8 replies to this topic

[el_ronhub_bird]

So I've become a big fan and proponent of LED grow lights over the last few years. In case any of you guys are interested I just wanted to let you know that NOW is the time to buy them. The prices of these are currently at their very lowest, it happens mid summer every year since it is the off season for indoor growing in the US, kinda like how the best time to buy fans or air conditioners is in the middle of winter. I myself just invested quite a bit of money on some new ones. I've done a lot of research and tried many different brands and designs so if you guys have any questions or wanna pick my brain about this fantastic new technology feel free to ask. Have a good one guys

Edited by el_ronhub_bird, 17 August 2021 - 01:27 PM.

[Ringo]

Did you make your own or did you buy a name brand? I have always been HID (over 50 years). I did have a blurple early on and I made on that was OK. After I move and get settled, I'll definitely be going LED

 

Thanks

[el_ronhub_bird]

I haven't built any, no I didn't get into that aspect of it. Honestly there are high quality already built models at very reasonable prices so I just leave that to the pros. Blurples sucked, COBs got things going in the right direction, quantum boards are where it's at and the bar style models that are very popular right now are just variations and rearrangements of quantum board tech. I've tried many different brands though, between me and some friends I've personally observed all the big name brands and some not-so-big names perform. There are viable cheaper alternatives to the uber expensive brands like HLG. I've got a bit of experience with HIDs, not 50 years though lol. More like 15

[FLASHINGROOSTER]

Buying another LED has been on the long to do list for a while. Three plants under the one has been okay but I know one more light would be way better. You can see how they bend towards it trying to get that sweet ass light

[TheObserver]

I switched to LED exclusively for veg and flower. Just picked up a Mars Hydro FC 3000 dimmable bar style LED for my veg and it rocks compared to the old fluorescent 8 bay fixture I had that the hydro store sold me at an outrageous price and five of the 8 bulbs eventually burnt out so I ordered more and they burnt out within weeks. I love that the Mars Hydro is full spectrum and has a 5 year warranty. In the flower room I got 2 HLG 650 Quantum boards that are killing it. My buds are denser and tighter with more resin production. I need to pick up a CO2 burner so I can utilize both of the HLG because they are so intense that I scaled back to using just one for 4 plants. I don't even run them at full power. I love LED. I think they're just getting better with the countless new models coming out. The competition is strong. If I ever replace the HLG quantum boards in my flower room I'll probably go with Mars Hydro LEDs. Just my experience so far. I have done a couple harvests with the LEDs so far with Blue Gelato and Sugar Punch.

[MushLuvR]

I have been rockin' my QB 132's for a long time (3500K), easy to DIY and build a cheap aluminum frame.  It's easier than you think to put a setup together for much less.  I also have a QB96 3 light setup, both systems will destroy a 2x4 tent at 250 watts.  The QB96's are intense and don't over do it, you will cook leaves like there is NO tomorrow.  

 

MushL

Edited by MushLuvR, 06 February 2022 - 12:09 PM.

[el_ronhub_bird]

@MushLuvr have you or would you be interested in making a thread to show us how you build them? I'm very interested to know

[FunnyFarmer]

I got some of the red/blue flexible LED strips with adhesive backing and connectors, stuck them to a chunk of 1" foam insulation board, plugged into a DC wall wart then into a timer. Couldn't be any simpler  and way cheaper than pre-made units, like a quarter of the price.

[MushLuvR]

@el_ronhub_bird, sure man, I've been meaning to get Active in the GrassRoots section anyway.  The lights are currently off so I can't grab any photo's right now, I actually just flipped both tents 3 days ago.  I run my lights 8pm - 8am.  Cooler and Cheaper rates after 8.

 

I'll start working on the text portion today, and compile everything tonight and get it up and running SOON.

 

 

MushL