What's a better ballast

[chilledoutnc]

I'm looking at 2 different 400 watt HPS grow systems. 1 is a digital dimmable ballast, the other is just a regular 400 watt ballast from HTG growing supply. The digital dimmable ballast is about 20 dollars more expensive than the other, which 1 should I choose?

 

[Metasynth]

HTG ballast is magnetic, and rock solid...Can't speak for the integrity of the digital ballast in question, but it's nice to have a dimming feature...That being said, I have the HTG 400w HPS magnetic ballast, and that thing is a champ. But when ordering from the HTG site, don't forget about shipping...eBay you can find shit for cheap with free shipping...

 

[chilledoutnc]

it's a digital dimmable I power 400 watt HPS grow light off of Amazon

 

[Sencha]

I wouldn't get a cheap digital. If you want the digital feature, might as well get a 600 watt dimmable. Quantum, Lumatek, Phantom, Galaxy, all good digital ballast makers.

 

[patrickkawi37]

I wouldn't get a cheap digital. If you want the digital feature, might as well get a 600 watt dimmable. Quantum, Lumatek, Phantom, Galaxy, all good digital ballast makers.

agreed. if your going to buy a digital, get a nice one. that magnetic is a decent magnetic i would just go with that if those are your options.

 

[herballuvmonkey]

yeah i have had one of my 400 watt mags from htg since 08 and its still going strong. also dont forget if u understand electrical wiring the magnetic is the easiest to fix if it ever conks out on you. just order a ballast kit and rewire the thing for 70 bucks.

 

[chilledoutnc]

Thanks monkey, its in the mail. Four years and going strong sounds like a good investment. Thanks guys

 

[Coho]

And magnetics don't fuck with your radio. My 400 mag is a tank.its switchable to hps to mh.

 

[xxEMOxx]

spend the little extra money and get like a cap next gen. The make a 400/600 switchable that runs both mh and hps for like $200.

You could find a nice used one I bet for like $125 or so. Maybe even cheaper....

and you get the best of both worlds.... MH, HPS, in both 400 and 600.