If I wanted to go HID, CMH is what I would go for. The heat is a problem for my grows so I use T5s plus LEDs
Thinking about Metal Halide...
- Thread starter Bonsai Guy
- Start date
Highocaine
Well-Known Member
If I were you, I'd get at least a 250W, so I could replace with a 250W CMH later. Just for more options.
Bonsai Guy
Member
Thanks, I'm trying to find something affordable. I have to be out of work for at least a month, so funds are a little tight. Have any links to reputable dealers with decent prices??
If thats the case I would stick with the T5s and add a few cheap ebay UFO leds to boost it.
Bonsai Guy
Member
Thanks, adding to the confusion LOL. It just seems that everyone I talk to talks about how MH is better than T5. I don't know what to think anymore...
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
You better get them now. As the supply dwindles the prices will/are rising.
Bonsai Guy
Member
I found a guy on Craigslist offering me his 250W MH for $80. Should I buy it??
Bonsai Guy
Member
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
IMO opinion if your just growing Ficus I would just stick with the T-5.
Bonsai Guy
Member
But why, after everything I've read MH is better than T5.
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
Not sure where you get its better. The higher wattage MH are just more intense. Ficus is a very versatile plant that can do well in full sun or complete shade. If its happy and healthy I doubt you are going to see any real differences in its growth between a smaller wattage MH and the T-5s. Its up too you but I do not se the need to spend the extra money on a new light and the addition electrical use. If you want to see a difference in growth you will need to go 400 watts or higher.
mrCRC420
Well-Known Member
I grow clones, veg plants, and mothers under Fluorescents and flower under one 400w HPS and one 600w HPS. Towards the end of flowering, I boost trich production by switching the 400w HPS lamp/bulb with a 400w MH bulb. If you want suuper frosty nuggets then flower mainly under MH (number of plants should be appropriate for wattage) but you will have less yield. This round I grew 4 plants under MH light for 5 weeks and switched to HPS and visa-versa with 4 other plants - I'd say the mainly-HPS is bulked up much more but the resin quality is far less than the mainly-MH plants; but they've got too many (super frosty) popcorn nugs. GL. Get some HIDs going; even if they're hot.
yea... if you're not growing weed, don't get hid lights, you'll just waste money.
yea... if you're not growing weed, don't get hid lights, you'll just waste money.
slowandsteady
Well-Known Member
op just google the T5 HO light spectrum for the bulbs you have, then google the light spec for MH and see for yourself which would be better. can't believe you had to state so many times your growing ficus not MJ. LOL
Bonsai Guy
Member
Thanks all, I just don't even know what to believe anymore. Here's a link to the light I've been using:
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-FLT46-4-Feet-Commercial-Fixture/dp/B005H1C74O/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1374082869&sr=8-8&keywords=t5+light
It's a good light, but I've also always wanted to try out a MH. If I did get the MH I would stop using this one, of course, to see how it does...
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-FLT46-4-Feet-Commercial-Fixture/dp/B005H1C74O/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1374082869&sr=8-8&keywords=t5+light
It's a good light, but I've also always wanted to try out a MH. If I did get the MH I would stop using this one, of course, to see how it does...
T5s are more efficient dollar wise. (actual Delivered lumens per consumed watt)
HIDs generates a significant amount of excess heat, more than LEDs and more than T5s.
Indoor Cannabis growers used closed loop hood ventilation systems to exhaust the heat, thats a constantly running performance exhaust fan running simultaneously with the lights.
If you need more punch, just add some cheap red\Blue leds.
Bonsai Guy
Member
Thanks! One of the things I do is I build these "grow boxes" out of PVC and waterproof mylar. I then use a piece of plexiglass and cover the top of the box, sealing it so that it creates a humid environment inside, which the trees just love, heat and humidity. Normally I would have the T5s sit right on top of the plexiglass, since they don't get hot enough to melt it. One of the concerns with the MH would obviously be heat. I don't think I'd be able to have the light close to the plexiglass, as it would easily melt it. So maybe I will just stick with my T5s?
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
Nix the plexiglass. It will diffuse and reflect the light waves. Your eyes may not see it but the plants will notice. Your best bet would be to go to your local glass shop and get a piece of plain old 5/32ths pane glass.
Bonsai Guy
Member
Not sure as it really makes too much of a difference, as it's something I've always used and seems to not create any issues. It's just clear plastic, so I can't see how it's diffusing too much
lamopa
Active Member
I own two of the HPS (150w) version of that lamp. They work fine. Certainly better than cfl's. HPS is better for flowering, MH is better for veg.Hey all,
I've grown with T5 lights for a few years now, but have recently had my interest piqued by Metal Halide lights. More specifically, this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-SBM175H-175-Watt-Sunburst-Halide/dp/B00598J9BE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1373997632&sr=8-4&keywords=metal+halide+grow+light
It looks like a good light. Good price, good wattage, shouldn't be too much of an issue. I would use it for a small area, about 3x3. Anyone think it'd work well?
P.S. I grow Ficus, not flowering plants
lamopa
Active Member
I don't care what that ad says, your MH will throw way more lumens than that, and have a further penetration depth. CFLs are fine for vegging, but if you want big buds you really need a HID light (MH or HPS).