Lighting Need advise on supplement lighting

[bakEQuatorial]

I'm in a rather different situation than most. I grow from a balcony with limited hours of sunlight. Like 4 hours or so. I currently supplement with fluorescent lights and its fine cos they are only 4 days old.

I'm thinking a little far ahead especially since I'm not sure my new and first grow will even survive. But if they do, I am considering upgrading my supplement lighting. Since it is supplemental, I'm thinking of getting cheap china led grow lights to try them out. If they suck…i won't feel the pinch that much.

Is it even workable? Stealth wise is not an issue cos its not visible to public. I also understand since its on a balcony, only limited reflecting can be done and lights will be wasted. Since its LED, I'm ok with the bill but just wanna know if this is a stupid idea? I should just find ways to add CFLs? But too messy imo and price ends up the same as buying the cheap LEDs.

Worth trying? Or better alternatives?

 

[Cerul]

I can't say how any lighting would work in your situation but I definitely think you shouldn't waste your money on CFLs. In my evolution through lighting I think CFL's were the least effective and present day LEDs and CoBs have all but made them irrelevant both in price and outcomes.

Growing on your balcony may seem lime stealth at this point but you will need light for 18 of the 24 hours and the glow from whatever light you use can signal your grow far and wide.

Have you thought about buying a tent and setting it up in your balcony? It could be the best option as you won't have to worry about smell issues inside and will be able to have a controlled environment for your plants.

Cheers

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[AutoWonders]

Since its LED, I'm ok with the bill but just wanna know if this is a stupid idea?

You might consider checking out Autocobs such as those available at www.cobshop.net. I have the 3500K ready to hang. You won't need supplemental lighting with Autocobs. They are extremely bright lights.

 

[bakEQuatorial]

I can't say how any lighting would work in your situation but I definitely think you shouldn't waste your money on CFLs. In my evolution through lighting I think CFL's were the least effective and present day LEDs and CoBs have all but made them irrelevant both in price and outcomes.

Growing on your balcony may seem lime stealth at this point but you will need light for 18 of the 24 hours and the glow from whatever light you use can signal your grow far and wide.

Have you thought about buying a tent and setting it up in your balcony? It could be the best option as you won't have to worry about smell issues inside and will be able to have a controlled environment for your plants.

Cheers

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Setting up a tent in my balcony will involve air conditioning for sure. Its hot all year round. Not really feasible imo.

Stealth is really not an issue though. Its a third storey balcony and everyone in my vicinity lights up their balcony. Actually, it will be more suspicious not to. My house is the dimmest one cos im cheap. And its only during night time. I checked and only one room from ONE house can see a bit of the balcony. I only need to cover a little which is easy.

I just wanna know if its even worthwhile doing so considering lots of light loss, unlike lights in grow tents. I can get 2 x True 140w full spectrum Led grow lights at about USD70++ so its really cheap. Even if they break, i have my backup fluoros?

 

[hecno]

Mate , go with what you can afford , being your first grow and where you are growing , wait and see if it works out before you spend a lot of money . If things work out , then look at upgrading .

 

[Cerul]

What temps are we talking about here?

I think you can get away with just a couple of lights hanging over your plants. Buy quality lights. Flouros are really crap. Even if you buy cheap led's buy the better quality ones like Mars Hydro or Viparspectra. Do your research. Imo lighting is the single most important aspect of your grow. Better lights = bigger plants when water, nutes, ph, and other factors are controlled for.
Is there a way to hang these lights from your balcony down to your plants?