Grow Light Upgrade Assistance Request

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
Greetings everyone,

Pictured is my current grow, which is Wonka Bars (from bagseed). I switched to a 12/12 schedule on Friday, October 30th. Yesterday, I decided to defoliate some leaves in the center of the plant. The idea was to get more light to the new buds sites forming under the four main stems (see photo). I seem to have accomplished the goal of getting more light to those sites deeper in the central area. But, I forgot fan leaves should probably be reaping the benefits of the light in that area too. Because of what I did, I no longer have any "solar sails" to bask in the glow there. I know those fan leaves are never coming back, so I shifted my focus to the outermost areas of the plant that aren't getting as much light. My currently light blasts it's majority on the four main stems.

I considered trying supplemental lights, maybe on the sides. But, I could not find a light that would be easy to mount onto the grow tent poles or other areas (any suggestions there would be appreciated). I don't really have much more room up top to hang supplemental lights. The carbon filter, for example, takes up a lot of real estate there. So, I thought about the possibility of trying to replace my main light with one that covers a wider area.

My current light, TopoLite 300W


Here are the lights I am interested in:

MAXSISUN High Performance PB2000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083432HQQ/ref=emc_b_5_t?th=1

MAXSISUN Dimmable MF2000

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCH21ZP/ref=emc_b_5_i?th=1

I was wondering if you guys might be able to check these prospects out, and let me know whether or not you think they are a good choice for this tent. If you have any other recommendations, I am very open to ideas. It is possible my current light is sufficient, but I'd like to improve my setup if possible.
I am concerned about getting a new light that will be too bright. I would prefer to be able to keep my plants about 12" from the light during flower to allow for taller plants. Thanks for your time.

Tent Dimensions: 32 x 32 x 62 in / 81 x 81 x 157.5 cm
Current Plant Height: 22.5 in / 57 cm
Plant Height @ 12/12 flip: 13 in / 33 cm


P1010220.JPGP1010234.JPG

P1010240.JPG

P1010242.JPG
 

Attachments

Last edited:

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
I would personally get a HLG or even the Mars Hydro TSW-2000.
I do like that Mars Hydro light you suggested. The square shape fits my tent shape. I am also interested trying a light with a hood. The MAXSISUN MF2000 I picked out looks similar. But, I do not know if your choice might be higher quality or better in some other way. Thank you for your input.
 

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
I do like that Mars Hydro light you suggested. The square shape fits my tent shape. I am also interested trying a light with a hood. The MAXSISUN MF2000 I picked out looks similar. But, I do not know if your choice might be higher quality or better in some other way. Thank you for your input.
I'd check out HLG. This is $315 after the "RIU10" discount. Even 1 135 for now would for work. Then you could always get another one later too.
 

Red Eyed

Well-Known Member
I do like that Mars Hydro light you suggested. The square shape fits my tent shape. I am also interested trying a light with a hood. The MAXSISUN MF2000 I picked out looks similar. But, I do not know if your choice might be higher quality or better in some other way. Thank you for your input.
HLG has the better parts...the tsw from mars is just cheaper thats all.
 

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
The 4-pack of HLG QB 120’s wired to a HLG-240H-24A driver. Would be a bit over $200 total. Since it is 4 smaller boards it gives you the flexibility to mount them in a configuration that works with your tent.
That seems a bit "barebones" to me. But, I like what it offers at the price point. I might consider something like that if I could find an easy way to mount them.
 

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
I would personally get a HLG or even the Mars Hydro TSW-2000.
What if I went with the MARS HYDRO TS 1000W instead of the 2000W? Do you think it would still be worth the purchase? The limitation of the 2.5 ft. flower coverage the MARS 1000W offers concerns me a little bit. My thought though, is that the MARS 1000W would be significantly better than the TopoLite I'm currently running in terms of coverage, right?
 

Red Eyed

Well-Known Member
It would be a little too small for the area. You could veg with it but it would just be a little too small for flower. I mean it'll flower the plants but it could and can affect the final harvest.
 

NukaKola

Well-Known Member
That seems a bit "barebones" to me. But, I like what it offers at the price point. I might consider something like that if I could find an easy way to mount them.
What if I went with the MARS HYDRO TS 1000W instead of the 2000W? Do you think it would still be worth the purchase? The limitation of the 2.5 ft. flower coverage the MARS 1000W offers concerns me a little bit. My thought though, is that the MARS 1000W would be significantly better than the TopoLite I'm currently running in terms of coverage, right?
Mars is bottom of the barrel when it comes to LED's, one step above blurples. The QB 120's are quality top bin Samsung LM301H diodes, basically the same as Samsungs Q-series strips but in a board layout.
 

Red Eyed

Well-Known Member
Mars is bottom of the barrel when it comes to LED's, one step above blurples. The QB 120's are quality top bin Samsung LM301H diodes, basically the same as Samsungs Q-series strips but in a board layout.
Mars does have a series with those diodes now but pricey. I would choose the 120's as well.
 

NukaKola

Well-Known Member
Mars does have a series with those diodes now but pricey. I would choose the 120's as well.
They use the LM301B's in their most expensive lights and have already stated that they are not top bin diodes on another forum. They are rebranded china lights and are known for poor customer service. You are better off going with Meijiu or Kingbrite from Alibaba.
 

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
It would be a little too small for the area. You could veg with it but it would just be a little too small for flower. I mean it'll flower the plants but it could and can affect the final harvest.
That's what I was afraid of. My goal is to get equal light coverage on all bud sites. I did the best I could to train the plant to grow flat (first time doing LST and topping). Now, it feels like my main bottleneck is the lamp.
 

Red Eyed

Well-Known Member
That's what I was afraid of. My goal is to get equal light coverage on all bud sites. I did the best I could to train the plant to grow flat (first time doing LST and topping). Now, it feels like my main bottleneck is the lamp.
A strip light kit would be best at giving even coverage across the tent. Like my light I posted above. Just a smaller size. Or small boards powered by a driver.
 

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
Mars is bottom of the barrel when it comes to LED's, one step above blurples. The QB 120's are quality top bin Samsung LM301H diodes, basically the same as Samsungs Q-series strips but in a board layout.
I have only been growing for two years and am still learning about different equipment available. Do you happen to have any photos/videos of lights like the HLG QB 120s set up in a tent, or know how one would go about mounting something like that?
 

Ukulele Haze

Well-Known Member
A strip light kit would be best at giving even coverage across the tent. Like my light I posted above. Just a smaller size. Or small boards powered by a driver.
The trouble, like with Nuka's suggestion, is I don't know how to install something like that. I will have to do some research.
 
Top