No Budget 2x2x4 tent LED choice

Hi all,

Did some quick searching and didnt find what i was hoping for.

I am setting up my first real grow and am undecided as to what light would suite me best. Hopefully some of you have hands on with multipe types of lights and can point me in the right direction. I am looking for basically the possible lighting in my tiny tent, going for two plants, supporting them from start to finish.

Very small grow space, 2x2x4 tent with an AC Infinity 4" fan pulling the air form the top of the tent. This will be a seed to harvest tent, so looking for the best 'universal' light for seedling to full bloom. Vertical hieght is my main challenge, so having a light that the plants can get very close to without burning will be a big sway in my decision.

I purchased a Phlizon 1000w COB light initially. Truthfully i think the light is extremely well made for the price and has performed well for a couple of weeks, but it is simply too hot for my situation. Temps at and around 86* in the tent with the both switches on and the exhaust fan set to full blast, ambient air in closet and around tent 68*

Here is what i'm looking at:

California Lighting Solutions Solar Xtreme 250:

A quick search around here says you guys arent super fond of CLS for whatever reason. Their website, reviews and even videos have pulled me on their side from my research today. I'm curious if there is a reason why they seem a bit shunned around here, or if its just lack of experience with their products. They have a few videos talking about the ability to bring this light about 12" from the canopy which is a big pull for me, see above space limitations.


HLG 135w V2 Rspec (i assume i want the 4k?)

HLG has high praises here, so i assume this is what the feedback will say. I'm not at all afraid to build / put it together myself.


Spider Farmer SF1000

Seems to have pretty high praises on here relative to price.


Any input from experienced users is appreciated. Any quick comparisons between these three would be good to help me wrap my head around it all.
Thanks for your time and input, let me know if i missed any good options.

You won't find abetter diode layout for a superior spread than this board.

Stay away from the solar storm

I have the SF1000 and HLG 135w V2. I'd definitely suggest 2 of the HLGs.

The single 135w rspec kit would get you done seedling to harvest no problem. I use 2 in a 3x3 and 1 in a 2x2x4. Two only if dimmed and for a better spread as no way you can run 260w in there.

All that being said, if 86 degrees is your max temp at full wattage, that's totally fine for leds as long as your RH is good too. Just dont want it going past that temp really.

Thank you for the replies!

Airwalker16 said:

You won't find abetter diode layout for a superior spread than this board.

https://www.amazon.com/FISSIONING-Spectrum-Quantum-Samsung-Meanwell/dp/B08231BNSP/ref=pd_aw_t4im_d_30?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07K7K544M&pd_rd_r=5c3cc7c7-88e2-4822-83f7-73487a049b36&pd_rd_w=E1VVY&pd_rd_wg=xoCqE&pf_rd_p=b109daad-3389-43e2-bff0-1727d5f29d4f&pf_rd_r=2PAYV3BGPQZRXP5BWQ0Z&psc=1&refRID=26MGHR3PZFZ5RZKT00FS&th=1

Click to expand...

I'm new here. "diode layout for superior spread" = The LED choices here are the correct mix for what i'm trying achieve?
Also, shouldnt i be hesistant to purchase from a seller with not that many reviews and, well, questionable descriptions? Or is this a well known seller?

Airwalker16 said:

Stay away from the solar storm

Click to expand...

The one i'm looking at is the SolarXtreme, not that the name is any better, but it is a totally different model that i believe is a newer design. Do you have any experience with the newer ones? Or why should i stay away from CLW in general?

So far, no one has any first hand experience with the SolarXtreme ones. Am i crazy to want to support them based on their wesbite/reviews?

ebcrew said:

I have the SF1000 and HLG 135w V2. I'd definitely suggest 2 of the HLGs.

Click to expand...

What size tent are you running these in? Assuming they're run independently, what temps are you seeing from each? Or what makes you suggest the HLGs?

HolyAngel said:

The single 135w rspec kit would get you done seedling to harvest no problem. I use 2 in a 3x3 and 1 in a 2x2x4. Two only if dimmed and for a better spread as no way you can run 260w in there.

