DIY el-cheapo "quantum" efficient LED grow light

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da_nam

Member
3x $3.99 packs of 10 plastic light bulb sockets (ebay)= $12
32 LED light bulbs (amazon) = $30ish
Scrap piece of MDF (lowes or etc)= $4
Some wire = $4
Some solder and electrical tape = $2


Total cost of 272 watt LED grow light = ~$50


I left the globes on the outer four lights for now until I get it hung up. This is my second DIY LED "quantum" setup. The previous one was only 204 watts (24 bulbs). You can get 24-packs of the Sylvania 8.5w 2700k on amazon for less than a dollar per bulb. This one is made of mostly those but some other, older bulbs I had laying around. I had some daylight (5000k) bulbs to mix in as well. I drilled 1" holes behind each bulb holder for the wiring and used solid core wiring to the bulbs and 14 gauge stranded wire (because that's what I have on hand) for tying them together in parallel.

litebriteweb.jpg
 
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HobbyGrowArtist

Active Member
thats a pretty good cheap setup. only issue i have is the 5000k bulbs. its color temperature. the k is kelvin and references to the blackbody radiation that is emitted by objects of a certain temperature. LEDs either emit a certain color or uses a phosphorous coating to emit a rough spectrum.
try replacing those 5000k lights if you can, get 6500k as they emit more blue spectrum light.
the 5000k is more around the green area, plants reflect green light.

2700k are good choice, i heard of 2300k but never seen them. would like to try those. i believe they are pretty red looking.
the best bang for your buck is LEDs, only real way of improving is using certain bulbs that emit blue and red light.
 
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da_nam

Member
I saved at least $200 on each light (compared to "quantum" boards with similar output) so I'll take the ridiculous looks. When it's on you can't even look at it so that works out nicely. :) And plants do see green light. It is part of the spectrum that they use. The blue-red thing is largely a myth/fad. Most high-end LED grow lights use a full spectrum. I spent a lot of time researching a DIY setup and this is what makes the most sense for a cheap and effective DIY setup. I also like the fact that the light is spread out over the canopy so I get a lot of side lighting. So far the plants seem to like it. :)
 
PURPLEB3RRYKUSH

PURPLEB3RRYKUSH

Well-Known Member
da_nam said:
3x $3.99 packs of 10 plastic light bulb sockets (ebay)= $12
32 LED light bulbs (amazon) = $30ish
Scrap piece of MDF (lowes or etc)= $4
Some wire = $4
Some solder and electrical tape = $2


Total cost of 272 watt LED grow light = ~$50


I left the globes on the outer four lights for now until I get it hung up. This is my second DIY LED "quantum" setup. The previous one was only 204 watts (24 bulbs). You can get 24-packs of the Sylvania 8.5w 2700k on amazon for less than a dollar per bulb. This one is made of mostly those but some other, older bulbs I had laying around. I had some daylight (5000k) bulbs to mix in as well. I drilled 1" holes behind each bulb holder for the wiring and used solid core wiring to the bulbs and 14 gauge stranded wire (because that's what I have on hand) for tying them together in parallel.

View attachment 4463616
Click to expand...
Your a str8 boss
 
Moflow

Moflow

Well-Known Member
Jp. Setuki said:
助けて

中国のSPIDER LEDの電源を交換し、100ボルトに下げることは可能ですか？
Click to expand...
スパイダーファーマーライトのどのモデルですか？
あなたの写真からはわかりません。
それは単にインバートロニクスドライバーと言っています。
詳細情報が必要です
 
iriemartin1974

iriemartin1974

Well-Known Member
da_nam said:
3x $3.99 packs of 10 plastic light bulb sockets (ebay)= $12
32 LED light bulbs (amazon) = $30ish
Scrap piece of MDF (lowes or etc)= $4
Some wire = $4
Some solder and electrical tape = $2


Total cost of 272 watt LED grow light = ~$50


I left the globes on the outer four lights for now until I get it hung up. This is my second DIY LED "quantum" setup. The previous one was only 204 watts (24 bulbs). You can get 24-packs of the Sylvania 8.5w 2700k on amazon for less than a dollar per bulb. This one is made of mostly those but some other, older bulbs I had laying around. I had some daylight (5000k) bulbs to mix in as well. I drilled 1" holes behind each bulb holder for the wiring and used solid core wiring to the bulbs and 14 gauge stranded wire (because that's what I have on hand) for tying them together in parallel.

View attachment 4463616
Click to expand...
I am not afraid to try new things but i have a healthy respect for electricity. And I only have the most basic knowledge regarding it. But I know it can kill ya. I'd love to be taught about it from an electrician.. Just the basics. I dig the light and the fact you shared it we need more folks like u in the world. Now I might need something to start seeds or supliment some needed light for a little bit. It's not too much money.. It's like a pre transition light. Like you've got a 400w, next upgrade is 600w but your towards the end of your grow.. You need something not too costly in the meantime.
 
D

da_nam

Member
iriemartin1974 said:
I am not afraid to try new things but i have a healthy respect for electricity. And I only have the most basic knowledge regarding it. But I know it can kill ya. I'd love to be taught about it from an electrician.. Just the basics. I dig the light and the fact you shared it we need more folks like u in the world. Now I might need something to start seeds or supliment some needed light for a little bit. It's not too much money.. It's like a pre transition light. Like you've got a 400w, next upgrade is 600w but your towards the end of your grow.. You need something not too costly in the meantime.
Click to expand...
The key to working on electrics safely is only work on it unplugged. :)
 
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nmibud

Well-Known Member
This type of light will grow good bud,it's how I got started.They will grow as well or better than many of the name brands.The only downside is the lumens per watt is lower than samsung diodes.
 
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