Hey homey, Did not read all replys.
If you are buying a 400w, dont buy a dimmable one. Why? Cause u wanna spend more money. I can get a 1000w switchable ballast for $95+tax(9.9% in Wa. State). Look man dimmable ballast wear down the bulbs faster. Also, u dont want to decrease the power, but increase it.I grew with a 400w for awhile. Wish I still had it. Bought a 600hps and hate it. I used to vegg with 400mh and flower with 600hps. If u do it right, all u need is the bulbs and a wing, with the ballast(400).
I can get 6"xtrasun hood($80+tax) and 1000w($95) ballast, MH bulb($30), HPS bulb($35)plantmax, or a wing $30. So if you spend more than $200 for a cooltube($120) and a ballast and a bulb. I will say $167 for that kit isnt bad, but $30 more bucks gets u a 1000w.
Hey i sold my 400w ballast with 2 halide bulbs and a HPS bulb with wing and all cords and a timer-$120 on craigslist 4 months ago.
Here's my tent 2'6"w8'tall
600w HPS or MH conversion
The only good thing about a 600, no heat. I run it with my 8"cooltube and a 6"clip on fan zip tied at the end. Since it is in my garage I use it for heat. Also, u can have a 600 directly on top, 3" away from the top of the canopy. Problem is it does not project the light farther than that. So I believe, my tent is perfect for it.
400
View attachment 2466288My 600MH conversion
This my 600
View attachment 2466294I grew this with a 400