All that being said, if 86 degrees is your max temp at full wattage, that's totally fine for leds as long as your RH is good too. Just dont want it going past that temp really.

Click to expand...

Do you think the single 135w in a 2x2x4 is like 90% covered? (like how much could i gain by having an additional lamp for spread or more light)

What kind of temps are you seeing in your tents with these lights?

Thanks all

cf_z said:

Do you think the single 135w in a 2x2x4 is like 90% covered? (like how much could i gain by having an additional lamp for spread or more light)

What kind of temps are you seeing in your tents with these lights?

Click to expand...

A single board definitely covers the whole tent(as per hlg) but has to be hung a bit higher to do so. Having two would mean you could run them dimmed and closer to the plants. My two 4k qb288 v2 boards in my 2x2x4 tent at around 100w gives a ~5 degree rise above ambient temp.

cf_z said:

Thank you for the replies!


I'm new here. "diode layout for superior spread" = The LED choices here are the correct mix for what i'm trying achieve?
Also, shouldnt i be hesistant to purchase from a seller with not that many reviews and, well, questionable descriptions? Or is this a well known seller?


The one i'm looking at is the SolarXtreme, not that the name is any better, but it is a totally different model that i believe is a newer design. Do you have any experience with the newer ones? Or why should i stay away from CLW in general?

So far, no one has any first hand experience with the SolarXtreme ones. Am i crazy to want to support them based on their wesbite/reviews?


What size tent are you running these in? Assuming they're run independently, what temps are you seeing from each? Or what makes you suggest the HLGs?

Do you think the single 135w in a 2x2x4 is like 90% covered? (like how much could i gain by having an additional lamp for spread or more light)

What kind of temps are you seeing in your tents with these lights?

Thanks all

Click to expand...

I run both in a 2x2x5 that I built
Temps 70 - 80° (mostly 75, 80 if I forget to turn AC on)
I use a flex duct from the AC to cool both drivers and lights they are super cool.

I only say the HLG based on brightness observed from my own eyes, I have no par meter. But I've also watched videos who say the par is much better with the HLG.

So far, no one has any first hand experience with the SolarXtreme ones. Am i crazy to want to support them based on their wesbite/reviews?




Yes

HolyAngel said:

A single board definitely covers the whole tent(as per hlg) but has to be hung a bit higher to do so. Having two would mean you could run them dimmed and closer to the plants. My two 4k qb288 v2 boards in my 2x2x4 tent at around 100w gives a ~5 degree rise above ambient temp.

Click to expand...

That seems like a huge amount of light to only add 5*.

I did a quick google search for that board, and found this:

I'd love to be able to buy through lowes, would two of these things be legit in a 2x2 with low clearance?

ebcrew said:

I run both in a 2x2x5 that I built
Temps 70 - 80° (mostly 75, 80 if I forget to turn AC on)

Click to expand...

Good info, thats what i'm looking for. You run both of them simultaniously and only get 5-10* over ambient?

Airwalker16 said:

So far, no one has any first hand experience with the SolarXtreme ones. Am i crazy to want to support them based on their wesbite/reviews?
-
Yes

Click to expand...

Not that you owe me an explanation by any means, but this doesnt really help at all and i can hardly understand why you'd feel it worth you effort to even reply. You seem to further my original opinion from the first post:

cf_z said:

A quick search around here says you guys arent super fond of CLS for whatever reason. T. I'm curious if there is a reason why they seem a bit shunned around here, or if its just lack of experience with their products.

Click to expand...

Do you have any first hand experience with this light? What is your dislike, or why am i better to go with the HLG setup?

cf_z said:

That seems like a huge amount of light to only add 5*.

I did a quick google search for that board, and found this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-0-25-in-1-Light-Silver-Watt-LED-LED-Grow-Light/1001034430?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lit-_-google-_-pla-_-226-_-sosinteriorutilitylighting-_-1001034430-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_vzBRCIARIsAOs54z6Cziq7QkA1ZQHAxCwOXIJh7LPHj1l2VX9oYkRXlwigySuGGrx2nIIaAufmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'd love to be able to buy through lowes, would two of these things be legit in a 2x2 with low clearance?



