600W Metal Halide Retro Lamp by Cultiv8 — Veg Spectrum, Runs on HPS Ballast
CV8-LAMP-MH-600W
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Pairs well with
The 600W Metal Halide Retro Lamp by Cultiv8 is a single-ended MH conversion bulb that runs on your existing HPS ballast — magnetic or digital, no extra gear needed. It throws out the typical cool blue MH spectrum that drives tight, sturdy vegetative growth and clean cuttings. When you're ready to flip to flower, just unscrew it, swap in a 600W HPS lamp, and the same ballast keeps doing its job. One ballast, two phases, no double-up on hardware or shelf space.
Specifications
- Allow up to 15 minutes for full warm-up — MH lamps don't hit peak output the moment they fire.
- Never restart a hot lamp. Let it cool fully (around 15 minutes) before powering back on, or you'll shorten its life.
- MH lamps degrade faster than HPS — check output and replace once light intensity drops noticeably.
- Always handle with clean gloves or a cloth. Skin oils on the bulb can cause hot spots and premature failure.
How To Use
Pairs Well With
The flowering counterpart — drop it into the same ballast when you're ready for bloom.
Ultra-Lite Reflector by SeaHawkSingle-ended bat-wing reflector rated for 250–1000W HID — fits this lamp perfectly.
600W HPS BallastsNo ballast yet? Browse our magnetic and digital 600W options that suit this lamp.
Rope Ratchets by Cultiv8Hang your reflector at the right height and adjust easily as your plants stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this lamp work with my existing HPS ballast?
Yes — that's the whole point. The Cultiv8 600W MH Retro is built to fire on a 600W HPS ballast, magnetic or digital. No separate metal halide ballast required.
Can I run this lamp through flowering?
No. This is a Metal Halide spectrum — heavy on blue, designed for vegetative growth. For flowering, swap to a 600W HPS lamp on the same ballast and you'll get the red-rich spectrum bloom needs.
Is this a single-ended or double-ended lamp?
Single-ended. It screws into a standard SE reflector socket — not for double-ended (DE) fixtures.
Do I need to buy a separate MH ballast?
No. The retro design is what makes this lamp useful — your existing 600W HPS ballast does the job. That's the whole reason it exists.
How does this compare to a dedicated MH lamp on a MH-specific ballast?
A retro lamp lets you run one ballast for the whole cycle, which saves money, space, and cabling. A dedicated MH ballast may give marginally better lamp output for some growers, but for most setups the retro path is the practical choice.
How long does a Metal Halide lamp last?
MH lamps typically degrade faster than HPS. Light output drops noticeably over time, so most growers replace MH bulbs after each veg cycle or two depending on hours of use. Watch the canopy — pale, stretchy growth is your cue the lamp's tired.
Do you ship Australia-wide?
Yes — we ship across Australia from our Tasmanian base. Free shipping kicks in over $499*. Lamps are packed carefully to handle transit, but if anything arrives damaged, give us a yell and we'll sort it.
One Ballast. Two Phases. Done.
Get the right spectrum for veg without a second ballast cluttering up the room.