ballasts?

[emagdnim368]

I just wanna know what the hell it is. i have seen pics of them and read books that talk about having one, but i have no idea what it is. do u need them to run HPS bulbs? how much are they and can i buy them at any gardening store or home depot or sumthin?

 

[Nikx]

Hi emagdnim368, ballasts are the energy capacitators for the part which then give power to the bulbs; there is the capacitator itself and an ignitor or two and maybe some other small parts which together go into the ballast body from then there's wire or two; one to wall and one to the reflector/bulb.
They come by wats and sizes according to specific bulb waltage...

 

[Nikx]

oh and they usually cost around 120$ for a 400w to 200+$ for a 1000wattie
that is you're buying a whole new body, if you have one and all you need is parts it can be cheaper... maybe

maybe even the prizes very allot and its much cheaper somewhere...
outthere...

 

[emagdnim368]

but do i need to have it to run the HPS bulbs?

 

[Urdedpal]

There's a ballast made for hps and there's a ballast made for mh. They also make switchables that will work both.