California Lightworks SolarStorm 400 or two (2) SolarFlare 200?

I need opinions. Here's my situation.

I ordered a SolarFlare 200w. It's on its way to my house, however, I'm just trying to figure out if I should but they SolarStorm 400 instead. I don't have the extra $400 for the SolarStorm yet, but I can get it in about 6 months time.

I haven't started growing yet. This will be my first. I know the SolarFlare will do nicely in my 4x4 tent. I will only have 2 plants max. I plan on scrogging and leaving my plants in the center of the tent with the light right above it. If I go this route, I can later purchase another SolarFlare if I decide to expand.

If I decide on the SolarStorm 400, I'll have to use my DIY CFL fixture until I have the funds to buy it.

What would you do? Use the SF200 and then purchase another later if I need to? Or would you wait 6 months, use CFL's, and but the SS400?

The SF200 is $400. The SS400 is $800.

Thank you!

If it was me, I would use the SF200 and see how you go from there. You might find you don't need another light or you might find that you dont like them and you want to try something different down the track. I'd even hook up your cfl's as supplementary lighting. Just a thought. Good luck with your decision.

SolarFlare. If you need more light in 6 months time build some LED panels yourself.

Thank you both for your comments. I am certainly leaning toward the SolarFlare and my 250w homemade CFL fixture, but I just want to make sure.

I hate wasting money, as I'm sure you do too.

Thanks again!

One Solarflare is not enough for a 4'x4'.
Four would be needed.

ellydee said:

One Solarflare is not enough for a 4'x4'.
Four would be needed.

Click to expand...

I don't plan on using the entire tent to grow. The only reason I bought a 4 x 4 tent is because I wanted room to move around my plant.

I will be placing a plant or two in the middle of the tent, and I will be using the Scrog method to maximize penetration. In my eyes, the SolarFlare will be sufficient based on its manufacturer recommendation of a 2 x 2 footprint.

Does this seem sound? I would really like some feedback.

Thanks.

You won't be using your CFL's with the SolarFlare?

Bumping Spheda said:

You won't be using your CFL's with the SolarFlare?

Click to expand...

Oh, yeah. Duh. I'll also be supplementing the LED panel with 150 - 275 watts of CFL. Thanks for reminding me.

What I really need to figure out is if my intrigue for LED lighting can overcome my desire to save money. That LED panel is $400. I can get an entire HPS setup for < $200.

Decisions, decisions.

Gravity Man said:

Oh, yeah. Duh. I'll also be supplementing the LED panel with 150 - 275 watts of CFL. Thanks for reminding me.

What I really need to figure out is if my intrigue for LED lighting can overcome my desire to save money. That LED panel is $400. I can get an entire HPS setup for < $200.

Decisions, decisions.

Click to expand...

You won't be disappointed with a quality LED panel. Your setup will def grow you some buds.

Thank you, sir. Once again you've helped solidify my decision.

Gravity Man said:

Thank you, sir. Once again you've helped solidify my decision.

Click to expand...

I got solarstorm 400 watt and man I'm glad I decided to. It's abeast honestly think that the 200 is a waist of money . My 400 watt covers a 3x3 nicely and I think it still might be a little to small for a 4x4 still . If you want to cover a 4x4 nicely get a 800 watt .

For what you want to do the solarflare seems fine. I have one in a 2 by 3 tent (5.5 tall) with a 200 watt one thats going great so far but if the had the tent and space that you do I would get a solar storm and fill the tent with plants. If/ when you want to expand and get another one just make sure the fixtures are positioned to have even light distribution.

technical dan said:

For what you want to do the solarflare seems fine. I have one in a 2 by 3 tent (5.5 tall) with a 200 watt one thats going great so far but if the had the tent and space that you do I would get a solar storm and fill the tent with plants. If/ when you want to expand and get another one just make sure the fixtures are positioned to have even light distribution.

Click to expand...

How many plants are you doing under your 200 watt ?

I got a few hits on a Craigslist ad I have posted. I just might have another $400 in my pocket this week. If that happens, I'll likely exchange the SolarFlare for the SolarStorm. Unless I could use the money elsewhere... I can't think of anything off the top of my head that I need.

We'll see what happens.

Gravity Man said:

I got a few hits on a Craigslist ad I have posted. I just might have another $400 in my pocket this week. If that happens, I'll likely exchange the SolarFlare for the SolarStorm. Unless I could use the money elsewhere... I can't think of anything off the top of my head that I need.

We'll see what happens.

Click to expand...

I'd say its worth it but that's me...

Why not get two SolarFlare 200's?
The 400 comes with the UV bulbs, but I don't see that as a huge benefit. I'd rather have two panels that I can have at different heights, and run one plant per panel.
SF200 pulls 160W, SS400 pulls 365W. I'd rather have the 320w from two SF200's and have 40-50W of side lighting, but that's me.

If you already have the SF200, I'd rock that until it's inadequate. If this is the first time you're trying this, maybe limit your investment now and see what you really want once you know what you're doing.

Make the best of what you have, so you can figure out what you "need".

Backwoodguy said:

How many plants are you doing under your 200 watt ?

Click to expand...

I have 7 in there right now and it is very cramped but that should be changing as a big plant finishes. But thats too many still they are various sizes with one being a solo cup. If I vegged and flowered in there and grew some pot bushes I would have room for two plants. I want to get it back down to four decent sized plants when I can with a little room for some solos or small pots still.

technical dan said:

I have 7 in there right now and it is very cramped but that should be changing as a big plant finishes. But thats too many still they are various sizes with one being a solo cup. If I vegged and flowered in there and grew some pot bushes I would have room for two plants. I want to get it back down to four decent sized plants when I can with a little room for some solos or small pots still.

Click to expand...

Ya 7 is way too many. I'm doing 3 right now under my 400 watt just to see what the yield will be with a month veg

yep doing low nutes too since they vegged to long for the space I have so no nitrogen

technical dan said:

yep doing low nutes too since they vegged to long for the space I have so no nitrogen

Click to expand...

Does its still keep it the plants healthy ? I never did that before