Jumping on board the LED train...looking for the proper light

nflguy

nflguy

Well-Known Member
Hi guys;
I'm an old timer growing with HID lights for many years and now adding a second tent that I want to equip with LED lighting. I know nothing about LED technology so I'm looking for something I can plug in and use right out of the box. I would like something that will take me through the entire grow (full spectrum?). My tent size is small at only 3' x 3' x 5'
Thanks!
 
Thegermling

Thegermling

Well-Known Member
nflguy said:
Hi guys;
I'm an old timer growing with HID lights for many years and now adding a second tent that I want to equip with LED lighting. I know nothing about LED technology so I'm looking for something I can plug in and use right out of the box. I would like something that will take me through the entire grow (full spectrum?). My tent size is small at only 3' x 3' x 5'
Thanks!
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The lights from Horticulture Lighting Group, and Timber Grow Lights are good.
 
nflguy

nflguy

Well-Known Member
I realize that like anything else, "you get what you pay for" reigns in the lighting business too, but I simply cant afford $600 for a light. Its way over my budget. What makes these lights so far better than anything from Amazon where I see various setups well under $200? No disrespect intended by the way
 
Hot Diggity Sog

Hot Diggity Sog

Well-Known Member
nflguy said:
I realize that like anything else, "you get what you pay for" reigns in the lighting business too, but I simply cant afford $600 for a light. Its way over my budget. What makes these lights so far better than anything from Amazon where I see various setups well under $200? No disrespect intended by the way
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Don't feel like you have to jump on this train then. Your HID's are still very much relevant. If you do feel compelled to start learning, then just start reading as much as you can. There are some really smart people on here that know their shit (me NOT being one of them). Depending on your DIY skills, the Quantum Boards seem to be what everyone is suggesting. It's not total DIY and its not plug and play...somewhere in the middle.

Here are some reference links that I found useful:

Company selling the Quantum Boards and kits
https://horticulturelightinggroup.com/

A simple and thorough walkthru of assembling a quantum board:

There are quite a few really good threads here on Rollitup for all things LED.
 
nflguy

nflguy

Well-Known Member
Thanks for your help. I have no intention of giving up HIDs for now anyway. I am putting up a new tent in a basement because the heat in my attic makes it UN-usable in the summer and I figured why not check out LEDs. I heard they are competitive with LEDs as far as growth performance and light years ahead as far as cost-efficient. In checking Amazon, they seemed reasonably priced so I thought I would check with the pros here at RIU. What I just dont understand is why a certain LED system costs $600 and another seemingly with the same "power" costs $150. The tent in question would only be used during the summer hot months. Basically I dont want to buy a Ferrari if a Ford will do for the short time it will be used. Again, thanks for the help...I appreciate it
 
Thegermling

Thegermling

Well-Known Member
nflguy said:
What I just dont understand is why a certain LED system costs $600 and another seemingly with the same "power" costs $150.
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Im guessing youre looking at the mars hydro or something similar. Good luck with those.
nflguy said:
Basically I dont want to buy a Ferrari if a Ford will do for the short time it will be used
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Oh should have said that in the first place. The Qb's or a light from timber will last you over 5 years if you or your environment dont damage it.
 
Frank Nitty

Frank Nitty

Well-Known Member
I paid $180 something for a hlg qb 288 135w kit and got 5oz off 3 plants my first grow with the 288... Now on 2nd grow with it... Its awesome!!! 1532782691900744045744.jpg
 
GBAUTO

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
Unless your planning on doing some DIY to save some $, I don't think that you'll be able to adequately illuminate that area for $200. Using efficient diodes, I'd shoot for about 300w power usage, for older 'blurple' style double that amount. The HLG systems are some of the best bang for the buck fixtures out there but you can easily duplicate their performance with light strips. WWW.ledgardener.com has a bunch of info.
 
BAMS

BAMS

Well-Known Member
if your wanting anything compared to HID lights, then dont use those "blurple" lights (LED panels that kill your eyes with a pinky/purple/blue look). Most will claim they are full spectrum, they are NOT. You can buy already made COB or QB kits from HLG or Timber, but you can also buy an matched up kit from KingBrite on Alibaba for half the price, and Jerry at KingBrite is very helpful and piecing the thing together is easy peasy. Even if you opted for the plug n play from HLG, you will end up saving that money spent on them in your electricity bill
 
Olive Drab Green

Olive Drab Green

Well-Known Member
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Thegermling

Thegermling

Well-Known Member
Olive Drab Green said:
I use both COBs and QBs. I like both, although the QB is actually starting to grow on me. I think my aversion to it initially came from it’s resemblance to a panel, but I actually really like its dispersion and intensity. Fairly cheap, too, comparatively.

I have used:
http://www.timbergrowlights.com/
http://www.growerslights.com/
(Which assembles HLG gear,
http://www.horriculturelightinggroup.com/)

And then, of course, @CobKits
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Same. I prefer Qbs in flower because of even coverage. I only use cobs for veg.
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
nflguy said:
I realize that like anything else, "you get what you pay for" reigns in the lighting business too, but I simply cant afford $600 for a light. Its way over my budget. What makes these lights so far better than anything from Amazon where I see various setups well under $200? No disrespect intended by the way
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I would consider $600 to be a really good deal for led to fill out a 3x3 if that sounds expensive to you stick with hid.
 
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