Old Reviews Sunleaves Micro 250w unit advice?

[molegrower]

Was looking into purchasing a Sunleaves micro 250w all in one unit fixture.. it accepts both MH or HPS..was wondering if anyone has used these and basically if it's worth the couple hundred bucks.. I have a small cab grow area.. any advice/first hand experance? Thanks all!

 

[namvet25]

Post link so we can take a look at it.

 

[Son of Hobbes]

What are the dimensions of your grow cab? For the price of that unit; if you have space you'd be way better off going with something like a 400W digital dimmable light (which can run at 100%, 75% (300W), or 50% (200W.) Not only that; but for less than the cost of that light; you could also throw in a 6" cool tube, which would be far better for moving air than the single 4" vent on this light.

If this is the same light I just looked at on Amazon; in my opinion you could get a LOT more bang for your buck for probably $50-80 cheaper than what this is listed at. I use the iPower lights; they are also MH/HPS compatible. I know on my old 1000W magnetic ballast; I have to flip a switch when I go from HPS to MH and vice versa; but I believe the new digital ballasts; as long as it's stated in the product specs; will work with both bulbs.

Just my :stylez rasta smoke:

 

[molegrower]

here is the product info.. my cab is 40 inches tall, 20 inches deep and 36 inches wide..


i pay cash for stuff like this..its what the local hydro place offers.. i try to stick with local shops.. they also have a 400w unit as well.. i like the idea of a cool tube for sure.. the route i was thinking about going in the first place.. I have a set of 175 MH ballasts.(ice cap ballasts). Double ended.. I could switch out the socket to the mogul style and then get the bulbs. put the two bulbs inside a cool tube and run them using my 4 in velocity fan to push air threw it for cooling. or just one 175w MH in the cool tube.. . and possable the MH to HPS conversion bulb as well... these t5 im using now, I feel are barely "OK".. im seeing growth..just not how it should be..(also just dealt with nute lockout, maybe thats the stunted issues), and ive moved the fan leaves out of the way the best i could.. im not getting good light penetration to the "lower" bud sites.. i just didnt want to add additional CFLs, means more heat..and i would like to run three autos at a time.. so full coverage is needed... and LEDS are way to pricey..im staying with autos for the cab grow.. i do have access to a 1000w HPS setup.. its just not at my location.. and it would take a bit to get that "area" set up for something like this...and seriously.. i really dont want to travel to just check up on them....thanks again everyone




Gardeners looking for a compact lighting option for their indoor spaces will love the Sunleaves Micro-Sun! This reflector measures 20.25" x 13" x 7" and features a 120V/60Hz operation powered by a digital, non-dimming ballast (max wattage of 250W). The Micro-Sun powers both HPS and MH lamps, and light is reflected onto plants with a premium European specular aluminum insert. Other convenient features include a backlit on/off switch, a glass lens, 4" vent flange incorporated on top, horizontal lamp orientation, an 8’ power cord and the added safety of a built-in breaker. The Sunleaves Micro-Sun also includes a five-year warranty.


Heres the link to the site as well
http://www.sunleaves.com/detail.asp?sku=SMS140

 

[briman]

Hey mole, great little units!! I used to own 2 of em. did a years worth of growing with them, then switched to LED. The only problem is they aren't ducted, and for a small space, they will put off a fair amount of heat. They are heavy for what they are, but the balast is built in. I would go for the 400w cool tube, and duct it with a speed bully. In terms of yield and bud size and growth, the 400 would be the way to go IMO. Just be sure that when you go to purchase, you really think about resale if you find you dont like it, or want more wattage in the grow space. Todays good deal is mot likely tomorrows garage sale. FYI they also make a 400w unit like the 250w, But again they are not ducted.

 

[molegrower]

Gotcha.. thanks for the advice.. I'm leaning towards a cool tube.. 400watter..the local stores dont even offer them, they do offer an empty cool tube.. which you would have to wire everything yourself.. then I would need to "piece"together parts....I saw a few online.. dimmable for around 150/200 bucks for a complete package.. ill finish this grow with my t5s and cfls.. then make the jump the next go around

 

[molegrower]

after checking.. looking around.. and all that jazz.. I purchased a 250 watt MH/HPS dig ballast with a 6 in cool tube... i picked up the 250 HPS bulb since my autos are mid week 6.. ill be installing that in the next few days.. Ill be venting that either using my velocity fan OR a pair of 120mm fans.. the local hydro had a 400 watt system as well.. i could exchange the reflector for the cool tube with an added cost.. after thinking about it and with my area. i should need anything more in that small space.. plus heat wise.. i definitely dont want MORE heat in there..thanks all for advice...

edit.. its also dimmable.and the tube has a wing reflector.. will shed light on all three of my autos without any issues.. :stylez rasta smoke: