Lighting BlackStar The Manual

[Level4refrigeratorclown]

Hopefully I am posting this in the right thread.

Hi all, came across this thread and got excited as I am just about to order my first LED from Gotham. I see alot of info on here about the 240w models, but I have a couple questions about a couple lower models. I am interested in the BS line, but there is no way my poor wallet can afford the 240w model (army vet - fixed income >.<). I was looking at the 100w and the 135w models but can not find near as much info on them as the bigger ones. I guess my main inquiry would be about light vs. grow space. Currently I grow in a converted pantry cabinet. 4.5' tall, 4' wide, 20" deep. My grow space is cut in half vertically, to give me 2 compartments roughly 2x2x4' each. Would a 135w BS be sufficient for each side? I can only comfortably fit a couple ladies in each side of the cab. Right now I am using cfl's and having moderate results.

So really I need to know, would a 135w BS be a significant upgrade from using a few spiral cfls? (currently 2x68w 2700k, 4x23w split between 2700k and 5000k full spec)

 

[virginia gent]

Welcome to AFN. I have been using an agromax ufo 135w and 4 4ft t5's in my 5ftx3ftx2.5ft tent for 5 plants and have had fair results. I am ordering a BS 240w uv this week and can't wait to try it out. You will like this site because everyone here wants to help. I just started growing my own this spring and have been having a ball. Check the site out because these guys have more info than any others I have seen.

 

[Mr Piggy]

Hopefully I am posting this in the right thread.

Hi all, came across this thread and got excited as I am just about to order my first LED from Gotham. I see alot of info on here about the 240w models, but I have a couple questions about a couple lower models. I am interested in the BS line, but there is no way my poor wallet can afford the 240w model (army vet - fixed income >.<). I was looking at the 100w and the 135w models but can not find near as much info on them as the bigger ones. I guess my main inquiry would be about light vs. grow space. Currently I grow in a converted pantry cabinet. 4.5' tall, 4' wide, 20" deep. My grow space is cut in half vertically, to give me 2 compartments roughly 2x2x4' each. Would a 135w BS be sufficient for each side? I can only comfortably fit a couple ladies in each side of the cab. Right now I am using cfl's and having moderate results.

So really I need to know, would a 135w BS be a significant upgrade from using a few spiral cfls? (currently 2x68w 2700k, 4x23w split between 2700k and 5000k full spec)

No. They would not sufficiently cover the space. Sorry level, I know those prices are steep! Each 240w model covers two square feet well, so your double barrel cab would have two chambers the perfect size for each to have it's own 240w panel. If you can only afford one 240 panel right now, get that and transfer the other cfls to the other cab. Once you have saved enough for another blackstar go ahead and get it. I started out in a cfl cab and saved up until I could get a 2x2x5 grow tent and blackstar. Now I'm saving to get a 2x4x5 tent and another blackstar 240. Upgrade like it's a video game, a lil bit at a time until it's awesome!

 

[poetic]

No. They would not sufficiently cover the space. Sorry level, I know those prices are steep! Each 240w model covers two square feet well, so your double barrel cab would have two chambers the perfect size for each to have it's own 240w panel. If you can only afford one 240 panel right now, get that and transfer the other cfls to the other cab. Once you have saved enough for another blackstar go ahead and get it. I started out in a cfl cab and saved up until I could get a 2x2x5 grow tent and blackstar. Now I'm saving to get a 2x4x5 tent and another blackstar 240. Upgrade like it's a video game, a lil bit at a time until it's awesome!

This is exactly how my setup is evolving. Slowly I add more space and light. It's just a constant upgrade. If I can no longer use some of my older equipment, I donate it to someone else. I hope in turn, they follow something similar to my evolution and do the same. For the 2x2, the 240 Blackstar really fits the bill.

 

[Level4refrigeratorclown]

Thanks for such a quick response Mr Piggy. I suppose I will have to keep saving for the 240w panel. I was really hoping that when the Gov signed A64 out here in Colorado this stuff would just start falling from the sky... I was wrong. LOL legal and dry as a bone. :cry:

Check the site out because these guys have more info than any others I have seen.

^^agreed, this is my first post since my acc info went all tits up, but I have been a member here and have frequented the forums for quite some time, just not a big poster. In any case thanks for the advice and the welcome!!

L4RC

 

[Mr Piggy]

Have fun growing those six legal plants!

 

[gradolabs]

Wait a minute... so it doesn't snow trichomes in Colorado? What was the point of legalizing it then?

 

[peaceloveandbud]

How did I miss this thread? Blackstar 240 grower here. It's my first run with it and I purchased it from Gotham a few months before I even registered here

I am satisfied so far with one Think Different underneath here(vegged under MH), as well as a 250w hps on my other plants. My only concern thus far is that it is hard for me to gauge how much coverage I am actually getting. What do ya'll think? (I put the cfl's on top of my hps to take the pic in case you were wondering what the light on top of the light is)



Peace.

 

[astronomy420a]

all you guy's that dont have any money! i dont either! i add a little at a time, and mix. use every light you have! yes a 135watt bs would fit nice in your cab! i have one, but if you dont have the cash use every cfl you have! i use, for six plant's, four blackstar's and six cfl's flood the space with light!!!

 

[kwalker0716]

This is a good thread to find, begins well, "18 - 24" for veg, ---VERY IMPORTANT POINT--- wish i had found it earlier. The 240's run so cool and efficiently you might think why not move it a little closer for some extra par right its only 130 actual watts right? DONT DO IT!! Even at 14" that 130 watts will fry a young seedling beyond recognition, give at least 24" for young plants as this light (2012 uv model) is some powerful shit, on the flip side once you make it to flowering 10"-14" it will produce some powerful shit, dense and juicy fruits, I think that without all of the extra heat that other lights produce, more flavor is trapped into the bud in combination with the extra resin nothing gets baked away while budding, this results in much less smell while growing but way more flavor/potency, you gotta love that. Keep Thread Alive. Perhaps someone would like to share some nute tips with us?