Micro Grow LED Lights - Please give me your opinion

[MicroGrowerTim]

Hello there my fellow growers

I've been a little hopeless regardin my little grow lately. Mostly because of the lack of space and lack of light...
The only thing I can grow in right now is this little pc grow with 40x40x20cm of space.

And I wanted to know what is your opinion regarding these two model of lamps:

I know they are pretty low quality, but since these are the only thing I can get inside my grow right now I wanted to know if its possible to get anything out of these and witch one is best.

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I already expect a lot of you to say how crappy they are, and that I should get a better grow and all, but this is all I can get my hand on right now.

I am really gratefull for any replies

 

[Yuv]

Hey man how’s it going. You know what since you have limited space height being 40 I say try to go with led strips coz you’ll need the maximum height you can have and adding one of these would take about 10-15cm off and you have to count the pot height too. If you go with strips it would give you more space to work with. And don’t go with this color. Try to get white(6500k) or warm white(3000k-3500k) I would recommend whit strips coz that tends to keep the node length low so you would have a bushy squat plant. Good luck

 

[slope]

Hello there my fellow growers

I've been a little hopeless regardin my little grow lately. Mostly because of the lack of space and lack of light...
The only thing I can grow in right now is this little pc grow with 40x40x20cm of space.

And I wanted to know what is your opinion regarding these two model of lamps:

I know they are pretty low quality, but since these are the only thing I can get inside my grow right now I wanted to know if its possible to get anything out of these and witch one is best.

R$5.42 19% de desconto|Phyto lâmpada espectro completo led cresce a luz e27 planta lâmpada fitoamp para mudas de interior flor fitopampy crescer tenda caixa|Luzes LED crescimento plantas| - AliExpress

Compre Fácil, Viva Melhor! Aliexpress.com

pt.aliexpress.com

R$23.27 13% de desconto|E27 led crescer lâmpada 60w espectro completo crescer luzes e27 phyto hidropônico crescimento luz flor plântula fito lâmpada|Lâmpadas LED e tubos| - AliExpress

Compre Fácil, Viva Melhor! Aliexpress.com

pt.aliexpress.com

I already expect a lot of you to say how crappy they are, and that I should get a better grow and all, but this is all I can get my hand on right now.

I am really gratefull for any replies

As Yuv says, if you can afford a to spend just a little more, go for:

A Samsung F series, Generation 3 strip (I think, off hand that the Q series has a higher lumen per watt output but are too small for most people's uses but may be ideal for yours). Samsung also do a "horticultural linear" but I haven't looked into these as yet.
Samsung F Series

Bridgelux EB Generation 3 - they have several versions, usually a little cheaper than Samsung, but at least three of them would do the job.
Bridgelux EB series

Anything you spend now will reward you with more and better product at the end and easier growing. The strips are essentially 2d so won't restrict your height further, will give a much better light spread and a lot more photons than those little lamps.

You'll need a driver for for your strip(s) so try and get one that allows you to adjust the current (and thus the light output) for different stages of growth.

And all of this is achievable on a tight budget.

In answer to your question though - don't think you'll find much difference between them. In fact, several people have had success using normal household LED bulbs. Honestly though, for the small extra expense, you could have a much better set up which will last literally years of continuous use.

 

[Star Dog]

I would be looking for a light with white light not blurple, I think @Yuv had made some good points worth taking on board.

 

[Star Dog]

As Yuv says, if you can afford a to spend just a little more, go for:

A Samsung F series, Generation 3 strip (I think, off hand that the Q series has a higher lumen per watt output but are too small for most people's uses but may be ideal for yours). Samsung also do a "horticultural linear" but I haven't looked into these as yet.
Samsung F Series

Bridgelux EB Generation 3 - they have several versions, usually a little cheaper than Samsung, but at least three of them would do the job.
Bridgelux EB series

Anything you spend now will reward you with more and better product at the end and easier growing. The strips are essentially 2d so won't restrict your height further, will give a much better light spread and a lot more photons than those little lamps.

You'll need a driver for for your strip(s) so try and get one that allows you to adjust the current (and thus the light output) for different stages of growth.

And all of this is achievable on a tight budget.

In answer to your question though - don't think you'll find much difference between them. In fact, several people have had success using normal household LED bulbs. Honestly though, for the small extra expense, you could have a much better set up which will last literally years of continuous use.

I've only recently got a led I wasn't sure about making one but now I would in a minute, besides meanwell drivers what others are good.
Also what is it that makes a meanwell driver popular, I'd expect that most 40/50v DC transformers would all be much the same?
I've got a 240w meanwell I'm thinking of making my own one?

 

[slope]

I've only recently got a led I wasn't sure about making one but now I would in a minute, besides meanwell drivers what others are good.
Also what is it that makes a meanwell driver popular, I'd expect that most 40/50v DC transformers would all be much the same?
I've got a 240w meanwell I'm thinking of making my own one?

