IF you are new to LED and want help choosing what to buy, POST HERE!

[reasonevangelist]

http://www.photometrictesting.co.uk/File/blog_LED_colour_difference.php

Edit: 2 is better than 4, 4 is better than 2, glass is half empty, glass is half full......I would be okay with 4 step [i.e. 4 different pieces may have slightly different color differences from another in same bin.] might be a better guarantee of a fuller spectrum, especially in the green, yellow range....

Ah, okay, so number of steps correlates to color accuracy of the diodes in the cob? (or means they use diodes that are "within so many color steps" of each other?)

For this application i'd figure "the cheaper one" is probably better, since plants don't have eyes, and both types are probably "close enough" to the intended spectral mix.

 

[Smokenpassout]

I use 2 of the Kessil H350 and 2 Kessil H150 on a 2x2.5 grow area. I am very pleased with the quality of the plants these lights produce. I believe my setup to be equivalent to a 600 watt HID

 

[nuglife707]

Hey all, I read through as much as I could, but figured I'd just ask and see if anyone has some experience with these two LED's I am debating between. I'm trying to decide whether I'd be better off with a bunch of the Onyx LED's by RapidLED ($450, ~250w, can get a discount with multiple units), perhaps going with 4-6 of them per 4x8 space, or the Apache AT600's, with 2 per 4x8? I have done much more research on the Apache which is by all accounts a bad-ass top shelf light, but these Onyx also look super legit, are US-made here in the bay area, use 10w CREE chips as opposed to Apaches 5w Nichias, and with smaller units I could space them out more. Onyx claims to "at least" replace a 600w HPS. The Apache is available in a Red/White spectrum which sounds preferable spectrum-wise, but I have read people claiming that the Onyx spectrum hits those red levels with their white chips. Looking to do about 15 plants in the 4x8, in a coco-blend soil-less medium. Has anyone tested the Bloom Onyx for PAR footprint chart? Which option do you think would be the best? Is there any other LED that is better than these out there for flowering?

 

[Cupid Stunt]

I would like to see the ONYX with non frosted lenses..

I also dont believe that it replaces a 600W HPS>.. intensity perhaps but not coverage...

 

[Scotch089]

Hey all, I read through as much as I could, but figured I'd just ask and see if anyone has some experience with these two LED's I am debating between. I'm trying to decide whether I'd be better off with a bunch of the Onyx LED's by RapidLED ($450, ~250w, can get a discount with multiple units), perhaps going with 4-6 of them per 4x8 space, or the Apache AT600's, with 2 per 4x8? I have done much more research on the Apache which is by all accounts a bad-ass top shelf light, but these Onyx also look super legit, are US-made here in the bay area, use 10w CREE chips as opposed to Apaches 5w Nichias, and with smaller units I could space them out more. Onyx claims to "at least" replace a 600w HPS. The Apache is available in a Red/White spectrum which sounds preferable spectrum-wise, but I have read people claiming that the Onyx spectrum hits those red levels with their white chips. Looking to do about 15 plants in the 4x8, in a coco-blend soil-less medium. Has anyone tested the Bloom Onyx for PAR footprint chart? Which option do you think would be the best? Is there any other LED that is better than these out there for flowering?

For such a big space, AT everyday. I don't know rapid's warranty but you can guarantee AT will cover you. Also I don't know what footprint you're looking at but thy make an AT600L for Stanford's greenhouses, but will make you one. Basically 4 at200s inline instead of a square. Imagine that'd rock a 3x6 with ease.

 

[nuglife707]

So I just spoke with a guy over at Rapid about the Onyx, sounds like they are relatively new to the grow game, but have been doing aquarium LEDs for several years. As far as warranty, they only offer 18 months as opposed to Apache's 5 years, and have way less history/reputation so that's a minus. Their single 250w Bloom Onyx's for flowering only hit about 1050 umol at center at 18" height (and that's their measurement, we all know that typically manufacturers exaggerate, but he seemed pretty honest), and cover a 3x3. He said that if you use 3 of them in a 4x4, that you would get much greater intensity than a single unit.

I told him that since most growers do 4x4 spaces, and want intensity and a good spread/coverage, they would do themselves a favor by running some tests over 4x4 with 3 of their units, and if they do give the AT600 a run for it's money, to send some out to Growers House and some forum guys to do some unbiased tests as well. He said that for over 4 units, they would drop the price to $400 a pop, so if 3 can cover a 4x4 and get a good average PAR for $1200 that would be a game changer, especially if the Onyx's can be run at a closer height like 1.5 to 2 ft above canopy rather than 3ft the Apache recommends, and combined weigh less than half as much.

