Ballast Q’s

[Cali]

So I think my ballast is not working properly I feel the light intensity is weaker than my last set up which was smaller. The yields and nug size haven’t improved much if at all.. So i think it’s my ballast because everything was new on the set up except I got a used ballast. How can I test it to make sure it’s working properly? What tools do I need? I’m using 400 watt bulb the ballast goes from 400 to 1000. I need a lux meter and watt meter??

[Cali]

Or should I just get a new one??

[Toker1]

How old is the bulb?
yes, it could be the ballast, but the bulbs degrade much faster.
You need a lux meter and a brand new bulb. If you are not getting the proper lux reading (from the manufacturing companies specs), take the new bulb to someone else’s ballast and see if the readings improve (got to match the room size, reflectivity, and light distance from meter probe to properly run this experiment). If the new bulb reads less on your ballast than on your buddies, than you know it’s your ballast that is causing the issue.
Just hearing this though usually makes me suspect the bulb initially.

[Toker1]

Just thought...if your last grow room was a smaller square area than this one is, and you are using the same wattage light, I would expect the light intensity to be currently lower due to the larger room and less watts per sq ft.

[Cali]

Ok. I believe this is the second grow on this bulb. And I noticed this since the first time I used it but for some reason I put it off as just me tripping but now I have to take care of it it bothering me and hurting my yields for sure. Wondering if it was an old defective bulb from the hydro shop.??

[Cali]

No I went from a 150 watt in a 2x2 tent. Then I did two 150 watt lights in a 2x4 tent but decided I needed a 400 watt light with vented hood to fight the heat. So the 400 watt light is in the same 2x4 tent as the two 150’s. Nothing really changed but the wattage and light bill

[Toker1]

Some bulbs need to be changed every grow. Particularly the ones in the range of $20-30. The ones the costs $60-80 typically last a year or longer.

[Cali]

Cool then most likely I need a bulb tnx for your replys