What works best for big Veg - T5, CFL, HPS Halide or DIY COB LED?

[Colo MMJ]

I am curious if anyone on a bigger scale and not a tent has an opinion on bigger veg plants. Not small clones or teens. What is the most cost effective and fastest way to grow? I am thinking it might be T5 or overcharged T8s.

 

[MichiganMedGrower]

HPS is fastest unless cobs are more intense. I have no Experience with them.

But When I switched toT-5 the plants got much more foliage and branching but do not grow as fast or tall.

A metal halide might give you the foliage you want and the intensity to grow them fast and big.

It also depends on room dimensions and your personal space. Your ventilation and everything else considered in a grow room.

 

[VegasWinner]

Cobs work as well as how peace

 

[ttystikk]

I am curious if anyone on a bigger scale and not a tent has an opinion on bigger veg plants. Not small clones or teens. What is the most cost effective and fastest way to grow? I am thinking it might be T5 or overcharged T8s.

The lamp in front is a 315W CMH on a Philips square wave ballast. I replaced my 600W HPS lamps with them, but I did need to add a few more. I've also used 860W CDM Allstart lamps to great effect.

Florescent light sources just aren't intense enough IME.

My next upgrade will be to CXB3590.

 

[Colo MMJ]

Getting away from HPS. My buddies are saying look at LEC (light emitting ceramic). There is a 315 watt that puts out as much as 600 HPS with the same power. LEC is cooler than HPS but maybe not as cool as COB.
I can get a LEC for just under $400 if I run 240 volts. Have to probably call an electrician.

http://hydrobuilder.com/sun-system-315-watt-lec-commercial-fixture-with-3100k-lamp-208-240-volt.html?dzid=csegps_906235&gclid=Cj0KEQjwlNy8BRC676-W0JezxbwBEiQA4Ydg0aeBFGTa7QTFuxl3zq9q-ac-fmv7GxxMbcyxz9F_VGwaAiUs8P8HAQ

Or go to to Timber DIY COB Grow and get a kit:
$349 - 100 Watt OSram
http://timbergrowlights.com/100-watt-osram-oslon-ssl80-660-nm-4x25w-kit-meanwell-hlg-power-supply-free-shipping/
$399 - 200 watt Cree 4 x CREE CXB3590s
http://timbergrowlights.com/200-watt-cree-cxb3590-4-cob-kit-meanwell-hlg-power-supply-free-shipping/

Have to create a frame for the Timber.

Any suggestion for Flower/Bud? The LEC uses less power than the HPS and does maybe 3x3. The COB probably uses less. The guys I am working with listen to the local store obviously pushing LEC.

Thanks.

 

[MichiganMedGrower]

Nice lamp info guys!

I never used LEC or whatever name they are calling it. I have heard of more supplemental use like the 3 to 1 metal halides are. Or they are saying to match original wattage. For the same effect. It is for cost of bulbs and energy I thought as the ceramic lasts way longer.

But my research shows that they do not match a 600 HPS. that is why they are selling double lamp fixtures I would say.

Ttystikk is using the old big bulbs. Is that why man? You need the wattage? Cause I will switch to 315's if the claim is true. I wish I had more natural looking light in my room.

 

[ttystikk]

I'm using mogul socket 315W CMH lights. Otherwise their the same, but they fit my bare socket vertical cordsets this way.

I'd say that 315W CMH lights can be subbed for about 500W of HPS.

DON'T PAY $400 FOR ONE! Look online, they need not be so expensive.

He asked about veg, and I'm not a fan of HPS (spectrum) or MH lamps (inefficient). Just use CDM/CMH/LEC, they're all the same thing. Be certain that whatever driver you get is both low frequency and square wave to maximize their performance.

If you want a better light, use COB LED.

 

[Colo MMJ]

Always love the Yoda guy comments - he is a sage.

I was looking at one of these to run at 240 volts to save electricity and because they claim an 8x8 light spread per light. My ceiling is about 8 feet so maybe closer to 6x6. People claim it is pretty close to a Gavita.

https://www.amazon.com/Powermaxx-Professional-1000W-Double-Lighting/dp/B010IU2WXY/ref=cm_cd_al_qh_dp_t

My "homies" running the show practically want one 1,000 watt HPS per plant in flower which will break me $. The heat is not too good either.

I am getting so sick of this sh*t and want to go COB on a Light Rail.

 

[MichiganMedGrower]

I might have to set up a ceramic halide in my 3x3 veg tent.

so you have seen results that prove similar par equaling 500 watts. I think that is a bit over estimated but I bet you are right and it is more than half like I read.

I sure see them in a lot of warehouse pics.

So now we can debate T-5 vs. LEC.

 

[Colo MMJ]

I talked to a guy who does commercial grows and is pretty sharp. He suggested:
Nice stuff from Austin in LED but a bit pricey.
https://www.illumitex.com/illumitex-direct/

Man a lot of top of the line LED lights in Austin:
SPYDRs which Growmau5 model his beautiful fixture on
http://www.bmlhorticulture.com/multi-bar-fixtures/
SPYDR BML is now Fluence
https://fluence.science/product/spydrx-plus/

He also liked these Argoluxes $375 but the ballast is on top and my ceiling is about 8 feet.
http://ngswholesale.com/Agrolux-ALF1000-DE-Commercial-240-277v_p_5377.html

 

[MichiganMedGrower]

Do these led lights need to be closer or farther away than HPS? Is it still determined by watts?

 

[Colo MMJ]

Dan - let me think about what is best. What about on a Light Rail? anyone here have any Light Rail preferences? I am wondering if a Square frame config on a light rail might be good for 4 or 6 bigger flowering plants. Thanks.