I am going to go down there later next week or the week after (waiting on the updated Apache they're saying is 10-20% stronger that should be out in the next couple weeks! Gonna pick one up on the way to Rapid) do some tests of the new AT-600 vs. 3 Onyx for a 4x4. I'm no expert at light testing, but I've done quite a bit of research, (props to you guys on these forums) and figure it's worth a bit of experimenting before making such an investment. I was thinking to do some readings at various heights with a light meter, do you guys have any tips on best practices for such tests? They said they have a light meter at the office (I'll get the model info when there) so I figure if you use the same meter on both setups it should be impartial.

Also, is it over 1200 umol that is the optimum intensity for cannabis? I remember reading something like that, but want to make sure. Does anyone know the level where it is TOO intense, like bleaching?

For such a big space, AT everyday. I don't know rapid's warranty but you can guarantee AT will cover you. Also I don't know what footprint you're looking at but thy make an AT600L for Stanford's greenhouses, but will make you one. Basically 4 at200s inline instead of a square. Imagine that'd rock a 3x6 with ease.
View attachment 3206012

 

[makomachine]

New grower chewing on options for LED flowering setup. Found a local supplier that has the below listed info on their lights. Any feedback is appreciated as I'm a bit out of my depth on the technicals.

1800 Watt COB (Chip On Board) LED Hydroponic Grow Light -$450

Size MM 460 x 460 x 75 mm
Size Inches 18 x 18 x 3.25
Power Watts 1800 (9 X 200 Watts)
Kill-A-Watt Display/Test 835 Watts
Voltage 120/240, Auto Adjusts from 85 volts to 265 volts
Amps 6.95
LED Ratio & Layout:
635nm 18PCS Red
660nm 24PCS Red
465nm 8PCS Blue
440nm 8PCS Violet
510nm 6PCS Green
Weight 20.6 LBS
Extended Connection Daisy Built-in Auto Adjust
Working Lifetime 100,000 Hours
Led Driver(s) 6-200 Watt LED Driver Power Supplies
Frame Body Materials Aluminum Alloy
Warranty 3 Years
Repairable Components Simple One Minute Field Repairs
Replaceable Components Simple One Minute Field Component Replacement
Cooling-Heat Dissipation 9 - Fans
Heat Sink 9 -- Sunflower
Maximum Internal
Operating Temperature 105 Degrees Fahrenheit
Reflector 90 Degrees
Xcel*** Qualifies for Xcel Rebate***
Cording 120v US (included) or 240v Sunlight (not included)


Our super LED Grow Light for growing adopts the latest integrated COB technology for best color uniformity, and our patent design of professional optical reflector creates best Par value, which makes the plant enjoy fastest growth and maximum yield, our COB series LED grow light received immense positive feedback and recognition among thousands of growers and distributors.

Daisy Chain Connections
Thanks to unique but convenient cross-connection by daisy-chain power cord design, our LED grow light is more easy and convenient to use than normal LED grow light when there is a connection of many grow lights, reducing much labor and other costs related; our unique daisy-chain power connection is applicable to a group of same or different models, like below showing

 

[predd]

Hi there L.E.D people ..........I haven't grown in a few years and am thinking of giving it a go again.......my last grow were all 400w vertical bare bulb hps vertical screens grow, and had great luck with them....well it seems like the led tech is here now, so I'm thinking of making a purchase and could use a little help. I have a 36"x20"x62" tent which fits a closet perfect, but what light to purchase, I will obviously use a horizontal scrog......After reading a few threads on here I'm thinking my best bet might be the Lumigrow 325? Any input would be greatly appreciated......also my budget is around $1000 give or take a hundred or two. Thanks in advance

 

[az2000]

New grower chewing on options for LED flowering setup. Found a local supplier that has the below listed info on their lights.

I googled for some of the text in that product description. It appears to be a Houyi light. Something to be aware of is that many domestic sellers of lights simply import Chinese lights, rebrand and sell them at 2-5x what the light would cost you if you bought direct. The trick is to find a reputable Chinese seller for a particular factory/light. For example, TopLED is LG factory's "outlet." bsLED is Baisheng's. Cidly doesn't seem to have an "outlet" but "Thunder Lighting" on AliExpress is reputable. I'm not familiar with sources for Houyi, or if it's a decent light (for a Chinese light).

Anyway, you might want to look for direct-from-China sources just to see if the US seller is gouging you. Or, if you could get a custom spectrum for the same price.

1800w/835w for $450 sounds like a direct-from-China price. I don't think you're being gouged. But, that spectrum with green but no white sounds unusual.

