Experienced Grower Seeking Advice on Budget-Friendly Lights for Cannabis Setup

G

GCandy

Active Member
Hey everyone!

I'm reaching out for some advice on behalf of my boyfriend.

He`s been growing cannabis for a while now & has a good amount of experience under his belt, but Im currently trying to find a more cost-effective solution for his grow setup than then one he wants (Our deal is I buy the equipment n he does the growing). He’s using a wheelie bin in our cool garage, and while it's a bit unconventional, it's been working well so far. The challenge Im am facing is finding affordable grow lights that can still deliver good results without compromising too much on quality.

He's used high-end lights before, and while he's eyeing this Mars Hydro TS1000 for our current setup, Im also considering some more budget-friendly options Ive found on Amazon as its quite a small space he`s growing in. The idea is to save money without completely sacrificing the quality of the grow. Ive had a look around at some interesting posts that seem to be going down the same route as me, but Im still a little unsure. Here are the lights I am considering:

  1. MILYN Flowering Hydroponic Greenhouse Light: This full-spectrum LED is marketed towards hydroponic and greenhouse setups. It’s relatively inexpensive and seems like it could cover all stages of plant growth, from seedling to flowering. However, Im unsure if it’s strong enough to produce the yields we’re aiming for.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workshop-Lighting-Waterproof-Commercial-Warehouse/dp/B0BS1BNLL6/ref=sr_1_22?crid=32E0LVCX3Y0ZW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IkX-sJz3TYRYFP4HGNZ2GEIIiHpYUEHxjjV7LEXTAJWyMupg_XZme2R0xbSjKvdnW7dtpL9OepXukdqguF2tSni6WlcZGW8d9oWe_rABwcHuR-1HKBmLmLgd028tMAsPt7Yg9tpZZ7P7CTnDPKF0Ezc1nUn2xYF9z1DAkW1bKlHY5cTGpzkxzsgbAjA4tAtSMAgU40_wvZI29JYUNG2OqABl0BPC-nRv7DyOt6krLEshcILW6wm_MzRkBsoTyipgWCKnJgKKHZQ54sAZDZgfbDvyIwfPh8f15EusU2Cjq7A.ISvgJwqW8D9aSOZlHiUVmyYpkOZDe2IqLfOwOgcxAnI&dib_tag=se&keywords=3000K%2F4500K%2F6500K+LED+Light+Outdoor&qid=1722349174&s=lighting&sprefix=3000k%2F4500k%2F6500k+led+light+outdoor%2Clighting%2C125&sr=1-22



  2. Workshop Lighting Waterproof Commercial Light: This light isn't specifically designed for growing plants; it’s more for general lighting in workshops or warehouses. It's waterproof and has a high lumen output, which makes it an interesting option. However, Im concerned about whether the light spectrum and intensity would be sufficient for a proper grow.

3. Lightasea Security Outdoor Waterproof Light: Similar to the workshop light, this one is designed for outdoor security purposes. It’s waterproof and robust, but again, the concern is whether it can provide the right spectrum and coverage for a healthy grow.

The 1st option would be great as its nice n cheap, but I suspect that it doesn't have enough power to get a decent grow going.

The last option is a similar price to the 1st one but seems to chuck out more lumens and it says it can cover the light spectrums needed from growing, so if this is possible - im prob gonna go for that.


I came across this video where these types of lights were mentioned as potentially useful for growing cannabis. However, the internet is a mixed bag when it comes to advice, and I want to make sure we're making the right choice. Given that my boyfriend has experience, he’s inclined to go for proven, high-quality lights, but Im hoping to avoid spending too much, especially if a more budget-friendly option could do the job.

Do any of you have experience with these types of lights for growing cannabis? Are they a viable option, or should I stick with something more specialized like the Mars Hydro? Is there really much difference between these lights and proper grow lights n if so, please point it out.

I`d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thanks a bunch for any advice you can offer!
 
medidedicated

medidedicated

Well-Known Member
Mars ts1000 is my best lights they cover 2.5x2.5 and make my best buds and yield so I bought more of them. Sucks theyre known for fires but theyre kickass lights.

I bought cheaper lights for additional new space I setup and regred them they suck and theyre supposedly meant for growing.

I wouldnt skimp and the mars hydro isnt that costly but everyone has a different situation. It costed me more trying to skimp and now needing to upgrade anyway but I did.