Hey Dog - I'm not hugely knowledgeable when it comes to anything electrical but, fortunately, there are lots of people on here who are. Had to do a bit of thinking for myself but based it on the advice of those better informed posting in other threads. Mostly this one:

https://www.rollitup.org/t/diy-leds-how-to-power-them.801554/

So, can't give you a technical explanation of why Meanwell are the generally recommended drivers (there are others that LED users say are pretty solid so they're not the only ones) but I can say that they are built to last, out of quality components and operate in the range of a 93% - 95% efficiency.

If you have the time, tools and capability to build one for yourself, can minimise it's losses, make sure it's safe and the parts won't end up costing you more than buying a manufactured version, I'd say, "why not?".

You may already be aware of it but this is a useful how to guide - and a bit more - if you're not already aware of it:

https://ledgardener.com/diy-led-strip-build-designs-samsung-bridgelux/

 

[slope]

Hello there my fellow growers

I've been a little hopeless regardin my little grow lately. Mostly because of the lack of space and lack of light...
The only thing I can grow in right now is this little pc grow with 40x40x20cm of space.

And I wanted to know what is your opinion regarding these two model of lamps:

I know they are pretty low quality, but since these are the only thing I can get inside my grow right now I wanted to know if its possible to get anything out of these and witch one is best.

R$5.42 19% de desconto|Phyto lâmpada espectro completo led cresce a luz e27 planta lâmpada fitoamp para mudas de interior flor fitopampy crescer tenda caixa|Luzes LED crescimento plantas| - AliExpress

Compre Fácil, Viva Melhor! Aliexpress.com

pt.aliexpress.com

R$23.27 13% de desconto|E27 led crescer lâmpada 60w espectro completo crescer luzes e27 phyto hidropônico crescimento luz flor plântula fito lâmpada|Lâmpadas LED e tubos| - AliExpress

Compre Fácil, Viva Melhor! Aliexpress.com

pt.aliexpress.com

I already expect a lot of you to say how crappy they are, and that I should get a better grow and all, but this is all I can get my hand on right now.

I am really gratefull for any replies

Hey man - saw you'd already started your grow thread and went with the lights you mention at the start. Hope it goes well and trouble free for you. Let us know how you get on as there'll be plenty of micro-growers who find their simplicity and inexpensiveness attractive.

Fingers crossed for you man

 

[Star Dog]

Hey Dog - I'm not hugely knowledgeable when it comes to anything electrical but, fortunately, there are lots of people on here who are. Had to do a bit of thinking for myself but based it on the advice of those better informed posting in other threads. Mostly this one:

https://www.rollitup.org/t/diy-leds-how-to-power-them.801554/

So, can't give you a technical explanation of why Meanwell are the generally recommended drivers (there are others that LED users say are pretty solid so they're not the only ones) but I can say that they are built to last, out of quality components and operate in the range of a 93% - 95% efficiency.

If you have the time, tools and capability to build one for yourself, can minimise it's losses, make sure it's safe and the parts won't end up costing you more than buying a manufactured version, I'd say, "why not?".

You may already be aware of it but this is a useful how to guide - and a bit more - if you're not already aware of it:

https://ledgardener.com/diy-led-strip-build-designs-samsung-bridgelux/

Thanks very much there very helpful.

 

[MicroGrowerTim]

Hello there my fellow growers

Firstly I want to thank you all for the replies and the very helpfull ideas.

This past week was a game changer for my grow, I accepted I wont get basically anything from this scam leds and convinced my self to get a real upgrade. After all, now tha im hooked on growing there is no point in half-assing it.

So I got my self a LED COB panel with a citizen chip of 50w, witch reaches about 27k lumens in 10cm distance.
Gotta thank black friday for that.

Thank you all again, fat buds for u all

 

[slope]

Hello there my fellow growers

Firstly I want to thank you all for the replies and the very helpfull ideas.

This past week was a game changer for my grow, I accepted I wont get basically anything from this scam leds and convinced my self to get a real upgrade. After all, now tha im hooked on growing there is no point in half-assing it.

So I got my self a LED COB panel with a citizen chip of 50w, witch reaches about 27k lumens in 10cm distance.
Gotta thank black friday for that.

Thank you all again, fat buds for u all

Hello again Tim - first off, according to those who know, you've made a good choice!

I may be wrong but I think the 27K probably refers to the colour temperature (2700 Kelvin - very nice for flowering) rathe than light output. Which is a good job because 27,000 lumens of light in that little space would probably put the kibosh on the lot.

Depends on a few factors but I would guess your cob will supply around 7,500 lumens. Plenty, plenty, plenty for your grow conditions so keep an eye on your temps and watch you don't bleach the wee fellas. Do you know if the set up you have allows you to dim the light? Might be handy, especially when sprouting but also in veg.

 

[Star Dog]

Hello again Tim - first off, according to those who know, you've made a good choice!

I may be wrong but I think the 27K probably refers to the colour temperature (2700 Kelvin - very nice for flowering) rathe than light output. Which is a good job because 27,000 lumens of light in that little space would probably put the kibosh on the lot.

Depends on a few factors but I would guess your cob will supply around 7,500 lumens. Plenty, plenty, plenty for your grow conditions so keep an eye on your temps and watch you don't bleach the wee fellas. Do you know if the set up you have allows you to dim the light? Might be handy, especially when sprouting but also in veg.

