what is a ballast and do i need one?
im planning to grow some plants indoors ive been told i need a 250w hps grow light and ive been i been looking online for one and i saw something about a ballast, do i need one and what are they? also how much will i been looking at for one? money IS an issue
I think somebody may be trying to make you look foolish. A 250 watt high pressure sodium light is more than your average dusk to dawn fixture. It gives off an orangeish light, and I am unaware of any that are approved for indoor use. They make lots of heat. I don’t know about growing plants, for what it’s worth, but I do know electricity and fixtures. If you should decide to get the hps fixture anyway, the ballast will already be installed inside it. Your other answerer has described what it is: a transformer that steps the voltage up high enough to make the light work.
CHEAP! HID / HPS / Metal Halide Grow Lights
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Ultra Sun 1000W HPS Grow Light $50.00 |
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1000 Watt HPS MH Parabolic Horizontal Vertical Grow Light Kit Hydroponics System $223.10 |
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600w HPS Grow Light Kit Air Cool Tube 2-in-1 Reflector 600 Watt Digital Ballast $219.95 |
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12X Adjustable Yoyo HPS MH Grow Light Roller Reflector Hanger 3 Pair Hydroponics $39.95 |
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New Hydroponics 400 Watts HPS + MH Digital Dimmable Ballast Grow Light Kit 400W $0.99 |
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1000 Watt HPS MH Tube Reflector Air Cool Grow Light Kit System 1,000 1000w W $213.80 |
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1000 Watt HPS MH Air Cooled Hood Grow Light Kit Hydroponics System Sodium Halide $269.60 |
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New Xen Lux 400 watt High Pressure Sodium 400w HPS Grow Light Bulb HID Lamp $20.88 |
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New Hydroponics 400 Watts HPS + MH Digital Dimmable Ballast Grow Light Kit 400W $147.95 |
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Sun System Agrotech Magnum Reflector Grow Light Fixture Hood Hydroponic MH HPS $109.50 |
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Sun System Agrotech Magnum Reflector Grow Light Fixture Hood Hydroponic MH HPS $109.50 |
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Sun System Agrotech Magnum Reflector Grow Light Fixture Hood Hydroponic MH HPS $109.50 |
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HID Electronic Ballast HPS 600W 240V 2.6A Future Brite W/ Grow Lamp LIght Socket $79.99 |
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Sun System Agrotech Magnum Reflector Grow Light Fixture Hood Hydroponic MH HPS $120.95 |
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(2) NEW EYE HORTILUX 1000 WATT HPS GROW LIGHT BULBS BEST DEAL $140.00 |
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400 Watt HPS Grow Light Kit Hydroponics Lamp Set 400w W Indoor Growing System $134.80 |
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MAGNUM XXXL 1000 MH/HPS REFLECTOR 8″ AIR COOLED! $99.45 |
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MAGNUM XXXL 1000 MH/HPS REFLECTOR 8″ AIR COOLED! $99.45 |
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1000 watt HPS Plantmax Bulb (NEW) $40.00 |
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Complete 600 Watt HPS Grow Light Kit Plant Hydroponics Lamp Set 600w W System $148.70 |
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1000 Watt Digital HPS Grow Light Cool Tube Reflector 1000W Air Cooled Hood Gift $244.95 |
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Xtrasun 1000W 120/240V HPS Ballast $180.00 |
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Virtual Sun 600W HPS MH Grow Light Tube Reflector Hood Digital Kit- Dimmable $239.99 |
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Virtual Sun 1000W Grow Light Hood Magnetic Ballast System – 1000 Watt HPS MH Kit $269.99 |
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Virtual Sun 1000W HPS MH Grow Light Winged Reflector Hood Digital Kit – Dimmable $279.00 |
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Virtual Sun 400W HPS MH Grow Light Tube Reflector Hood Magnetic Kit – 400 Watt $189.99 |
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Virtual Sun 1000W HPS MH Grow Light Tube Reflector Hood Digital Kit- Dimmable $309.99 |
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Virtual Sun 1000W HPS MH Grow Light Winged Reflector Hood Digital Kit -1000 Watt $269.00 |
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1000 watt hps eye hortilux grow light $0.99 |
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Virtual Sun 1000W HPS MH Grow Light Tube Reflector Hood Magnetic Kit – 1000 Watt $259.99 |
