Where do I start?

So I've been growing for a while and I've wanted to try LED but it was never really a good time. Now I have extra space but where heat is an issue so why not start now.

Looking at all this LED info here is very overwhelming. I do want to try to build my own light but I am so confused with the different types of lights, lenses, etc.

I'm mostly interested in a system for flowering but veg would be nice too. It's the same with COB right, or no?

Also the ideal coverage space is about 4'x4'.

So any links to very helpful sites or threads, or even info from your personal setup, just help me out a little please haha.

Thanks

Are you looking to build your own led/cob fixture or buy one from a company?

This guy is a member and builds a nice light

http://johnsongrowlights.com/index.php?

Ben123456733 said:

So I've been growing for a while and I've wanted to try LED but it was never really a good time. Now I have extra space but where heat is an issue so why not start now.

Looking at all this LED info here is very overwhelming. I do want to try to build my own light but I am so confused with the different types of lights, lenses, etc.

I'm mostly interested in a system for flowering but veg would be nice too. It's the same with COB right, or no?

Also the ideal coverage space is about 4'x4'.

So any links to very helpful sites or threads, or even info from your personal setup, just help me out a little please haha.

Thanks

Click to expand...

What did you see that made you want to try LED? That's a good place to start.

I appreciate the replies, but maybe we are all too stoned?

Every question can be answered in my original post. I do not want to buy a pre-made light, I can't justify paying $500 for something that can be made for half the price.
Also I had stated I was looking to start LED because I have had an interest in it for a while, and now finally have space that is heat sensitive, so LED.

Really I'm just looking for any info on for example 3070 vs 3590, whats the difference? Is there information that tells me the differences? Also, lenses. Necessary, not necessary, benefits, etc.

Ben123456733 said:

I appreciate the replies, but maybe we are all too stoned?

Every question can be answered in my original post. I do not want to buy a pre-made light, I can't justify paying $500 for something that can be made for half the price.
Also I had stated I was looking to start LED because I have had an interest in it for a while, and now finally have space that is heat sensitive, so LED.

Really I'm just looking for any info on for example 3070 vs 3590, whats the difference? Is there information that tells me the differences? Also, lenses. Necessary, not necessary, benefits, etc.

Click to expand...

Start here for the process and the components. ->https://www.rollitup.org/t/summary-of-supraspls-advice-on-building-diy-cobs.902120/ this is a summary of guidance by SupraSPL one of our resident experts on LED lighting. The others such as Growmau5e->,https://www.rollitup.org/t/mau5capades-builds-grow-journal.881192/ and Greengenes ->,https://www.rollitup.org/t/greengenes-garden.839682/ are also experts, all with expert advice on this site. Also start here.https://www.rollitup.org/t/diy-leds-how-to-power-them.801554/
peace. good luck and happy DIYing. my latest build ->https://www.rollitup.org/t/cxa3590-5000k-veg.902797/#post-12420815
peace

Start with a couple of supras threads and then start checking out builds by others and daydream about how all that can apply to your situation.

I am a fan of mounting the heatsink into the ceiling of the grow area when heat is a concern. This will remove most of the heat without using the ventilation and allow more headroom as well.

A 4x4 will be expensive to light at one cob per sq. ft. but you could work your way up to it using bars with 4 cobs each. Or jump right in with 16 from the beginning.

As for which cobs? The 3070 and vero29 are a little cheaper but the 3590 are the efficiency leaders right now. All of them work great at 50w. Personally, I would go with the cheaper ones and see what the market does in the next year or two. It won't be hard to upgrade when the next big thing comes around.

http://www.cutter.com.au/proddetail.php?prod=cut2900

Dude mau5 has full series on youtube with lots of grow show action.. I just tripped on. And @flyinglegally @ttystick dove in head first with some great info.

Can't give you a review on the 3590's but I really like what my CXB3070's (3000K) are doing for the girls...

8 cobs w/90 deg reflectors, 40"X12" passive heat sink, 2 MW drivers, I'm into it for around $700+-.