I havent grown long though. 2yrs. Until ready for better lights Im rocking mars hydro.
 
Kindbud421

Kindbud421

Well-Known Member
GCandy said:
Hey everyone!

I'm reaching out for some advice on behalf of my boyfriend.

He`s been growing cannabis for a while now & has a good amount of experience under his belt, but Im currently trying to find a more cost-effective solution for his grow setup than then one he wants (Our deal is I buy the equipment n he does the growing). He’s using a wheelie bin in our cool garage, and while it's a bit unconventional, it's been working well so far. The challenge Im am facing is finding affordable grow lights that can still deliver good results without compromising too much on quality.

He's used high-end lights before, and while he's eyeing this Mars Hydro TS1000 for our current setup, Im also considering some more budget-friendly options Ive found on Amazon as its quite a small space he`s growing in. The idea is to save money without completely sacrificing the quality of the grow. Ive had a look around at some interesting posts that seem to be going down the same route as me, but Im still a little unsure. Here are the lights I am considering:

  1. MILYN Flowering Hydroponic Greenhouse Light: This full-spectrum LED is marketed towards hydroponic and greenhouse setups. It’s relatively inexpensive and seems like it could cover all stages of plant growth, from seedling to flowering. However, Im unsure if it’s strong enough to produce the yields we’re aiming for.https://www.amazon.co.uk/Workshop-Lighting-Waterproof-Commercial-Warehouse/dp/B0BS1BNLL6/ref=sr_1_22?crid=32E0LVCX3Y0ZW&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IkX-sJz3TYRYFP4HGNZ2GEIIiHpYUEHxjjV7LEXTAJWyMupg_XZme2R0xbSjKvdnW7dtpL9OepXukdqguF2tSni6WlcZGW8d9oWe_rABwcHuR-1HKBmLmLgd028tMAsPt7Yg9tpZZ7P7CTnDPKF0Ezc1nUn2xYF9z1DAkW1bKlHY5cTGpzkxzsgbAjA4tAtSMAgU40_wvZI29JYUNG2OqABl0BPC-nRv7DyOt6krLEshcILW6wm_MzRkBsoTyipgWCKnJgKKHZQ54sAZDZgfbDvyIwfPh8f15EusU2Cjq7A.ISvgJwqW8D9aSOZlHiUVmyYpkOZDe2IqLfOwOgcxAnI&dib_tag=se&keywords=3000K/4500K/6500K+LED+Light+Outdoor&qid=1722349174&s=lighting&sprefix=3000k/4500k/6500k+led+light+outdoor,lighting,125&sr=1-22



  2. Workshop Lighting Waterproof Commercial Light: This light isn't specifically designed for growing plants; it’s more for general lighting in workshops or warehouses. It's waterproof and has a high lumen output, which makes it an interesting option. However, Im concerned about whether the light spectrum and intensity would be sufficient for a proper grow.

3. Lightasea Security Outdoor Waterproof Light: Similar to the workshop light, this one is designed for outdoor security purposes. It’s waterproof and robust, but again, the concern is whether it can provide the right spectrum and coverage for a healthy grow.

The 1st option would be great as its nice n cheap, but I suspect that it doesn't have enough power to get a decent grow going.

The last option is a similar price to the 1st one but seems to chuck out more lumens and it says it can cover the light spectrums needed from growing, so if this is possible - im prob gonna go for that.


I came across this video where these types of lights were mentioned as potentially useful for growing cannabis. However, the internet is a mixed bag when it comes to advice, and I want to make sure we're making the right choice. Given that my boyfriend has experience, he’s inclined to go for proven, high-quality lights, but Im hoping to avoid spending too much, especially if a more budget-friendly option could do the job.

Do any of you have experience with these types of lights for growing cannabis? Are they a viable option, or should I stick with something more specialized like the Mars Hydro? Is there really much difference between these lights and proper grow lights n if so, please point it out.

I`d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

Thanks a bunch for any advice you can offer!
Click to expand...
Don’t skimp on lights. Did you say the grow is in a wheel bin, like trash can? For your price, the Mars hydro ts1000 is the best option. I grew two autos in a 2x2 area with the TS600 and quality was good but smallish plants.
 
Rocket Soul

Rocket Soul

Well-Known Member
Check out the vipar xs1500 pro, the one with lenses for a great alternative to that Mars light. Very even spread, better than anything ive seen, cheap and not seen any posts of them melting or burning up.

