Seriously Considering LED UFO for Veg cycle, need best input I can find!

[Dr.RR]

Hey guys,
I currently use a 8-bulb T5 fixture using 432W's for my vegging cycle and a 400W HPS "AgroMax" for flowering. I am really dissapointed in the T5 fixture (It was an industrial fixture I got for free; uses 5000k bulbs). It heats my room up way too much when I'm not constantly checking it, and its just taking more space than I would like.

So I was looking into the 90W UFO's to use for veg only. Only problem is, there's like 15 different kinds of UFO's that you can buy. I'd like to stay around $200 for a unit; but please let me know if it's even possible to get a good 90W UFO for that price. I've seen them range anywhere from $75-350 dollars.

Here's a couple I found online & was wondering if anyone had some input in which model to purchase. I will be growing 4-8 plants under one unit (until ~ 5 weeks old).

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-QUAD-Hydroponic-UV-UFO-LED-Grow-light-400w-HPS-NR_W0QQitemZ270491590192QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efa8e1e30

OR

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-model-90w-HO-Cree-Lighthouse-Hydro-6-Band-USA_W0QQitemZ270507614875QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efb82a29b

OR

http://growitled.net/

OR

http://www.prosourceworldwide.com/product_p/illuminator ufo.htm

 

[jawbrodt]

Don't even bother, seriously. I recently visited the main store of HTG Supply, and they design their own 'tri-band' LED lighting systems, along with the UFO style. They advertise their 126 watt model as being able to replace a 600 watt HPS, which is total bullshit. I talked to one of the employees there, and he said that 'realistically' it would lake 3 of those 126 watt panels to cover the area of a 400 watt HPS, and 4 to cover a 600 watter. So basically, those 90 watt UFOs are only good for 1 plant each, maybe 2, so you would need quite a few to cover eight 3 foot plants.

They claim they produce really well, but the area of coverage is tiny. Not worth the money, unless you are trying to reduce you electric bill and your heat/heat signature. Otherwise, go with HPS or MH.

This was coming directly from a guy who sells the things, and I believed him because I told him I was going to kick his ass if they didn't do what they claimed they would do.

 

[Dr.RR]

Don't even bother, seriously. I recently visited the main store of HTG Supply, and they design their own 'tri-band' LED lighting systems, along with the UFO style. They advertise their 126 watt model as being able to replace a 600 watt HPS, which is total bullshit. I talked to one of the employees there, and he said that 'realistically' it would lake 3 of those 126 watt panels to cover the area of a 400 watt HPS, and 4 to cover a 600 watter. So basically, those 90 watt UFOs are only good for 1 plant each, maybe 2, so you would need quite a few to cover eight 3 foot plants.

They claim they produce really well, but the area of coverage is tiny. Not worth the money, unless you are trying to reduce you electric bill and your heat/heat signature. Otherwise, go with HPS or MH.

This was coming directly from a guy who sells the things, and I believed him because I told him I was going to kick his ass if they didn't do what they claimed they would do.

I appreciate your input! Thing is, I've seen a couple grows from users on here that use the UFO (not sure which one) and they seem to do fine for ~4 plants or so, especially in the vegetative state. The main reason for me to go LED is to reduce the heat & heat signature. From what I've seen from a couple grows; LED's seem to actually be working... And remember, plants would be going under an existing 400W HPS when they are ready to flower.

 

[jawbrodt]

In order to get enough intensity from a 90 watt UFO, I would use one to cover each 2' X 2' area. So, two of them would cover the area of that 8 bulb T5 unit, effectively. It might be worth the money, if your worried about the heat signature. I honestly don't think you'd be happy with using only one 90 watter, and trying to cover 8 plants with it. How much area are you trying to cover?

 

[TheNatural]

I picked up a $350 UFO from them myself, to run as supplement vertical lighting, along with my other HPS.

I can tell you that the plant closest to it, has got exceptional growth and has the most Resin.

No, cannot even touch the output of my HPS bulbs, but I am very happy with it so far as an extra and the Tree next to it, is very happy also.

Should work just fine for what you need it for..

Blessings,

Rev. TheNatural

 

[jawbrodt]

Oh yeah, I said that it would take 3 126 watt LED panels to replace a 400 watt HPS, but i believe that 2 would do a pretty decent job. 3 would cover a 600 watt HPS, with decent results. I like the LED technology myself, even though it doesn't sound like it.lol Someday i hope to make the switch, but i'll wait til the technology is more developed, and the price comes down. It's just too expensive right now.

If you do decide to try it, keep us posted. I'd like to see the results.

 

[Dr.RR]

Oh yeah, I said that it would take 3 126 watt LED panels to replace a 400 watt HPS, but i believe that 2 would do a pretty decent job. 3 would cover a 600 watt HPS, with decent results. I like the LED technology myself, even though it doesn't sound like it.lol Someday i hope to make the switch, but i'll wait til the technology is more developed, and the price comes down. It's just too expensive right now.

If you do decide to try it, keep us posted. I'd like to see the results.

Well, I will be purchasing a GrowLab tent as well so whatever size will fit 4-8 plants (keep in mind I'm only using the LED for the first 5-6 weeks of the plants life; they will be in 1 gallon pots until I switch them to my 400w HPS and 3 gallon pots.

I'm never going to use this light for flowering, only veg.

 

[jawbrodt]

That should be about a 3' x 3' area, so the UFO will work. Don't expect them to be really short and bushy though, because they will probably be stretching towards the light, and be sorta tall and spindly. They should do okay though. Spring for two of them, and you'll be alot happier.

I'm not trying to bum you out, I'm just trying to help you get the nicest plants possible.

 

[jawbrodt]

Also, for like $75 more, you could get one of those 126 watt panels off Ebay(from HTG or a close competitor), which would work even better if the grow room is square or rectangular. The round UFO with leave dim spots in the corners.

 

[Dr.RR]

Also, for like $75 more, you could get one of those 126 watt panels off Ebay(from HTG or a close competitor), which would work even better if the grow room is square or rectangular. The round UFO with leave dim spots in the corners.

I've seen the results from the 126w panel & wasn't very impressed at all. I'm eyeing this one but I would just love to get more info on this unit -

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2010-model-90w-HO-Cree-Lighthouse-Hydro-6-Band-USA_W0QQitemZ270507614875QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3efb82a29b

 

[Banditt]

I've heard from people plants in veg respond really well to these. However, they suck badly for flowering. I have been looking into the 90w UFO's now also to keep on 1-2 mother plants. I'd like to hear some more from people who have them and how well they do for vegging.

 

[CaptainPointless]

Hey guys,
I currently use a 8-bulb T5 fixture using 432W's for my vegging cycle and a 400W HPS "AgroMax" for flowering. I am really dissapointed in the T5 fixture (It was an industrial fixture I got for free; uses 5000k bulbs). It heats my room up way too much when I'm not constantly checking it, and its just taking more space than I would like.

So I was looking into the 90W UFO's to use for veg only. Only problem is, there's like 15 different kinds of UFO's that you can buy. I'd like to stay around $200 for a unit; but please let me know if it's even possible to get a good 90W UFO for that price. I've seen them range anywhere from $75-350 dollars.

Check out this thread.

 

[Dr.RR]

Anymore actual UFO users that could be of assistance? I would like to hear what the people who have actually used the UFO's have to say!