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Hydrofarm JSV4 4-Foot Jump Start T5 Grow Light System $39.99 The 4 ft wide Jump Start T5 Grow Light System is ideal for seedlings, cuttings, flowers and house plants. The super efficient T5 lights help you grow faster by providing 15-20% more lumens than traditional grow lights. It features a simple toggle clamp for easy lamp height adjustment, and the fixture has an internal reflective finish that directs more light to plants. Ideal for African Violets, or… |
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Hortilux HX66785 1000-Watt Super HPS Spectrum Grow Bulb $87.80 Hydrofarm hx66785 1000-watt eye hortilux super hps spectrum grow bulb… |
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Hydrofarm FLCDG125D 125-Watt Compact Fluorescent Grow Light System with Dew Guard $47.05 Hydrofarm flcdg125d 125-watt fluorowing compact fluorescent system with dew guar… |
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Hydrofarm FLC0125D Fluorescent Grow Light System $81.69 Compact Fluorescent Grow Light System Garden indoors year-round. Grow flowers, herbs and much more! Daylight brightness grows healthy plants. Lightweight fixture weighs less than 10 lbs. 21″ x 14.5″ x 9″ high fixture is easy to install. Includes a 125 watt compact fluorescent bulb that will serve a 3′ x 3′ growing area. Bulb lasts for 10,000 hours…. |
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6 Cool Tube MH HPS Grow Light Reflector with Wing $50.95 6″ air cooled tube reflector- A reflector and cooling duct in one, this clear circular “Cool Tube” is the best of both worlds. Internal mounted highly reflective aluminum. Pyrex glass tube. “Wings” For added reflectivity.Can be mounted horizontal or vertical. Stays extremely cool. Allows uniform light distribution. Works with 250w through 1000w wattage bulbs and ballast. MH and HPS compatible. Pre… |
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Economical Grow Light Reflector for MH HPS Bulbs $31.00 Designed specifically for the horticulture industry. Great value reflector. Durable steel upper hanging support. Pre-installed lamp socket, 10′ cord, and 2 hanging clips included. Works with 250w through 1000w wattage bulbs and ballast. MH and HPS compatible. Completely assembled and ready to use. * Completely assembled |
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Hydroponic Full Spectrum High Power CFL Compact Fluorescent Fluorescent 125W Day Grow Light 5500K 125W $24.99 These CFL Grow lights are 125 watt models with 5500K day light temperature color balanced which will increased output in the red spectrum which promotes flowering & budding in plants…. |
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Sylvania 64490 – M400/U 400 watt Metal Halide Light Bulb $8.00 400 watt BT37 Mogul Screw (E39) Base 4,000K Clear Universal Burn General Lighting Metal Halide HID Sylvania Light Bulb… |
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HydroFarm RFCOOL6 Cool Tube Grow Light Reflector $88.00 Size:6 The quality construction of the Cool Tube features aluminum interior reflector for directing light more precisely over a growing area. The security mounted 5KV mogul socket is completely pre-wired inside a protective junction box. Also included is the patented Lock and Seal heavy duty lamp cord allowing you to conveniently plug into any Hydrofarm or Xtrasun ballast.Built to accommodate most… |
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Digilux DX600 HPS 600W Digital Grow Light Bulb Sodium Hydroponics Quality $73.95 The Digilux Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs are favored by growers because of the wide color spectrum and efficiency. They are engineered for use in digital ballasts and feature enhanced red and orange spectrums (HPS) blue spectrums (MH), better color uniformity, longer bulb life, and less lumen depreciation. Digilux bulbs are hot start approved and can be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures. DigiLux lamps offer superior performance compared to traditional metal halide and H.P.S. lamps. Digilux MH bulbs deliver 25% more energy in the red and orange spectrums as well as 25% more energy in the blue, violet, and green spectrums for the HPS bulbs. Digilux HPS 600 Watt High Output Digital Bulb – 600 Watt – 95,000 Lumens – 25% More Light Spectrum – Superior Performance – Less Lumen Depreciation – Can Be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures – Product Condition: Brand New – Part Number: DX600HPS Type: Indoor Garden Specifications: 600 Watt and 95,000 Lumens |
