*Newbie* Indoor Organic LED Grow

[Blazerr]

Hey guys, wanted to give a short update and get some advice/thoughts on some new lights.

Update: I got the plant moved to its new location and setup. I am still waiting on the 32"x32" tent although tracking shows that it will arrive in the next day or so. Not much new growth since the last photos. Most of the leaves seem droopy and sad but they look healthy and are green. I'm assuming I caused her a bit of stress by removing all her excess leaves and lower branches. She should be healthy and recovered for when the tent shows up. I will finally have room to spread out her branches and begin training for the Scrog.

Lighting questions:
If you are new to this thread, I have been vegging under an inexpensive UFO led light (Rated at 150w, truly about 75w). I am just a few weeks away from flowering and will need to upgrade the light in order to achieve a good harvest.

I have always looked at panel led's and recently started considering a COB led setup. I narrowed down my choices to the following lights....

Panel Led choices:
P450
Luminator 2x
G8Led

Cob Led choices:
Tasty T2
Cx4
Spider Mcob

I never really looked into HPS lights although I did a quick search in Amazon and was surprised by the cost when compared to the LED lights!

What do you guys think of a 600w or 1000w HPS like this compared to the LED's above? I know heat could be an issue but I could get a 6" fan to vent the air through the tent. Also, it is the least expensive option for me which is nice

All in all, I am looking for the best light that will give me great results. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
B

 

[Olive Drab Green]

Hey guys, wanted to give a short update and get some advice/thoughts on some new lights.

Update: I got the plant moved to its new location and setup. I am still waiting on the 32"x32" tent although tracking shows that it will arrive in the next day or so. Not much new growth since the last photos. Most of the leaves seem droopy and sad but they look healthy and are green. I'm assuming I caused her a bit of stress by removing all her excess leaves and lower branches. She should be healthy and recovered for when the tent shows up. I will finally have room to spread out her branches and begin training for the Scrog.

Lighting questions:
If you are new to this thread, I have been vegging under an inexpensive UFO led light (Rated at 150w, truly about 75w). I am just a few weeks away from flowering and will need to upgrade the light in order to achieve a good harvest.

I have always looked at panel led's and recently started considering a COB led setup. I narrowed down my choices to the following lights....

Panel Led choices:
P450
Luminator 2x
G8Led

Cob Led choices:
Tasty T2
Cx4
Spider Mcob

I never really looked into HPS lights although I did a quick search in Amazon and was surprised by the cost when compared to the LED lights!

What do you guys think of a 600w or 1000w HPS like this compared to the LED's above? I know heat could be an issue but I could get a 6" fan to vent the air through the tent. Also, it is the least expensive option for me which is nice

All in all, I am looking for the best light that will give me great results. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
B

Tasty T2 or T3.

 

[HemiGrind]

I would only say that if money is the immediate issue, 600W-1000WHPS is the cheapest, easiest way to get the job done. It's proven technology and has been in use since the '70's. (Commercially available in 1964). LED/COBs require more upfront capital, but they PROBABLY won't require the added expenses of cooling fans & ducts for your tent. With that said, I know nothing - as I am a noob on my first grow and had to make the same choice myself. I can't offer any opinion which is better (and won't since I have no experience - too many arguments in that question anyway) You know your grow location , so this is what I asked myself: Can I deal with ventilation? Can I deal with duct fans running loudly? where is the heat going after I take it out of the tent/room? Am I using a lot of electricity? What can you get away with - without hanging a sign.
I went with 3500K White light COB's. (latest fad) I like the results so far and inspecting the ladies is easy (since everything is not red/blue[LED] or yellowish[HPS]). If you had more time to veg, there are many tutorials to build your own, but I sense you want a ready-to-go item.
Just an example to through out, the JGL CX-4 is 4 COBS(Cree CXA3070's)@230W=$549.00 - a home built 4 COB(Cree CXB3590's)@250W equivalent can be made for around $350.
It is a difficult choice that only you can make...