Good info, thats what i'm looking for. You run both of them simultaniously and only get 5-10* over ambient?


Not that you owe me an explanation by any means, but this doesnt really help at all and i can hardly understand why you'd feel it worth you effort to even reply. You seem to further my original opinion from the first post:

Do you have any first hand experience with this light? What is your dislike, or why am i better to go with the HLG setup?

Click to expand...

The statement explains itself. You should NEVER take the advice of the website seller. They're trying to sell their product.... You're on the right track coming on here and asking for opinions. The main reason I suggest against the CaliLightworks is their price. Ita hiked up way more than what its worth

cf_z said:

That seems like a huge amount of light to only add 5*.

Click to expand...

100 total watts for two boards or 50w/board, not 100w per board. Its really not a lot. The boards are cool af at this wattage and I can leave my hand on them indefinitely. It's most definitely 5-6 degrees above ambient temp, my basement is ~65F and the tent runs around 70 depending. Never seen it above 71. I actually struggle to get it warmer in there while keeping the RH up lol

cf_z said:

That seems like a huge amount of light to only add 5*.

I did a quick google search for that board, and found this:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Horticulture-Lighting-Group-0-25-in-1-Light-Silver-Watt-LED-LED-Grow-Light/1001034430?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-lit-_-google-_-pla-_-226-_-sosinteriorutilitylighting-_-1001034430-_-0&placeholder=null&gclid=Cj0KCQjw6_vzBRCIARIsAOs54z6Cziq7QkA1ZQHAxCwOXIJh7LPHj1l2VX9oYkRXlwigySuGGrx2nIIaAufmEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'd love to be able to buy through lowes, would two of these things be legit in a 2x2 with low clearance?



Good info, thats what i'm looking for. You run both of them simultaniously and only get 5-10* over ambient?

Click to expand...

Yes with the AC flex cooling it off.

That light from lowes is HLGs 65 watt version. So 2 of them is 130w. You can just get 1 HLG 135w V2 for same price.

HolyAngel said:

100 total watts for two boards or 50w/board, not 100w per board. Its really not a lot. The boards are cool af at this wattage and I can leave my hand on them indefinitely. It's most definitely 5-6 degrees above ambient temp, my basement is ~65F and the tent runs around 70 depending. Never seen it above 71. I actually struggle to get it warmer in there while keeping the RH up lol

Click to expand...

Gotcha, i missed the 'dimmed' part.
I'm sure this is a silly question, but i'm new to this, are you running both boards with a single driver? Or are you running basically two full setups like this with each one dimmed:


I am currently leaning towards purchasing this setup. Could i benefit from having two of these panels to allow more 'overhead' light, and dim them a bit? Based on what you know with yours, if you run both panels at full bore, is it simply too hot or too bright for a 2x2 tent? That would be about 260 watts, which is definitely overkill for a 2x2 footprint, but if i could dim them down to 150-200 or so that might be very good?
(maybe this?)

ebcrew said:

Yes with the AC flex cooling it off.

That light from lowes is HLGs 65 watt version. So 2 of them is 130w. You can just get 1 HLG 135w V2 for same price.

Click to expand...

I was wondering if having two panels would provide better coverage. Granted it is a tiny tent, i'm still concerned with having full coverage. Also it appears that these 65 watt panels are a different LED layout/pick than the 135w v2, so i'm probably better with one of the 135 v2s.

I would just go with a single 1200 watt LED full spectrum grow light for a round 200 to 250 dollars it will do a perfect job for two plant and the heat transfer is low so your tent will stay cooler there is a lot of LED lights but do you want to make sure you get one that it's a little pricey and will give you a complete full spectrum

Jakematthew426 said:

I would just go with a single 1200 watt LED full spectrum grow light for a round 200 to 250 dollars it will do a perfect job for two plant and the heat transfer is low so your tent will stay cooler there is a lot of LED lights but do you want to make sure you get one that it's a little pricey and will give you a complete full spectrum

Click to expand...

