I know this board is 100% sold on the newest LED tech, but to me the upfront costs are still more prohibitive than it's worth. I have a 1000w HPS in my 5x5 and couldn't be happier. I have a LED and HPS tent of about the same watt per sqft that I'm running side by side, currently seeing the 1000w HPS system outperforming the LED for what it's worth...
Using amazon US exclusively for the bigger items here's what I'd go for:
5x5 tent: Vivosun or equiv ~$150
XL 6" COOL TUBE REFLECTOR (IPOWER) ~$75
1000w HPS system with two bulbs (ipower/vivosun): ~$150
AC infinity T6 and 6" filter: ~$215
Total: $590
Misc supplies:
Fabric pots 5/7 gallonx12: $25
Oscillating fan (walmart/lowes etc): $25
Floor fan: $20
6" ducting 25ft: $25
Trays/pot lifters: $20
Nutes: $100 (I only use GH Micro, Bloom, Calmag, and a silica product)
Coco/perlite: $50 (two blocks & a bag of perlite if desired)
Garbage bin/tote for a reservoir: $15
pH/TDS tools: $50 (I RARELY use mine anymore... Have been doing the same thing and getting similar enough readings for enough time to do without)
Thermometers/hygrometers: $30
Total: $360
Remaining: $250
Would use the rest for clones/seeds and grow happily for a year or two, only needing more nutes and medium as I go along.
Current cycle of Blue Cheese/Blue Widow under 1000wHPS (turned to super lumens or 1100W) Day 20 of 12/12
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