I've had a terrible time trying to get to grips with my led, I've bleached them at least twice possibly three times, I've only just managed to keep them green in this attempt but I can't get that mh/hps healthy glossy lush look?
240w Samsung 301 diodes 50% 30" away.

 

[MicroGrowerTim]

Hello again Tim - first off, according to those who know, you've made a good choice!

I may be wrong but I think the 27K probably refers to the colour temperature (2700 Kelvin - very nice for flowering) rathe than light output. Which is a good job because 27,000 lumens of light in that little space would probably put the kibosh on the lot.

Depends on a few factors but I would guess your cob will supply around 7,500 lumens. Plenty, plenty, plenty for your grow conditions so keep an eye on your temps and watch you don't bleach the wee fellas. Do you know if the set up you have allows you to dim the light? Might be handy, especially when sprouting but also in veg.

First off I gotta say this is one of the friendliest replies I've ever seen on this comunity, thank you for that.

Acttualy it is 27.000 lumens lol. But I am not really sure if the its gonna reach that much. But the manufacturer did send my a video who measured it. The color is 3500k (is this good?)

I must admit I am wondering about selling this pc grow and getting a bigger space for housing my girls and this new led light.

Thank you all for the replies!

Happy growing

 

[slope]

I've had a terrible time trying to get to grips with my led, I've bleached them at least twice possibly three times, I've only just managed to keep them green in this attempt but I can't get that mh/hps healthy glossy lush look?
240w Samsung 301 diodes 50% 30" away.

Hi Stardog - sorry I haven't been around for a while and only just saw your post.

Bleaching seems like a problem some people encounter - and others never seem to have any issues with. I'm in the former camp so I I know how you feel! Brand new whizzbang lights but can't those issue free grows and great results you see in so many threads.

Again, I can only talk from a perspective of limited knowledge and experience but here's what I did:

a. After reading around/watching LED growers talking on youtube, I supplemented my usual feed (I only use organic seaweed fertiliser) with epsom salts to provide more magnesium and ensure the plant has enough for the manufacture of chlorophyll (Mg being a central component).

b. Turned my lights down! Most experienced growers seem to recommend around 30 watts (though some push this all the way to 40) of good quality LED light per square foot. But I've found that level too high during the earlier stages of growth in my simple pot and soil set-up. Luckily, I chose dimmable drivers and I run them at 15 watts per square foot for the first few weeks (I sprout seedlings under cfl's having had one disaster killing three out of four by shrivelling them up with too many photons. I'm probably being over-cautious here mind and there's no real need to use a different light).

c. Lifted my lights up. You've got them 2 and a 1/2 feet up already though so not sure this will help you. I initially had them at 12 inches or so but, even at low wattage, the girls were not happy. lifting them up helped loads. Not sure of the reason though as I grow in a tent which is, to all intents and purposes, virtually lossless and you wouldn't imagine, or at least from my position of ignorance I don't, that the there would be enough of a reduction in the energy level of those blue photons over that space to make a difference. But it worked, so....

d. You are not alone - I have read other reports of bleaching under LEDs which tend to be dismissed by diehard fans but several people are having problems with it and coming up with their own solutions. So read around on here. I ended up reducing my LED output and re-introducing a small amount of fluorescent light using specialist plant growth tubes. I know that there will be a lot of people on here who wouldn't be happy about this but it works for me. I've always enjoyed growing under fluoros anyway and messing around with the spectral distribution you can get from using domestic as well as specialist plant and aquarium lights. It's improved the health of my plants so, why not? I'm giving up some of the efficiency and high light output but not all and think I'm getting healthier plants. Not the most cost effective way to do things though.

Anyway, let me know how it's going. Would be very curious to see if you can overcome the problems you're having. Plus I have a sneaking suspicion that it's a more common problem than people are letting on so the more info we can pool together the better.

 

[slope]

First off I gotta say this is one of the friendliest replies I've ever seen on this comunity, thank you for that.

Acttualy it is 27.000 lumens lol. But I am not really sure if the its gonna reach that much. But the manufacturer did send my a video who measured it. The color is 3500k (is this good?)

I must admit I am wondering about selling this pc grow and getting a bigger space for housing my girls and this new led light.

Thank you all for the replies!

Happy growing

G'day Tim.

A colour temperature of 3500K can take you adequately through veg and flowering though most would say it would ideally be higher than that in veg and lower for most of flowering. But it is a good all-rounder and will do the job.

Typically, 50 watts of good quality LED (and there are plenty of people who rate the Citizen cobs highly) would be used to cover somewhere between one and half to two square feet so a nice little cabinet say, 16 x 16 inches, give or take and inch or two either way, would be great.

I know some of the citizens can produce a phenomenal amount of light when run at maximum current (and they also make very high wattage cobs that produce around the light level you mention without the need to run them into the ground) but then you get more issues with thermal management, etc. Here's Citizen's own tables for typical values and a link to a page from a citizen supplier detailing the individual voltages, power consumption, outputs, etc of Citizen's various cobs. You might find it interesting.

CITIZEN | Prime Light

Would you mind giving us a link to your grow if it's still in progress? Would love to see how you're doing - hope very well!