I've already got a "1000 watt" (240 ish) Phlizon CREE COB in there, when both switches are on it (in my opinion) is running way too hot. I dont think any of the 'off the shelf cheap' lights are gonna work as good as i'd like.

Trying to figure out how i could configure two of those qb288's in there, likely dimmed.


Does anyone have a HLG discount code for when i make this purchase?

cf_z said:

Gotcha, i missed the 'dimmed' part.
I'm sure this is a silly question, but i'm new to this, are you running both boards with a single driver? Or are you running basically two full setups like this with each one dimmed:

135W QB® V2 Rspec® LED Kit

Ultra High Efficiency LED Boards for DIY. QB288 has 288pcs Samsung LM301H LED. 135 Watt Lamp Kit.

horticulturelightinggroup.com

I am currently leaning towards purchasing this setup. Could i benefit from having two of these panels to allow more 'overhead' light, and dim them a bit? Based on what you know with yours, if you run both panels at full bore, is it simply too hot or too bright for a 2x2 tent? That would be about 260 watts, which is definitely overkill for a 2x2 footprint, but if i could dim them down to 150-200 or so that might be very good?
(maybe this?)

260W QB® V2 Rspec LED Kit

Ultra High Efficiency LED Boards for DIY. QB288 has 288pcs Samsung 301H or 561C LED

horticulturelightinggroup.com

I was wondering if having two panels would provide better coverage. Granted it is a tiny tent, i'm still concerned with having full coverage. Also it appears that these 65 watt panels are a different LED layout/pick than the 135w v2, so i'm probably better with one of the 135 v2s.

Click to expand...

I bought 3 of the v1 boards, 2x3000k and 1x5000k, before they went out of stock cause i have a 2x2x4ft tent thatI was looking to switch over from cobs in there now. I plan to use only the two 3000k in there with a hlg-120-48a driver probably. only have the boards and heatsinks at the moment and am in no real rush to get it all set up. If I were to go back, i would have bought three of the single heatsinks for better coverage/versatility going forward with upgrades in size, but bought the double heatsink for the 3000k's at the time.

For the record I am very new to all this and have only built 1 diy light. I would suggest maybe look into just grabbing the boards and heatsinks from hlg, then sourcing your other componets elsewhere. That way you would be able to get a closer size driver for what you wanted. The two highlights boards I bought for a slightly bigger tent, 2x2.5x7ft, are running on an hlg-185-48a driver. I got the single heatsinks for those boards and attached them to some aluminum L channel from lowes. All other components I bought online. There are way more experienced people that could guide you down the path to sourcing everything you need for this route, but it's not nearly as complicated as it seems to get it all set up.

cf_z said:

I've already got a "1000 watt" (240 ish) Phlizon CREE COB in there, when both switches are on it (in my opinion) is running way too hot. I dont think any of the 'off the shelf cheap' lights are gonna work as good as i'd like.

Trying to figure out how i could configure two of those qb288's in there, likely dimmed.


Does anyone have a HLG discount code for when i make this purchase?

Click to expand...

DIY10 or RIU10

loco41 said:

For the record I am very new to all this and have only built 1 diy light. I would suggest maybe look into just grabbing the boards and heatsinks from hlg, then sourcing your other componets elsewhere.

Click to expand...

Very good info for me, thank you.

Do you have a suggested other online source for the drivers, wiring / connections? Thats whats hanging me up on 'piece mealing' my setup. I'm sure there are standard connections / protocols but after rummaging around HLG's website i'm not seeing them.

Can i buy this, complete kit including driver:

also buy this, single QB288 V2 R spec

And wire them together in series or parallel with the driver included in the 'kit'?
Or would i be better off to just buy 2x single QB288 and source an appropriate driver / other wiring hardware somewhere else?

If there is a reference guide for this, please point me there.

Airwalker16 said:

DIY10 or RIU10

Click to expand...

I stared at the google results "diy10" for 20 seconds before i realized what was going on. Thank you!!
If you're able to reference the above question, please let me know.

You guys rock, thank you.

Edit nm, the code I put is no longer working