 

[makomachine]

I googled for some of the text in that product description. It appears to be a Houyi light. Something to be aware of is that many domestic sellers of lights simply import Chinese lights, rebrand and sell them at 2-5x what the light would cost you if you bought direct. The trick is to find a reputable Chinese seller for a particular factory/light. For example, TopLED is LG factory's "outlet." bsLED is Baisheng's. Cidly doesn't seem to have an "outlet" but "Thunder Lighting" on AliExpress is reputable. I'm not familiar with sources for Houyi, or if it's a decent light (for a Chinese light).

Anyway, you might want to look for direct-from-China sources just to see if the US seller is gouging you. Or, if you could get a custom spectrum for the same price.

1800w/835w for $450 sounds like a direct-from-China price. I don't think you're being gouged. But, that spectrum with green but no white sounds unusual.

Thanks - the whole thing seems a bit off - and more concerning is the seller isn't responding to any of my messages. Think I'm going to avoid this one...

 

[Invisighost]

I just started getting in the growing game as a hobby..ive always been interested in getting plants to grow...i plan on purchasing Led lighting bc of growing indoors and the convenience really....i have a room upstairs that i can grow freely in or a closet thats about 6ft by 3ft...i only plan on growing no more than 2 plants at a time...im looking for decent quality led lights for 150 or less if at all possible for my limited needs...ive been told that Vipar and Apollo make some good ones....any help and links with what i may need would be much appreciated...i also was told to look into a full spectrum w/10 or 11 bands bc i plan on maybe growing other plants not just cannabis in the future...i have researched but still cannot find what is best for me around my price range....

 

[az2000]

im looking for decent quality led lights for 150 or less

The problem with Chinese import lights is that they're risky disposables. If that's how you want to do it, you can get a 300w (180w actual) to cover a 2x3 area for $105. A member of this site recently posted that he simply buys these (<<link) and replaces them as they fail. That's a fairly full pectrum they have too. You can get something similar from TopLED which has a good reputation (as far as Chinese lights go), their "Mars I, old model" which is 3w, replaced by their 5w "Mars II."

I bought an Apollo 4 (180w, 125w actual) with custom spectrum for $150, free shipping (Thunder Lighting on AliExpress).

Those are safe choices (as far as Chinese lights go.).

If you think this will be a long-term hobby, you should consider Area 51. Lifetime warranty, ability to upgrade a light for $200 as technology evolves. Longer term, more cost effective when you factor in how the more-expensive Crees used by A51 produce more lumens per watt compared to the cheaper Chinese LEDs. I.e., you might need 35w sq ft. of Chinese when 25w sq ft. of Cree is equivalent. (I don't know the actual difference, but it's substantial.). And, A51 is more full spectrum with either the XGS all-white or RW red/white lights.

I have an XGS-190 and RW-75. Haven't had them long enough to compare. But, other knowledgeable members prefer the RW. There are grow journals like this one (<<link) showing the XGS working very well.

I also have 4 Blackstar lights. They're very good, but I think they fall into the category of over-priced (rebranded) Chinese imports. If I were just testing the waters, I'd go with direct imports (mentioned above) or Area 51 for a longer-term investment.

 

[UkFreak]

uk first time grower wanting to know best led for grow area of a just under metre squared closet grow thinking doing autos on first run and wanting advise on 2-3 plants.also wanting a light that doesnt give off hardly any heat so no need for exhaust system

 

[vladimiroslav]

uk first time grower wanting to know best led for grow area of a just under metre squared closet grow thinking doing autos on first run and wanting advise on 2-3 plants.also wanting a light that doesnt give off hardly any heat so no need for exhaust system

budget? exact closet dimensions (+ height) ?
from your first post, www.bonsaihero.com (hans panel) from the Netherlands comes to mind, but you also have different options like vipar and budmaster, both uk located companies wich seems to have the best results for their price/quality range.

 

[Invisighost]

I just started getting in the growing game as a hobby..ive always been interested in getting plants to grow...i plan on purchasing Led lighting bc of growing indoors and the convenience really....i have a room upstairs that i can grow freely in or a closet thats about 6ft by 3ft...i only plan on growing no more than 2 plants at a time...im looking for decent quality led lights for 150 or less if at all possible for my limited needs...ive been told that Vipar and Apollo make some good ones....any help and links with what i may need would be much appreciated...i also was told to look into a full spectrum w/10 or 11 bands bc i plan on maybe growing other plants not just cannabis in the future...i have researched but still cannot find what is best for me around my price range....

these are the specifications of a few different ones..could anyone tell me which would be better for me...would this serve my purpose??