 

[Blazerr]

I would only say that if money is the immediate issue, 600W-1000WHPS is the cheapest, easiest way to get the job done. It's proven technology and has been in use since the '70's. (Commercially available in 1964). LED/COBs require more upfront capital, but they PROBABLY won't require the added expenses of cooling fans & ducts for your tent. With that said, I know nothing - as I am a noob on my first grow and had to make the same choice myself. I can't offer any opinion which is better (and won't since I have no experience - too many arguments in that question anyway) You know your grow location , so this is what I asked myself: Can I deal with ventilation? Can I deal with duct fans running loudly? where is the heat going after I take it out of the tent/room? Am I using a lot of electricity? What can you get away with - without hanging a sign.
I went with 3500K White light COB's. (latest fad) I like the results so far and inspecting the ladies is easy (since everything is not red/blue[LED] or yellowish[HPS]). If you had more time to veg, there are many tutorials to build your own, but I sense you want a ready-to-go item.
Just an example to through out, the JGL CX-4 is 4 COBS(Cree CXA3070's)@230W=$549.00 - a home built 4 COB(Cree CXB3590's)@250W equivalent can be made for around $350.
It is a difficult choice that only you can make...

Hmm it's definitely a tough decision that I need to make soon. I have been researching into COB's for a few days now. I have a good idea of what I would like to use for my build...

- (4) Vero 29 rev 7 68v 4000k COB's version C
- (4) Artic 64-plus heatsinks for cooling
- (1) HLG-320H-C1400 (not totally sure witch driver i'm going to get yet)

Each cob will run about 95watts @1.4amps and be 59% efficient leaving 225watts of COB that would come out to be around 60,000lumens w/ veros.

The whole setup would cost me at least $300. I am also very ocd so I would like to take my time while building it.

For $160, I could have an entire 600w HPS setup by Saturday. It's proven technology that works so well. For a 600w setup, I'm sure I will have a great yield.

If I go with the HPS for now, it will cost much less and I would still get a very good yield. Also, since this is my first grow, I am learning a lot. This is a first for me as well. After this grow, I may decide to change tent sizes, increase lighting, who knows. If I do well, I might even buy a second tent.

My plan is to keep researching COB's for the best design and to source out the best components. I will build one by the time I'm ready for the next grow. I think the HPS is a better choice.

Has anyone here had experience with a 600w hps? Does it make a noticeable difference on the electric bill?

B

 

[Blazerr]

Update Veg Day 37

Hey guys, wanted to give an update on whats been going on lately. First off, the tent came! I finally have the plant setup in the tent at its final location. As of today, she looks to have made a full recovery from the defoliation.

I decided to go with the HPS for a lot reasons. To make a long story short, it really just made sense at this point in time (Read my post above for more details).

Everything looks great and I was able to count 8 main tops with about 4-6 more secondaries coming up. I would like to top her one more time leaving me with about 20 main tops in total. I think that should be good, shes getting pretty big. After she heals, I'll transfer her over to the 5gal pot and let her rock for another 10 days or so before the flip to 12/12.

Now that shes in the tent, she finally has some room to spread out. I carefully did LST by tying down her main branches. This was able to clear everything up a lot. She should look happy again by tomorrow.

The HPS and 6" fan are on order Enjoy the pics!
B

 

[HemiGrind]

Can't go wrong w/ HPS . I will have to post a pic of my ladies soon...

 

[Stonironi]

Can't go wrong w/ HPS . I will have to post a pic of my ladies soon...

Yep old technology still works. Kinda like using a stationary desktop computer . It may be bigger and slower but it still works. Lol

 

[Blazerr]

Yep old technology still works. Kinda like using a stationary desktop computer . It may be bigger and slower but it still works. Lol

Exactly! Soon enough, I'll have enough equipment to run two setups. Eventually the goal would be to have a perpetual setup going. Just gotta wait and get this first grow under my belt!

Tomorrow I will be installing the HPS and vent fan. I will most likely transplant her into the 5 gallon pot as well.
B

 

[Stonironi]

Exactly! Soon enough, I'll have enough equipment to run two setups. Eventually the goal would be to have a perpetual setup going. Just gotta wait and get this first grow under my belt!

