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nomofatum

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So, given that I already have a mixed spectrum of 3000K and 6500K fluoros putting out 330w in my approx 6.28ft³ space, and I have those lights running cool already, would I see any discernable use for LED lighting in that particular space?

I maybe see it being wasteful because its only for one plant.
For me the idea is interesting with either light because you can isolate one plant for breeding purposes. The LEDs will have an advantage on better distribution of light, but otherwise it's not much of an upgrade except the efficiency/electric cost gains. I wouldn't go and change that trash can setup unless you just want to have fun playing with the project or if you build a second one.

Yours is already close enough to ideal.

I was talking with a buddy about using this approach for a stealth outdoor grow too, take the top off for good weather and use a dawn to dusk timer for lights. Or autoflower also with dusk/dawn for stealth.
 
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Boatguy

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There aren't a lot of panels that haven't been tried here or variations of DIY with assorted parts from low to high end. You just need to search or ask some senior members.
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
 

JimmyIndica

Well-Known Member
Looking for some advice on my build. I have an old wine fridge im converting and height is going to be an issue. I have recessed the heatsink through the top of the fridge so i have all 28 inches of height to work with. The main light currently has a mix of blue,red and white 3.5 watt cree leds, 44 total. I have 4 12" phillips lumiled light strips mounted vertically in the corners. Total actual power is around 80 watts for everything. The width/depth of the fridge is 1.5'x1.5'.
My question is, would i benefit from a few larger leds in the main panel or will the proximity of the lights to the plant become a problem with the higher powered leds?
I would consider cali lightworks 220 bloom spectrum,KIND L300, Or a Blackdog micro, This is just me but what do I know! I would buy the CaliLightworks 220 from growershouse.com, because they treat ya right.Answer email,answer phone etc. Hope this helps ya out little!
 

nomofatum

Well-Known Member
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
Mainly you just want to avoid COBs because they are much more intense for their size. I would stick to 5w or less, 5w will likely cost you 1/2" over 3.5 if spaced well.
 

Boatguy

Well-Known Member
I would consider cali lightworks 220 bloom spectrum,KIND L300, Or a Blackdog micro, This is just me but what do I know! I would buy the CaliLightworks 220 from growershouse.com, because they treat ya right.Answer email,answer phone etc. Hope this helps ya out little!
Thanks for the reply but my question relates to DIY panels. I posted earlier with what i have going but wanted to know if it would benefit from a few cxa's or something. Space is at a minimum at 28" high 18"wide and deep.
 

Boatguy

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Mainly you just want to avoid COBs because they are much more intense for their size. I would stick to 5w or less, 5w will likely cost you 1/2" over 3.5 if spaced well.
Im only asking because i have a spare 9volt driver and thought i might be able to add a 9volt cxa at 1000ma. But you think this would be too much? i should add that im only passive cooling and dont want to add a fan to the heatsink
 

JimmyIndica

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply but my question relates to DIY panels. I posted earlier with what i have going but wanted to know if it would benefit from a few cxa's or something. Space is at a minimum at 28" high 18"wide and deep.
ok sorry bout that
 

nomofatum

Well-Known Member
Im only asking because i have a spare 9volt driver and thought i might be able to add a 9volt cxa at 1000ma. But you think this would be too much? i should add that im only passive cooling and dont want to add a fan to the heatsink
I think it will limit your top out height directly below it. You could train around it or turn it off when the plants get that high if you want to use it.

Edit: 9v * 1a = 9w. I can't see that being too bad, just steer the plants away when they are getting within 5" or so I would think.
 

Boatguy

Well-Known Member
I think it will limit your top out height directly below it. You could train around it or turn it off when the plants get that high if you want to use it.

Edit: 9v * 1a = 9w. I can't see that being too bad, just steer the plants away when they are getting within 5" or so I would think.
Better yet, put it on its own switch and shut it down when she gets too close :)
 

PSUAGRO.

Well-Known Member
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
3w diodes driven @ 700ma without secondary lenses is generally considered safe at that distance..........I wouldn't go any higher if your that restricted imo.

good luck
 

nomofatum

Well-Known Member
The lower the wattage the better for your use. Also with your limited space you won't get much gain from taller plants without side lighting as only the top will really get light anyway.

Get wide instead of tall buckets too for more space.
 

captainmorgan

Well-Known Member
My 3070 Z4 3000k at 1400 ma puts out around 1000 umoles at 7 inches. Supra may have some readings on 3070's driven real soft,maybe at 350 ma would be able to get that close. If someone doesn't have that umole number I have a 350 ma driver I could hook up and take some readings but it might take a few days before I have the extra time. Otherwise you'll need more sources of less intensity.
 

nomofatum

Well-Known Member
What do you guys think of this LED strip compared only to other LED strip options?

SMD 5630
114lm/w is the rating
$6 5m (25w)
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/5m-300-LED-5630-SMD-12V-flexible-light-60-led-m-LED-strip-white-warm-white/1303729346.html

or

SMD 2835
125lm/w
$12 5m
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/16FT-5M-Flexible-600-LED-2835-SMD-Strip-Light-Warm-Pure-White-Non-waterproof-12V-57501/2027401854.html

or can you find something better?

It would take a bunch, but dirt cheap.

I'm guessing the resisters totally screw the efficiency though.
 
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Boatguy

Well-Known Member
The lower the wattage the better for your use. Also with your limited space you won't get much gain from taller plants without side lighting as only the top will really get light anyway.

Get wide instead of tall buckets too for more space.
pot size is actually one of my bigger space losses. Any opinions on pots? Am i better off with a deeper one or a wide pot at half the height? I really want to stick with a soil grow.
 

nomofatum

Well-Known Member
pot size is actually one of my bigger space losses. Any opinions on pots? Am i better off with a deeper one or a wide pot at half the height? I really want to stick with a soil grow.
I think volume is most important, but I wouldn't go shorter than 5-6".

Get a storage tote with a lid that can serve as a saucer/water catch. Drill holes for drainage.

If you get a roughneck you can even cut the top off the tote.
 
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