Which LED system would you choose formy scenario?

I've been retired from the grow scene for almost 2 years now. Im a CFL and HPS user, used to using a 400w hps lumitek digital during bloom on my small scale closet projects. But now I have the opportunity to get back in the game, an associate of mine bought a house and wants to utilize some attic space. We're going to have a real small modest box to start with and Im interested in using LEDs for heat reasons. off of the top of my head I would estimate the enclosed space to be 5' long 3' wide and 3' tall. We'll be running autos in order to have the option to bloom under 24 hour light. The reason being is that cold temps will also be an issue in this attic during our long cold winter, radical temperature swings will not occur with a 24 light period. So Id like to here some suggestions on what you guys would choose for an led system if you were in my situation. Keep in mind that I am on a budget as well, Im looking to spend about 350 at the most, Im not opposed to off brands and ebay stuff as long it is worth it. Ideally Id like to have something equal to or better than my 400w hps. I just dont know if thats going to be a reality with a budget of only $350.

5x3x3+ $350.00= HID..............I hate math

WillyPhister said:

Ideally Id like to have something equal to or better than my 400w hps. I just dont know if thats going to be a reality with a budget of only $350.

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I think LED lights work great and am using them myself but honestly I think it takes more than $350 to adequately light a 5 x 3 space...even if you built it yourself, you are looking at about $2/W and you should probably have round about 200 - 250 watts to match a 400W HPS...and preferably mulitple units of LED. The one point light source idea doesn't work as well for LED as HID since basically LED lights up the area under it very well but not so much to the sides. A 400 watt HPS won't be overlighting the space...although you aren't going to have much headroom at 3 feet. Sounds like the heat won't be a big issue if its a cold space. I've had to add a heater into my grow space since I went LED.

When/if you want to try LED, diy is a good way since you can make a better product than any of the commercial offerings. If you do want to look at decent already made LEDs take a look at area51 california light works growershouse.com has some good prices on decent LEDs.

You also may want to take a look at some of the newer lamps such as ceramic metal halides

5x3x3 for $350.00 is not gonna happen IMHO. Its the length of the grow area that's the killer. Perhaps a combination of small LED panels and T5s but for 350, idk.

Okay this is what I was expecting to hear for the most part. I'll stick with my hps then. But ill have to ditch my Sunleaves hood for something with a thinner profile since I dont have much height to work with. How well does CMH perform for flowering? I've heard people claim its better than HPS. Can I run a CMH bulb with my lumatek switchable ballast. Does a CMH bulb put out more heat than an HPS bulb?

Adjust-a-wing would work well.

tenthirty said:

Adjust-a-wing would work well.

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Ya fo sho, Im going have to use something like that and then integrate a cool tube system. Any suggestions? Is there a ready made cool tube setup that I can buy or do I have to go on eBay and wait for one of those glass round bake things to go for sale?