Tomorrow I will be installing the HPS and vent fan. I will most likely transplant her into the 5 gallon pot as well.
B

Sounds like a good plan keep it up !

 

[HemiGrind]

Hey folks... gotta dilemma. I think I'm stressing the girls out. The caretaker feed twice this week and watered out of schedule - right after last weeks LED mod and WATT increase. I trimmed a few leaves and noticed some spotting. (They were raised by CFL, switched to 2 COBs@100W for 10 days@26", then mod'd to 4 COBs@250W.) I've been also lowering lights closer. (21" now) (I know I'm asking for trouble .) The spotting has me worried. Would nutes spilled on leaves cause spotting if not rinsed off? I should be only feeding once a week? Or are the COBs gonna cause so much more photosynthesis that I am seeing a deficiency issue and need more nutes? This is before I trimmed and they looked happy, but they definitely didn't like me taking a few leaves off each.
I think when the soil dries, I will flush them a bit at next watering and see if they improve. I would love NOT to F-up my first grow
Am I thinking right? Suggestions are appreciated

 

[Stonironi]

Hey folks... gotta dilemma. I think I'm stressing the girls out. The caretaker feed twice this week and watered out of schedule - right after last weeks LED mod and WATT increase. I trimmed a few leaves and noticed some spotting. (They were raised by CFL, switched to 2 COBs@100W for 10 days@26", then mod'd to 4 COBs@250W.) I've been also lowering lights closer. (21" now) (I know I'm asking for trouble .) The spotting has me worried. Would nutes spilled on leaves cause spotting if not rinsed off? I should be only feeding once a week? Or are the COBs gonna cause so much more photosynthesis that I am seeing a deficiency issue and need more nutes? This is before I trimmed and they looked happy, but they definitely didn't like me taking a few leaves off each.View attachment 3850039
I think when the soil dries, I will flush them a bit at next watering and see if they improve. I would love NOT to F-up my first grow

If the water on the leaves is left there you will get burn spots from the water droplets and the stronger lights. Yes nutes will burn your plants every time

 

[HemiGrind]

Exactly! Soon enough, I'll have enough equipment to run two setups. Eventually the goal would be to have a perpetual setup going. Just gotta wait and get this first grow under my belt!

Tomorrow I will be installing the HPS and vent fan. I will most likely transplant her into the 5 gallon pot as well.
B

If the water on the leaves is left there you will get burn spots from the water droplets and the stronger lights. Yes nutes will burn your plants every time

So, I shouldn't be that worried. I guess careful watering so I don't have to spray/wash leaves - since any droplets are a potential burn spot?

 

[HemiGrind]

Blazerr, I hope all goes together well

 

[Blazerr]

Update Veg Day 40

Hey guys, wanted to give a brief update of the AK plant on day 40 of veg. Today, I installed the 600w light with a MH bulb (I will switch to HPS for 12/12). Everything fits nice in the 32x32x63" space I also installed the vent fan through the ceiling with a carbon filter on the end. I did not get to transplant her into the 5 gallon pot today.

Question - How do you guys go about hanging the ratchet light hangers? The clips don't fit around the frame poles on the roof of the tent...

I didn't have much time to work on the setup today so I will have to go tidy everything up tomorrow.

I am deciding between topping her or transplanting her tomorrow. At this point, I would like to get her into flower ASAP. I know I would like to top her once more and I need to transplant her as well. I would like to give her at least two weeks to recover after the transplant. Basically I am not sure if I will just top her tomorrow or transplant her yet...

Here's a quick pic!

 

[Stonironi]

Update Veg Day 40

Hey guys, wanted to give a brief update of the AK plant on day 40 of veg. Today, I installed the 600w light with a MH bulb (I will switch to HPS for 12/12). Everything fits nice in the 32x32x63" space I also installed the vent fan through the ceiling with a carbon filter on the end. I did not get to transplant her into the 5 gallon pot today.

Question - How do you guys go about hanging the ratchet light hangers? The clips don't fit around the frame poles on the roof of the tent...

I didn't have much time to work on the setup today so I will have to go tidy everything up tomorrow.

