I've been using CFLs and they already seem to be diminishing production with age (and it hasn't been THAT long, like 7 or 8 months) so I'm thinking about going with LEDs instead, maybe a combo of LEDs and CFLs. I'm thinking about putting LEDs in my flowering space, it's only 4 square feet. I'm looking to spend under $300. What would you guys recommend? Also how long do LEDs last?
thinking about going LED, suggestions?
- Thread starter uallach
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wyteberrywidow
Global
From what I've seen from small led systems is they do well with 1 or 2 plants in a scrog still lack a bit of penetration but u can get some good bud..
Using a 400 with summer heat you will need to ventilate so you would be spending about the same
Using a 400 with summer heat you will need to ventilate so you would be spending about the same
dank smoker420
Well-Known Member
it will be cooler forsure. make sure you have space to hang the light since its further away from the tops then cfls. i have a pg-180 that is alot cooler than my 125w cfl i had before.
brotherjericho
Well-Known Member
I have a similar panel and with an ambient temp of 75f, I would run around 77-78f. I've since added 150w of PLL and run 81-84f (depends on ambient fluctuation). This is in a 2x2 tent with 130cfm exhaust.
thatsmessedup
Well-Known Member
My blackstar just blew up, just letting you know. Only 1 year warranty. It was good while it worked.
dbkick
Well-Known Member
they blow up real good! one of mine smoked when hooked up to 240 volt, which is well within operating range.
I've got a 150 watt welthink wex 150 that I think does better than BS500.
My current setup is a combo of 2 bs500 and a 400 watt hps.
I did one grow under nothing but 2 bs500 and was not impressed, I certainly accept some of the blame for being a LED noob but I can see penetration being a problem when it's pitch black under the canopy. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the way you grow, certain things have to be done under LED.SOG or scrog def. I owned 5 bs500 but got rid of 3. I love the way they veg but then again my welthink will keep up with the blackstar at less than half the wattage.
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I talk to a guy about this yesterday because I'm considering LED's as well. What I learned is that HPS lights have a watt rating of say 1000w but they also have a PAR rating which is the useable light for the plants. So 1000w HPS may have a PAR rating of 600 which is the useable light for plant. Now the par rating for a 3w panal chip is 100% useable light! With a life of about 5-8 yrs.. Consider a 400w HPS with 6" fan will put u around $400 new and a 240w LED is right around the same $400 price point.. I know.... Decisions decisions??? Hope this helps
patrikantonius
Active Member
You can't expect 5-8 years out of most LED panels that are on the market today. Most China made panels (90% of the market) start showing weaknesses sometimes after no more than a year. If you want a very good LED light, you have to pay the price for it, and can be very expensive. Duration of the warranty is always a good starting point on that matter.
wyteberrywidow
Global
I spoke with several led sellers and discussed I wanted to swap my 600z for led and they said unless I plan on spending thousands on led n still lack penetration stick with the 600s now for more than one company to say that I think I'd be better off with bid until led improves.
I'd have to AGREE!!! If I had HID, I wouldn't switch to LED. But I'm currently using T5 and looking to upgrade. Please don't misunderstand, I'm worrying about heat and for that reason alone I'm considering LED's.
DO3SHA
Well-Known Member
keyword owned, waht happened
DO3SHA
Well-Known Member
Thats why i went with Advanced LED they offer a 3 year warranty