What’s the Difference?

I've been looking at different lights and am wondering what's the big difference between PCs and MHs? Everyone I've talked to has said that MH is the way to go but I have heard from two people that PC can be almost as good and much cheaper. What are the differences? Thanks.

I'm sure everyone will tell you "it depends on what you want". Personally, I think VHO's are a good economical alternative to MH. The bulbs are cheaper to replace than PCs and definately MH. MH are just plain expensive and I don't think they're necessary unless you want to keep stonies. Again, it depends on how deep your pocketbook is and what it is you want to keep. Most people do a combination of MH and actinic VHOs. I also think it depends on the size of your canopy. I know that I've been forced to use PCs just because that's all that would fit in the canopy I had until I built my own. Another thing to consider is the "color" of the lighting. Another difference I believe is that MH are hotter. I don't use them so maybe somebody could chime in here. My VHOs are very cool compared to the PCs I used to have. I've found though that lighting is one of the most debated subjects and everyone has an opinion but no easy answers.

PCs much cheaper?  No neccessarily so:

From a DIY perspective:

2 x 250 W MH (500 W, aprox 40,000 lumen):

• 2 x $50 = $100 (ballasts)
• 2 x $50 to $100 = $100 to $200 (bulbs)
• $25 (misc, sockets, ect)
• TOTAL MH = $225 to $325

8 x 55 W MH (440 W, 32,000 lumen):

• 4 x $30 = $120 (ballasts)
• 8 x $25 = $200 (bulbs)
• $50 (misc, sockets, ect)
• TOTAL PC = $370

Then you add in the fact that you'll be spending $200 per year to replace the PC bulbs and $100 to $200 per 1.5 yrs for replacement MH bulbs and the MHs look even more attractive.  From a retail perspective, maybe the PCs are cheaper, but if you're into doing things yourself, I would go MH.