I am deciding between topping her or transplanting her tomorrow. At this point, I would like to get her into flower ASAP. I know I would like to top her once more and I need to transplant her as well. I would like to give her at least two weeks to recover after the transplant. Basically I am not sure if I will just top her tomorrow or transplant her yet...

Here's a quick pic!

Wrap it around the pole and clip it to the rope

 

[Blazerr]

Wrap it around the pole and clip it to the rope

That's what I did for now, I guess the only other way that would work would be to get larger clips.

I think today I will transplant her. The following week, I will top her. This way, she will have more time to establish healthy roots and become a monster before switching 12/12. I will also start on my scrog setup. I have seen people veg. until the screen was practically full of tops. At this point I might let her veg. a little longer (around 8 weeks in total) and go for that. It looks like I could get at a minimum 6oz and maybe even 10oz if I can pull this off right. The 600w HPS is no joke

Temps are around 68 (a bit on the cooler side). I have a small heating pad that I use for germination. I've read somewhere once that a warm pot with soil promotes healthy root growth. I was thinking of placing the pad under the pot on low to keep it a little warmer.

How far should I be keeping the light away from the tops? I have the light dimmed to 50% as I wanted to make sure the entire setup was sound before I cranked her up to 75-100%.

Also, I have been giving her a full bottle of water every 3 days which seems to be working good (Soil is pretty dry by the 3rd day). I am transplanting her to the 5gal pot today. From your experience, how much and how often should I plan to water her in the 5gal?

Let me know your thoughts!
B

 

[Stonironi]

That's what I did for now, I guess the only other way that would work would be to get larger clips.

I think today I will transplant her. The following week, I will top her. This way, she will have more time to establish healthy roots and become a monster before switching 12/12. I will also start on my scrog setup. I have seen people veg. until the screen was practically full of tops. At this point I might let her veg. a little longer (around 8 weeks in total) and go for that. It looks like I could get at a minimum 6oz and maybe even 10oz if I can pull this off right. The 600w HPS is no joke

Temps are around 68 (a bit on the cooler side). I have a small heating pad that I use for germination. I've read somewhere once that a warm pot with soil promotes healthy root growth. I was thinking of placing the pad under the pot on low to keep it a little warmer.

How far should I be keeping the light away from the tops? I have the light dimmed to 50% as I wanted to make sure the entire setup was sound before I cranked her up to 75-100%.

Also, I have been giving her a full bottle of water every 3 days which seems to be working good (Soil is pretty dry by the 3rd day). I am transplanting her to the 5gal pot today. From your experience, how much and how often should I plan to water her in the 5gal?

Let me know your thoughts!
B

Water when the pot gets very light and the lowest leaves begin to wilt and lay down You will get the most root growth that way . Keep light 18 inches from top of plants

 

[HemiGrind]

Just a Newbie Update: My White Widow girl is on verge of dying . She was planted 2 weeks before other 2 and her roots took over the 3gal pot. And the cheap-ass pot was contouring to the uneven surface they are on, causing a drainage issue (besides being almost root-bound). I transplanted everything and hope with some TLC, the Ww makes it to bloom.
noob mistake. LOL
Hg

 

[Olive Drab Green]

Just a Newbie Update: My White Widow girl is on verge of dying . She was planted 2 weeks before other 2 and her roots took over the 3gal pot. And the cheap-ass pot was contouring to the uneven surface they are on, causing a drainage issue (besides being almost root-bound). I transplanted everything and hope with some TLC, the Ww makes it to bloom.
noob mistake. LOL
Hg

Let's see it. Probably overwatering or over feeding, I'd bet. Doubt it was any kind of serious drainage blockage issue from a pot. Not talking shit, just speculating.

 

[HemiGrind]

Yeah, that too - LOL. I posted that it was w/f out of sched last week somewhere above when asking about some spotting, but the roots stunk when I transplanted - so just going by other's experiences I've read about with pots being too small and the roots stopping drainage. (this poor thing has been tortured since birth, seriously )
She's already looking better today though. Had to trim off some dead leaves, but I'll post a pic after she recovers a bit. (She's embarrassed to show her face ATM)