Induction Lighting

[AzLaker]

My local grow store just got these in a couple of months ago. The companies name is igrow and wattage comes in 400 and 800 watts. Lots of positives and very few negatives. Cost is the main drawback....800 watts is $1,200, but other then that it looks like a win,win deal. Very little heat from the ballest or bulb....that's means less heat in grow room or tent, again which means less electric bills for cooling. The bulb last longer and doesn't diminish as quick. They have a great warranty on the ballast also. My local store is growing tomatoes and DAM they looked great. Here's their web-site....www.igrowlights.com
If anyone has used them, or any type of Induction lighting, I would appreciate your comments.

AzLaker

[Uncle Ron]

thx az...
... another choice in the lighting category.
AZ also noted the price, WOW.
Unless these rigs can outperform their HPS counterpart by two or more fold, not worth the expense. Can you say LED?

Again, thanks to AZ for providing some good info for the grower in all of us.
...

[ZBeebs]

thx az...
... another choice in the lighting category.
AZ also noted the price, WOW.
Unless these rigs can outperform their HPS counterpart by two or more fold, not worth the expense. Can you say LED?

Again, thanks to AZ for providing some good info for the grower in all of us.
...

There are quite a few more variables than optperforming HPS by 2X...If I'm spending less on electricity, replacing bulbs, and am achieving the same yields, how many grow cycles will it take to recoup my money? If I could save $50-$100 a grow cycle on electricity, average cost of replacement bulbs, being able to run fewer fans, etc... in just a few years it's paying for itself over HPS. If yields are better than HPS it becomes a better deal much quicker. My point is, it's not just about total yield.

If you're growing somewhere indoors where you can't add A/C, controlling heat is extremely important. I can't add any more lights not because I don't have room, but because it just gets too hot. If I could cut heat in half, I'd double the amount of lights.

[EasilySuede]

If you're growing somewhere indoors where you can't add A/C, controlling heat is extremely important. I can't add any more lights not because I don't have room, but because it just gets too hot. If I could cut heat in half, I'd double the amount of lights.

Heat's usually an enemy, but during this (coming) time of year I actually need some heat in the flower room. Getting rid of the tent's really helped get my heat issues down. And it wasn't large enough anyway. I'm using the tent framework though for hanging lights, holding up branches, etc.

btw, I'm thinking of using a new hps bulb when I kick off my next wave of flowering in a few weeks- any suggestions in the 600 watt category?
thanks

[Uncle Ron]

There are quite a few more variables than optperforming HPS by 2X...If I'm spending less on electricity, replacing bulbs, and am achieving the same yields, how many grow cycles will it take to recoup my money? If I could save $50-$100 a grow cycle on electricity, average cost of replacement bulbs, being able to run fewer fans, etc... in just a few years it's paying for itself over HPS. If yields are better than HPS it becomes a better deal much quicker. My point is, it's not just about total yield.

If you're growing somewhere indoors where you can't add A/C, controlling heat is extremely important. I can't add any more lights not because I don't have room, but because it just gets too hot. If I could cut heat in half, I'd double the amount of lights.

Hey ZBeebs,
Perhaps the 400w is system is better than mine, but I have my doubts. Let's talk some more about the variables you mentioned.
IGF-200W and IGL-400W are advertised as replacements for 400/600/1000w systems. Cost = $255, $375, $850
I have a newly purchased 600w electronic ballast, MH/HPS lamps, and a diamond reflector. Cost = $350
The IGF-200W falls short when comparing lumens. I know that lumens are for humans, but still noteworthy. To some it's all about PAR (photons).
The IGL-400W may give my system a real test, however those pesky lumens again - 44,600 compared to 200,000.
The cost per 12hr period for the IGL-400W is $0.96 and my 600w is $1.44, a difference of $0.48 per day or $33.60 over a 10 week flowering period.
The heat is always a factor when using HIDs, so the IGF-400W has the advantage.

I suppose it all comes down to user preference...
Someday maybe someone with sufficient resources and time will do a comparison grow using the various lighting systems available.
If I had the resources, I'd be more than happy to start a mother, take clones, and off to the farm I go...

My opinion, dollar for dollar there isn't a system currently on the market that outperforms an HID lamp system.
Back to the drawing board...
Next...

[Cisco]

200.000 lu for a 600w ? I thought it was nearer 90.000 lu , which bulb is that please DUR ? Will have to recommend that to a friend

Thanks mang

[Uncle Ron]

200.000 lu for a 600w ? I thought it was nearer 90.000 lu , which bulb is that please DUR ? Will have to recommend that to a friend
Thanks mang

You're right, the ratings typically are in the 90K area.
I looked at the manufacturers website http://www.gib-lighting.de/index.php/fs-xtreme.72.html
I misread the advertisement when they mentioned Phyto Lumens, which is 200,000.
When I read the information pertaining to the Deluxe Lamp, I understood my error.
The Deluxe has a PL rating of 193,500 and a lumen rating of 90,000.
Given the numbers as they appear, my Xtreme lamp at 200,000 PL probably emits a lumen rating of 92,000, or so. The website does not specifically give this information.
This being set straight, thanks Cisco , 44k vs 93k while only "lumens", the PAR would be more so favorable for the HPS as well.
It still comes down to preference. Some like growing with CFL's, some like myself swear by HID's, others have ventured to LED's, and now induction.
My yield vs cost using a HID system is better than anything comparable that's on the market today, or else I would have bought it. That's the simple truth.

Happy farming with whatever works for you...