is this stealth box big enough for HPS?

Hey all,

I'm currently in my 3rd grow using this box, four CFL's, and flora grow/bloom. Sadly, 2 of three were females and had to be killed so I'm starting some seeds in with the 12/12 cycle.

Anyway, is this box big enough for an HPS? I'm kind of tired of the airy buds the CFL's produce.

Dimensions are 15x15x24 inches. There is a CPU fan in the side that blows in, removing the heated air from the lights through a hole int he top.

Also, are there HPS bulbs that don't need a ballast and can directly plug into a standard light socket? I remember seeing something like this at home depot, but don't know if they are real HPS bulbs.

The only problem I could imagine with using HPS is 1, if it would even fit, and 2, the heat it generates/plants growing up and being WAY to close to the bulb and burning.

**Also attached are pictures of the first grow, my first grow ever actually. Just for your viewing pleasure so you don't have to stare at a wooden box**

mattoak said:

Hey all,

Sadly, 2 of three were females and had to be killed

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dude, you got as long way to go before attempting HPS....

all HID lamps require ballasts. and, not suprisingly, HPS is a form of HID. what you saw @ home depot was an HID lamp with a medium base.... it still needs a ballast.

and that box is too small for any HID lamps except maybe a 150w..... and that wont do shit for you.
try NOT lollipopping the plants if you want denser nugs......

You could get a small hps in there, 75-100w. I think you'd have to train the plants to keep them off the bulb. If those cfls you have there are around 25w each then you're making a comparable amount of heat to a 75w hps, just spread around 4 bulbs. A possible advantage of the hps, which does require a ballast, is that you could mount the ballast outside the box to get a little less heat in there. I have grown in a 12x30x26 box with 2 100w hps and was able to keep the heat under control.

IAm5toned said:

dude, you got as long way to go before attempting HPS....

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This guy produced some reasonable quality bud already in that little box with 4 cfls in some y-splitters on his first grow ever. Obviously he has a lot to learn, but kinda harsh on him I think.
It appears from the pics that he has at least some basic DIY skills. If he got a 100w hps mounted horizontal with the socket on the back wall, a reflector, and grew in a scrog, he could have had a nice harvest in that box. the bottom intake/top exhaust is good. might need another fan, but the idea is not by any means beyond reason.
On a side note, you might want to check the CFL forum out a bit. while considering modifying your box to hps, you might be abe to get some ideas for better use of CFLs, some dudes get some pretty impressive results from them.

you could prob get away with a small hps, htg has a 150 watt for like 70 bucks, you will definitely have to increase your airflow though. good luck and those buds look good for a couple cfls, I would have let them go a couple more weeks, but to each their own.

I think you have done really well with those CFLs. If you stick a 150W HPS I there with a remote balast you will not have any heat issues, but why bother. You may get a little better yeild, but I am impressed with what you have done with CFL in that little space. Go to HPS when you can get a bigger grow area and use what you got for now.

Damn thats great for four cfls, if your concerned about inadequate light I would just add some more cfls for side lighting.

Its three 42W bulbs, and one 30 something watt bulb.

And yeah, I have some DIY skills - mechanical engineer - , so adding fans and controlling heat wouldn't be an issue.
I may get a low powered HPS, but probably just just add another 4-6 CFL's and another fan.

Will post pictures after the improvements

mattoak said:

Its three 42W bulbs, and one 30 something watt bulb.

And yeah, I have some DIY skills - mechanical engineer - , so adding fans and controlling heat wouldn't be an issue.
I may get a low powered HPS, but probably just just add another 4-6 CFL's and another fan.

Will post pictures after the improvements

Click to expand...

going to wamart in the camping section get an emergency blanket and some clear masking tape and line the box. will improve light distribution