5x5 Flower Opinions

I have a new 5x5x8 flowering space, and was wondering what your thoughts would be on lighting?

I was thinking about going with three 240w kingbrite panels, or two 240w kingbrite and a 400w HPS (or 320w CMH). Or something else? Thanks

I wanna try this one personally

I like my Infinity Boards on my Budget LED lights, who have now become Elevated Lighting. I did their 4 panel QB setup with my purchase, and I love it. I just think I should of split it to 2 of these 330w Boards instead To help balance lighting for the plants that stretched more then others. I just love having the ability to add blue/far red spectrum and UV on/off with each panel. Plus you can save 20% off until the end of the month with Code Croptober20 on all lights

Oh this thread could get fun. So I have been on led for about a year now. Still very happy with my lights. So lights kinda have to be considered around a few things, height as well as the sqft. You wouldnt want to put a 650R from HLG into a 80" tent. Get the Scorpion or go with a different style. IMO HLGs are good for rooms with multiple lights and 12ft+ ceilings. In tents, bar style or several smaller panels work better.
Then you want to consider environment. What is the space environment. So for me Im in 5x5 tents thats 80 inches In a basement that stays 72 degrees year around. I have to deal with humidity swings. So i run a dehumidifier and humidifier to managing that. Since I was installing a 600 watt lights, I wanted my drivers remote to keep my heat easy to manipulate with my exhaust fans.
After that decide whats important to you. Most of these lights are running the same stuff. Samsung LM301 chips with meanwell/invontronix drivers. You have to decide what little things you want.
Having used mag ballast in my life there is nothing worse than having to replace a light. And lets face it, eventually you will. So for me I wanted a light that I could repair if needed. I mean these lights are not cheap no matter what way you go. For a home grower a replacement part vs a whole new light, no question. I also wanted a dimmer. I wanted a single driver. Could it be upgraded down the road should a new led come out? Warrenty? Assembly country? Customer Service Country? Cool it was made in china, but if there customer service isnt US based it could set you out longer if you have an issue. Upon considering all of this, I went with a ChilLed Growcraft. It checked all the boxes. I contacted the company and they gave me a good deal on 2 x5s 600 watt DIY kits. Took me a hour to assemble them. The packaging and assembly parts were top notch. Everything was of the highest metal quality.
Now on a budget, or even a disposable option. This light is outstanding. You need 3 per 2x4 space. but at 12 inches its 1k par. A 4x4 is 6 of these. get 2 for seedling, then get 2 more for veg and when your about to bloom have 2 more. Not the most efficient but at 115watt/light and a $54 bucks a light. at 350 you have 6 lights being used and 1 backup.

Some things to note while your shopping. I can only recommend lights ive actually used.

For that space...750w or more...so...the 3 240w & the 315w CMH would do nicely, add the HPS for overkill

Cmh and led are a great combination. The last run I did in my 5x5 I used two 220 watt boards, two 110 watt boards and a 315 cmh in the middle.

I use 2 315wcmh and some 150w smd panels in a 5x5

I went with 3 320's, I'm still thinking some supplemental hid lighting, but I'll see how it goes. I'll report back. Thanks

Mack222 said:

I have a new 5x5x8 flowering space, and was wondering what your thoughts would be on lighting?

I was thinking about going with three 240w kingbrite panels, or two 240w kingbrite and a 400w HPS (or 320w CMH). Or something else? Thanks

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If your going with kingbrite (or any other of the 2 board HLG clone lights) I'd suggest 4 of those kits but each one run at 200w. Just centre each kit over its own 3x2 foot print in each corner. Running these a bit softer than 240w each will also increase longevity and a bit of efficiency, but mainly in order to get better spread and lower hanging height.

Rocket Soul said:

If your going with kingbrite (or any other of the 2 board HLG clone lights) I'd suggest 4 of those kits but each one run at 200w. Just centre each kit over its own 3x2 foot print in each corner. Running these a bit softer than 240w each will also increase longevity and a bit of efficiency, but mainly in order to get better spread and lower hanging height.

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I ended up going with 3 320w. Thanks

Mack222 said:

I ended up going with 3 320w. Thanks

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Sorry, my bad, didn't realize you OP. That's a lot of wattage and coverage, carefull with light burn with everything on max. Love the maxed out approach though

Update... these lights appear to be everything advertised, high quality components with excellent build quality. PPFD seem to be pretty close to advertised specs as well, form 6" I'm getting 900-950 at 100% power and from 16" at 50% I'm getting 300. I'll make updates as I go... hopefully to help someone else out.

This is the method I used for the PPFD readings, certainly not lab quality measurements but good enough for me, and free.