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Digilux DX1000 HPS 1000W Digital Grow Light Bulb Sodium Hydroponics Quality $73.95 The Digilu Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs are favored by growers because of the wide color spectrum and efficiency. They are engineered for use in digital ballasts and feature enhanced red and orange spectrums (HPS) blue spectrums (MH), better color uniformity, longer bulb life, and less lumen depreciation. Digilux bulbs are hot start approved and can be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures. DigiLux lamps offer superior performance compared to traditional metal halide and H.P.S. lamps. Digilux MH bulbs deliver 25% more energy in the red and orange spectrums as well as 25% more energy in the blue, violet, and green spectrums for the HPS bulbs. Digilux HPS 1000 Watt High Output Digital Bulb – 1000 Watt – 155,000 Lumens – 25% More Light Spectrums – Superior Performance – Less Lumen Depreciation – Can Be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures – Product Condition: Brand New – Part Number: DX1000HPS Type: Indoor Garden Specifications: 1000 Watt |
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C.A.P. ValuLine BAL-1000VL 1000W Grow Light HPS/MH Bulb Switchable Ballast $141.35 The ValuLine Ballasts are the best value priced garden lighting ballasts available. The cases are powder coated galvanized steel, vented to provide cool operation. They have a vibration dampening system for noise reduction. They are very quiet. All ValuLine lighting can be run at 120 or 240 volts. No rewiring is necessary. They will all run either M.H. or H.P.S. bulbs. They come with a 120 volt power cord. ValueLine Lighting Systems carry a 5 year rebuild or replacement warranty. ValuLine C.A.P. BAL-1000VL 1000W HPS/MH Switchable Ballast – Ballast will run either H.P.S or M.H Bulbs! – Multi Lamp Receptacle for Versatility – Separate Capacitor Compartment for Cooler Temperatures – Easy 120 or 240 Volts Operation – 120 Volt 6′ Power Cord Included – High Temperature Capacitor for Long Life – Highest Quality Components – Just Flip a Switch to Change Between H.P.S and M.S Bulbs – Vibration Mounted for Quiet Operation – Aluminum Winding for Lighter Weight – 120 Volts/ 9.5 Amps/ 60 HZ – 240 Volts/ 4.75 Type: Indoor Garden |
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Virtual Sun 400 Watt HPS MH Grow Light Hood Reflector Magnetic Ballast Kit $219.99 Wouldn’t it be great to grow the most perfect, juicy pesticide free tomatoes in the dead of winter? Virtual Sun lighting systems are great indoor grow light kits designed for the beginner as well as the seasoned home hydroponics pro. This kit is perfect for indoor gardening or seed propagation. It not only helps to expedite the growing process of most plants, but also to keep all the growth factors balanced for a thriving harvest. This kit includes all the components you need to easily and quickly set up your own indoor garden to grow flowers and vegetables year round. Virtual Sun Grower’s Choice Hood* The Virtual Sun features an innovative cooling system where air passes directly over the lamp for maximum in-line air cooling. The housing features 6″ fittings and a 95% reflective insert for maximum reflectivity and diffusion. The housing includes the built-in socket assembly and lamp cord with no wiring required. Metal Halide Bulb* High Power 400-Watts (MH) Bulb 125,000 Lumens High Outp Type: Indoor Garden |
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Virtual Sun 1000 Watt Grow Light Kit with Magnetic Ballast $279.99 Virtual Sun lighting systems are great indoor grow light kits designed for the beginner as well as the seasoned home hydroponics pro. This kit is perfect for indoor gardening or seed propagation. It not only helps to expedite the growing process of most plants, but also to keep all the growth factors balanced for a thriving harvest. This kit includes all the components you need to easily and quickly set up your own indoor garden to grow flowers and vegetables year round. THE HOOD The Virtual Sun features an innovative cooling system where air passes directly over the lamp for maximum in-line air cooling. The housing features 6" fittings and a 95% reflective insert for maximum reflectivity and diffusion. The housing includes the built-in socket assembly and lamp cord with no wiring required. 1000W High Pressure Sodium Bulb High Power 1000-Watts (HPS) Bulb 125,000 Lumens High Output Color Temperature: 2,100k Average Life span 20,000 to 24,000 hours Take 1 to 2 Minutes to Reach Full Brightness HPS Type: Indoor Garden |
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Red Blue Orange 90w 45*3w UFO Plant LED Grow Light 7:1:1 $139.99 Red Blue Orange 90w 45*3w UFO Plant LED Grow Light 7:1:1 SAVE ENERGY, REDUCE HEAT; GIVE PLANTS THE LIGHT THEY LOVE AND NOTHING ELSE! Feature and Benefits 1. Each light has 45 x 3w LEDs, 7:1:1 red/blue/orange True optimized spectrum with tight-tolerance LEDs, Unrivaled chlorophyll/carotenes/xanthophylls absorption Red 620-630nm: the best spectrum for plant flowering and fruiting Blue 450-460nm: maximum peak points for vegetative growth and absorption Orange 610-615nm: can meet the lower nm rating to make leaf larger and the flowers more brilliant as well as attract insects’ pollination for raising fruiting, white LEDs 2. 