[-dirt-]

I'll second the idea that the amount of light you need is related to the clarity of the water.

Where I fish is most always muddy/stained, so I went with the 400w HPS and am considering going with either 600w or 1000w when I add more.

I wish the water was clearer so I could go with some 50w LEDS but that's just not the case.

One other thing to consider, if you go with the HPS setup, most ballasts will also push metal halide (MH) bulbs. These put off a blueish tint light, which they say is better for clearer water. Must folks like the HPS bulbs, which put off an orange glow, for muddy water.

Basically check out street lights around: the orange ones are HPS, the blue ones are MH.

 

[Alinder]

considering going with either 600w or 1000w when I add more.

Know a guy who put a 1000w on his boat and said didn't really gain much from 400s for the extra 600watts it took.

 

[Haywood04]

I'm not trying to persuade you to any light. Some say 400 hps are the best and I tend to agree....but are they necessary...not to me. If budget wasn't an issue I would have 4 to 6 400 hps around my boat and a big enough inverter generator to handle them all and never get above idle lol.. Unfortunately I, like most am on a budget with family and what not to pay for. So with that being said I am a big DIY guy and I use what I can afford at the time. And at the time it was 150 watt hps and a 2000 watt Champion inverter and I am very happy with my set up. Could it be better???? Heck yeah...Do I ever feel hindered because I don't have 400 watt lights???? Never. If you want to go the route I did and are wanting to buy your ballasts you can follow this link to all of the parts you will need.

https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/high-pressure-sodium-ballasts/

Thanks Rock, I am working with a guy who has 5 150's, so it is a consideration. Like I said I have been using a single spotlight so far. We find and shoot fish, (as we did last night). Just looking into and weighing all the options. Great advice! Thanks

 

[Haywood04]

I'm not trying to persuade you to any light. Some say 400 hps are the best and I tend to agree....but are they necessary...not to me. If budget wasn't an issue I would have 4 to 6 400 hps around my boat and a big enough inverter generator to handle them all and never get above idle lol.. Unfortunately I, like most am on a budget with family and what not to pay for. So with that being said I am a big DIY guy and I use what I can afford at the time. And at the time it was 150 watt hps and a 2000 watt Champion inverter and I am very happy with my set up. Could it be better???? Heck yeah...Do I ever feel hindered because I don't have 400 watt lights???? Never. If you want to go the route I did and are wanting to buy your ballasts you can follow this link to all of the parts you will need.

https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/high-pressure-sodium-ballasts/

Rock,
I sent you a PM.
Thanks

 

[Rock213]

PM returned

 

[rjthehunter]

If you want to save money then get 150w hps, I run 6, I'd like to have 400w but that's just not an option for me as of right now, when I finish college I'm planning on a new boat. That'll be a sight! It'll have 400w on it for sure