All, if you are like me, you've been trying to make sense out of all of the conflicting information there is out there about LED grow lights. To do so, I think it is important to ask yourself some questions about your goals and needs from the light.
These are just a few questions among many that you should be asking yourself
For me, light was only half of the equation. Without good growing medium and understanding of proper plant nutrition, you can't maximize your plants potential.
I started with a 3x3x6'6" grow tent. I grew 1 plant. It was an auto Purple from Pyramid seeds. I did DWC and used a 100 watt LED from Advanced. It was the DS XTE 100 ($349). I got an excellent yield and high quality, pretty looking bud. I probably could have added an other plant. However, 2 would have been the limit. So between the grow tent, light, DWC equipment, seeds and nutrients I spent around $600. I was very happy with my results.
I next got a 440 watt Solar Storm from California LightWorks. I grew 4 plants under this light in HP MIX in the same grow tent. I got even better results. I averaged 2.5 ounces per plant. I got a light that was 4 times more powerful for slightly more than 2 times the cost of the 100watt light. I was able to become more efficient in my grow space and get better yield for insignificant amount of additional time tending to the other plants. I did 2 grows with this configuration and was more than happy each time.
I am presently testing a new light from California lightWorks. It is the SolarSystem 550Watt unit. I had started 2 plants of Barney's Farm NYC Diesel Auto under the my 440 SolarStorm. I recently switched to the 550 SolarSystem. The plants reacted immediately to the increased wattage and growing better than ever.
My point of all is that you can spend little money and get good results under LED's. For a little more money you can increase your wattage and maximize your results. Just be honest with yourself when assessing what your goals and needs are fro your grow.
I am not endorsing either company that I mentioned. However, they are both American made and they tend not to overstate wattage. Please don't go by overstated wattage's from cheap lights. Look at how many watts they draw when they are running to get a more accurate understanding of their true wattage.
I've attached this link for LED comparisons. I don't agree with all of their conclusions. However, it is a great resource and provides great side by side comparisons of many of the most popular lights out there.
http://www.compareledgrowlights.com/
Disclaimer- this site may have been sponsored by Black Dog led
However, the information is still useful
Finally, just for my own information, I'm going to buy a cheap import LED and do a two plant grow with it. I am curious as to what the results will be. I will def post that when it happens.
In closing, there are many good led lights to choose from. At this point I'm recommending going American made. Buy as much light power as your circumstances will allow. You should be able to grow 4 plants under a 400 - 600watt led and get excellent results.
I hope you find this useful!
Cheers,
JAS
These are just a few questions among many that you should be asking yourself
- Who are you as a grower? - I.E. are you a hobbyist, a volume producer and etc. By understanding your needs you'll may be better able to identify the correct size of light.
- Consider your grow space. How many lights can you fit? Do you have adequate ventilation?
- What are you growing? Sativas, Indicas, Hybrids, Autos?
- BUDGET?
For me, light was only half of the equation. Without good growing medium and understanding of proper plant nutrition, you can't maximize your plants potential.
I started with a 3x3x6'6" grow tent. I grew 1 plant. It was an auto Purple from Pyramid seeds. I did DWC and used a 100 watt LED from Advanced. It was the DS XTE 100 ($349). I got an excellent yield and high quality, pretty looking bud. I probably could have added an other plant. However, 2 would have been the limit. So between the grow tent, light, DWC equipment, seeds and nutrients I spent around $600. I was very happy with my results.
I next got a 440 watt Solar Storm from California LightWorks. I grew 4 plants under this light in HP MIX in the same grow tent. I got even better results. I averaged 2.5 ounces per plant. I got a light that was 4 times more powerful for slightly more than 2 times the cost of the 100watt light. I was able to become more efficient in my grow space and get better yield for insignificant amount of additional time tending to the other plants. I did 2 grows with this configuration and was more than happy each time.
I am presently testing a new light from California lightWorks. It is the SolarSystem 550Watt unit. I had started 2 plants of Barney's Farm NYC Diesel Auto under the my 440 SolarStorm. I recently switched to the 550 SolarSystem. The plants reacted immediately to the increased wattage and growing better than ever.
My point of all is that you can spend little money and get good results under LED's. For a little more money you can increase your wattage and maximize your results. Just be honest with yourself when assessing what your goals and needs are fro your grow.
I am not endorsing either company that I mentioned. However, they are both American made and they tend not to overstate wattage. Please don't go by overstated wattage's from cheap lights. Look at how many watts they draw when they are running to get a more accurate understanding of their true wattage.
I've attached this link for LED comparisons. I don't agree with all of their conclusions. However, it is a great resource and provides great side by side comparisons of many of the most popular lights out there.
http://www.compareledgrowlights.com/
Disclaimer- this site may have been sponsored by Black Dog led
However, the information is still useful
Finally, just for my own information, I'm going to buy a cheap import LED and do a two plant grow with it. I am curious as to what the results will be. I will def post that when it happens.
In closing, there are many good led lights to choose from. At this point I'm recommending going American made. Buy as much light power as your circumstances will allow. You should be able to grow 4 plants under a 400 - 600watt led and get excellent results.
I hope you find this useful!
Cheers,
JAS