90% reduction in heat=$328.00/yr Energy Savings VS HPT/MH unit -Thermal output of our LED is 90% less than that of a comparable 400MH or HPS unit – Photosynthesis decreases by 85% between temperatures of 95-98 deg F. – Active cooling (air conditioning) costs for HPS/MH systems are 10X the cost of that required with LED – Assumptions based on New York a 400w HPS operational 18h Type: Green House Features: Each light has 45 x 3w LEDs, 7:1:1 red/blue/orange; 90% reduction in heat=$328.00/yr Energy Savings VS HPT/MH unit; LEDs emit light without using filaments; light runs cool, Built-in, ballast-free, power supply: No ballast to burn out likes other plant lights; Three, thermostatically-controlled, low-noise fans; AC 85 – 264V full voltage with U.S. standard plug for your easy using; Lifecycle: 50,000hrs; AC 85 – 264V full voltage with U.S. standard plug for your easy using; Built-in lugs for easy mounting & hanging; Ideal for all cycles of plant growth, can boost plant growth for indoor garden, Hydroponic, soil breeding, potted or seeding need. Specifications: 12.5*12*5.5″, 5.5lbs; Red:Blue:Orange:7:1:1; Red 620-630nm: the best spectrum for plant flowering and fruiting Package Contents: 1* 90W led grow light; 1* 6″… |
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Digilux DX600 MH 600W Digital Grow Light Bulb Metal Halide Hydroponics Quality $74.95 The Digilux Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs are favored by growers because of the wide color spectrum and efficiency. They are engineered for use in digital ballasts and feature enhanced red and orange spectrums (HPS) blue spectrums (MH), better color uniformity, longer bulb life, and less lumen depreciation. Digilux bulbs are hot start approved and can be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures. DigiLux lamps offer superior performance compared to traditional metal halide and H.P.S. lamps. Digilux MH bulbs deliver 25% more energy in the red and orange spectrums as well as 25% more energy in the blue, violet, and green spectrums for the HPS bulbs. Digilux MH 600 Watt High Output Digital Bulb – 600 Watt – 75,000 Lumens – 25% More Light Spectrum – Superior Performance – Less Lumen Depreciation – Can Be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures – Product Condition: Brand New – Part Number: DX600MH Type: Indoor Garden |
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Digilux DX1000 MH 1000W Digital Grow Light Bulb Metal Halide Hydroponics Quality $73.95 The Digilux Metal Halide and High Pressure Sodium bulbs are favored by growers because of the wide color spectrum and efficiency. They are engineered for use in digital ballasts and feature enhanced red and orange spectrums (HPS) blue spectrums (MH), better color uniformity, longer bulb life, and less lumen depreciation. Digilux bulbs are hot start approved and can be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures. DigiLux lamps offer superior performance compared to traditional metal halide and H.P.S. lamps. Digilux MH bulbs deliver 25% more energy in the red and orange spectrums as well as 25% more energy in the blue, violet, and green spectrums for the HPS bulbs. Digilux MH 1000 Watt High Output Digital Bulb – 1000 Watt – 120,000 Lumens – 25% More Light Spectrum – Superior Performance – Less Lumen Depreciation – Can Be used in both vertical and horizontal fixtures – Product Condition: Brand New – Part Number: DX1000MH Type: Indoor Garden |
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HYDROFARM Phantom 600W HPS/MH Dim E-Ballast 120/240v $172.66 The Hydrofarm PHE600D Phantom Digital Ballast arrives on the market as the most rigorously tested ballast in the industry. The Phantom features silent operation, lightweight design, multiple placement options and the maximum lumen output around. Now you can reap the benefit with this durable, premium Hydrofarm PHE600D digital ballast. We listened to your needs and learned! Tri-mode, push-button dimmable feature gives you the light you need in your specific growing situation. Hot re-strike programming protects the lamp in the event of a power outage Tested for compatibility with most brands of high intensity grow lamps Dual resettable breakers – protects lamp and household circuits Only ballast on the market designed for vertical operation for coolest running and optimum grow space Drives the highest light output for maximum plant growth Universal reflector adaptor and 8 ft heavy duty cord included Unlike magnetic ballast, Phantom runs completely silent Patented lock & seal Type: Indoor Garden Parts: 1 Year VM Innovations Warranty |
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Grow Amazing Plants with Hydroponics $5.49 Hydroponic gardening is a form of gardening that doesn’t use soil. Instead, you take advantage of light, air, and water. With hydroponics you"ll be able to use modern techniques to grow plants where plants couldn’t grow before — like your apartmentor dorm roomor wherever. Easily learn all there is to know about growing a great garden with a hydroponic system. |