And stop searching for growlights in Amazon primarily, their budget offerings is just plainly bad, you will find a good light in every 100 but thats about it. Do your search and then see if its on amazon but dont do the search there. The milyn light is going to be crappy, low af output and only 96 diodes over 100w.
 
medidedicated

medidedicated

Well-Known Member
Wheelie bin? I dont get that part, like a wheel barrel? Wagon? Whats it for? Is it to grow the plant inside? I cant picture that. Oh I looked it up, so thats what those are called!

I kept looking up trash bin, dumpster, just all the wrong words lol unrelated.

I thought this was a large space so a bunch of mars hydro lights would add up quick. I missed that.

With something that small the mars hydro is going to heat it up significantly. Those are in my tents of 2.5x5 thats 6.5 ft tall. It heats up and my entire room 10F.

With something so small you could get away with lots of things. The mars hydro is super hot centered and needs be raised a good 20”.

Inspiring though, sounds cool I built a cabinet and did some micro growing my self and still am just for testing new generics.
 
Hook Daddy

Hook Daddy

Well-Known Member
Now that I have stopped laughing after reading the description on Amazon of the above light, I’ll add my 2 cents. If I were to buy a small all around light as my only light the ViparSpectra xs1500 that @Rocket Soul recommended would be my first choice. The one above from, yes Nail Girls, is listed as a 1000w led/ hps light with 100 total diodes, 54 of them red. It may be a great light but is over priced for an at best 100w led, and the blatant false statements make you think they know nothing about lights. And the pics, every girl is wearing gloves yet they call themselves nail girls, that’s where I draw the line.
 
SouthFloridaGenetics

SouthFloridaGenetics

Well-Known Member
Anytime someone else is buying they get the cheapest and worse option ever. This is not a budget friendly piece of equipment. I'm glad I can afford to buy my own stuff without vetting it through people that slow your flow. Get the Mars 1000W and everyone will be happy.
 
Rocket Soul

Rocket Soul

Well-Known Member
Jordantrip said:
What about the 250?
Click to expand...
What would be the point of that? A 250w kit is about as expensive as the vipar but with more watts for about the same price and less output than the vipar.

Edit: checked your link and its actually quite a bit cheaper, but no dets on the ballast (looks like a magnetic ballast which are quite inefficient)

Still id advice against growing with hps in what i understand to be a plastic garbage bin, fire risk and elevated temps. OP, you shouldnt try to go for the absolute cheapest alternatives for lighting, this will end in either a dangerous situation or a failed grow with the two of you arguing over whos to blame, or just with wasted time and resources when you end up buying something more suitable.
 
Last edited:
G

GCandy

Active Member
Hey all, thanks to everyone for your input and advice! :D

The wheelie bin, yes is an odd setup but also reasonably cheap and its portable too. If u saw it .. yeh - its obvious something is going on (cos of all the holes n fans attached), hence it being in our garage away from prying eyes .. He set it up so there is a intake fan at the bottom and a exit fan at the top & is using a self watering wicking system so he doesn't have to tend to it everyday & has got a dehumidifier inside to help with the extra moisture.
(I would post pics but he is paranoid, so im gonna respect his wishes) .. Its a bit like this one but not as complicated.

He did try the HPS option once, but after sticking a thermometer in it, he wasnt happy with the temps in a plastic bin n went LED instead.

The Viparspectra does look very good .. But its way way way out of my budget range, but thx for advising.

The only reason I was considering the security light or UFO light was based on a friend's experience. They've been using these types of lights to grow tomatoes and strawberries with great success (albeit not in a wheelie bin - Just thier open garage space), I have got a lot of free strawberries from them this year .. Yummy! :mrgreen:

This got me thinking if these lights could potentially work for cannabis as well, since they seem very effective for other plants?

Im wondering if there's a significant difference in the light spectrums/lumens between cannabis and plants like tomatoes or strawberries. Do cannabis plants have specific needs that these cheaper lights might not meet, even if they work well for other crops?

Im particularly interested in any actual evidence or scientific data on this matter, rather than anecdotal experiences.

If anyone can point me towards research studies, expert articles, or any scientifically-backed sources that compare the light needs of cannabis to those of other plants, that would be incredibly helpful. Im looking for more concrete evidence to help guide my decision.

Thanks again for all your help!
 
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