• 
  Apollo:
  Item Type: Apollo-8 360W LED Grow light
  Emitting Color: Full Spectrum Color For Plants
  Full spectrum: Red(620-630nm;650-660nm); Blue(440-450nm;450-460nm); Orange(610-615nm); IR(730nm); White(3500K;6000K)
  For plants seed, clone, grow and flower .
  LED Light Source: 3W Epistar LEDs
  LED quantity: 120PCS
  LED Power : 360W
  Dimension: 496*283*85mm
  Life Span: ≥ 3 years
  Warranty: 3years
  Input Voltage(V): AC85v-265v
  Working Temperature(℃): -20 - +50
  Working Lifetime(Hour): 50000
  Lamp Body Material: Iron
  IP Rating: IP55
  Certification: CE, RoHS
• 
  
• Vipar 400w
  ◇ LED Quantitites: 132pcs X 3W
  ◇ Dimensions: 15.7x8.3x2.8"(400x210x70mm)
  ◇ Coverage Area: 3' x 2' ( 6 Square Feet )
  ◇ Function: Ideal for both VEG & FLOWER
  ◇ Spectrum: IR730nm, Red( 620-630nm / 650-660nm ), Blue( 430-440nm / 450-460nm ) & White( 6000-9000K )
  ◇ LED Rated Lifespan: 50,000-80,000 Hours
  ◇ Voltage: AC86-264V (Can be used worldwide)
  ◇ Warranty: 1 Year US Warranty

Vipar 300w
Real Power Consumption: 100W ± 3%
◇ LED Quantitites: 60pcs X 3W
◇ Dimensions: Φ10.8x2.4"
◇ Coverage Area: 2' x 2' (4 Square Feet)
◇ Function: Ideal for both VEG & FLOWER
◇ Spectrum: Red( 620-630nm / 650-660nm ), Blue( 430-440nm / 450-460nm ) & White( 3000-4000K / 6000-9000K )
◇ LED Rated Lifespan: 50,000-80,000 Hours
◇ Voltage: AC86-264V (Can be used worldwide)
◇ Warranty: 1 Year US Warranty

Vipar 300w
Spectrum: Real IR730nm, Red( 620-630nm / 650-660nm ), Blue( 430-440nm / 450-460nm ) & White( 3000-4000K / 6000-9000K )
● Enhanced spectral output covering full PAR (400-660nm) promotes photosynthesis for Growth & Bloomming
● High Power Efficiency 3Watt Single Chip BridgeLux LEDs, Low Energy Consumption
● Active Cooling with Quasi-Mute Fan, Cool and Quieter. Also with heat sink.
● Revolutionary Heat Aluminium PCB, Run 70% cooler than high intensity discharge (HID) lights
● All LEDs with a Zener to ensure One LED Goes Out the Rest Continue to Operate
● Plug and Use, Power Plug Type: US Plug / EU Plug / UK Plug / AU Plug

 

[reasonevangelist]

what do you guys think of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cree-XLamp-XPG-XP-G-50W-100W-150W-200W-300W-Cool-White-Warm-White-LED-Light-Lamp-/321343239495?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4ad18cb547

 

[Bad Karma]

i can grow freely in or a closet thats about 6ft by 3ft...i only plan on growing no more than 2 plants at a time...im looking for decent quality led lights for 150 or less if at all possible for my limited needs...

these are the specifications of a few different ones..could anyone tell me which would be better for me...would this serve my purpose??

If you're really intent on going the inexpensive route, go with Vipar. I was recently gifted a light similar to this one and it's worked out surprisingly well. It's a little more than you wanted to spend, $200, but it should be worth it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIPAR-400W-Reflector-LED-Grow-Light-Hydroponic-120pcs-3W-5WLEDs-Plant-Grow-Lamp-/111412683882

 

[olimmilo]

Thinking of going led, due to heat issues. It would take a while and hope nothing comes up making me dip into savings.

Any way I have a 8x9 room what would be the best led to go with. The solarstorm 880. looks cool with UVB, really expensive, is that just marketing, or do they have a good product.

 

[reasonevangelist]

what do you guys think of these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cree-XLamp-XPG-XP-G-50W-100W-150W-200W-300W-Cool-White-Warm-White-LED-Light-Lamp-/321343239495?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item4ad18cb547

"i think these might be good."

 

[Invisighost]

If you're really intent on going the inexpensive route, go with Vipar. I was recently gifted a light similar to this one and it's worked out surprisingly well. It's a little more than you wanted to spend, $200, but it should be worth it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIPAR-400W-Reflector-LED-Grow-Light-Hydroponic-120pcs-3W-5WLEDs-Plant-Grow-Lamp-/111412683882

preciate the info....