ballasts are so cheap these days, I'm not that concerned. My ebay cheapie is adjustable and at full power doesn't get too hot to hold so I'm content with it.
 
dirtWeevil

dirtWeevil

Well-Known Member
I've used ipower lights for a few years with no problems, first 400 now 600. Ipower vivosun Apollo most likely all the same exact product. Get good bulbs if you can, eye or the like
 
BushMaster15

BushMaster15

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the replies.. I'm just doing a 4x4 or 5x5 Scrog but worried that the 1000w setup would generate a lot more heat than a 600w.
They did seem to have all of the same features and warranties. I'll make sure to grab some extra bulbs while I'm at it.
Any recommendations for a company that produces quality bulbs?
 
thenotsoesoteric

thenotsoesoteric

Well-Known Member
BushMaster15 said:
Thanks for the replies.. I'm just doing a 4x4 or 5x5 Scrog but worried that the 1000w setup would generate a lot more heat than a 600w.
They did seem to have all of the same features and warranties. I'll make sure to grab some extra bulbs while I'm at it.
Any recommendations for a company that produces quality bulbs?
Click to expand...
The 1000w will be considerably warmer than the 600w. If it helps when I use my 600w in my 4.5ft x 4.5ft tent I typically pull at least a pound of dry bud. So the 600w will do some damage and burn a bit cooler.
 
BushMaster15

BushMaster15

Well-Known Member
thenotsoesoteric said:
The 1000w will be considerably warmer than the 600w. If it helps when I use my 600w in my 4.5ft x 4.5ft tent I typically pull at least a pound of dry bud. So the 600w will do some damage and burn a bit cooler.
Click to expand...

Nice. I'm going to try that out. If I wanted to upgrade after,I guess I could just toss in another 600w light.
 
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