MH/HPS Grow light systems, any imput?

[flaume]

Hi:

Have anyone tried either of these systems and can tell me your experience and recommendations?

Sun System Grow Light 400 Watt HID Bulb (includes coverter and HPS bulb)

AgroStar 400 watt MH / HPS Grow Lite System

Another question, how many watts for HPS and/or MH I need for an area of 2.5x3, or 3x3? 100W, 175W, 250W, 400W or 1000W?

I grow Phals (11Phals) only, by the way!

Thanks

[Shana Boso]

A good window plus a couple of good grow bulbs in $5.00 utility light clamps from Home Depot work pretty well and are a lot cheaper I bet. I atually have the phals across from the window and lights because they would get too much light next to it. The more high light requesting orchids are by the window on a wooden bench/table that I built also for next to nothing. Just want to impress upon you that you can improvidse quite easily and spend much less if you do not have 600+ that require greenhouses etc.

SK

[mayres]

I would second shana's comments - I have about 25 phals growing under a fluorescent fixture(s) that I got at Lowes for less than $8 for the fixture and about the same for the two bulbs. The plants are growing wonderfully currently - they even have a tinge of red indicating they are getting plenty of light. mike

[flaume]

How many watts and lumen are you giving them?

I have fluo fixture but it is only 975 lumen x 2 bulbs I have (24'in) and 20W per bulb.