I agree.
Lighting watts per square foot question.
- Thread starter 1guy1plant
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jackmc
Killing them softley
I'm with pop. Heat will be an issue with HID. I'd hold out for LED. There is some controversy over TopLED's warranty but their products seem reliable and are affordable. You can get into their MarsII 400W (200W Actual) landed in the US for less than $200. There are also a lot of other brands that offer a really good value that other members can recommend. What I've come to realize in my limited experience is that if you really get into this hobby you will keep buying kit until you find what works. So buy what you want to end up with. In the mean time keep growing. You can't buy experience. Peace
Honestly, I have not spent much time researching LED's but everyone keeps bringing them up. What kind of wattage should I be looking for? I am basically 5ft x 4.5ft but I will only grow 2-4 plants at a time. I am sick of worrying about it I may get one. It seems that most are dual spectrum.
ThaGreenBandit
Student of Herbal Alchemy
You'll want about 50w per square foot
I use the reflector lights from topled. The 144x3w (300 watt) has a recomended larea of 2.2x6.2ft or aomething like that. Ive had warranty claims with them and they took care of me. She is alittle different to deal with though. https://www.autoflower.org/f90/second-opinion-please-d-3rd-4th-36593.html this is my cotton candy I have growing atm. The big light does put out some heat though and if enclosed you still may have to vent. Its a diff heat though, kinda comes out the vents on the side rather than the light being hot if that makes any sense.
This is becoming a difficult question to answer because of the growing efficiency,my old GN Moduar light would need 40w per square foot but the same light fitted with Rebel upgtades 20w is all that's needed.
I know the LED research goes in circles. Finding the real science is frustrating.
Have an expensive 300 watt unit (expensive comparatively speaking for average 300 watter). It is top of the line (at least price wise). Why did I buy --- like you frustrated. So, found a US co with engineers etc. and full site disclosure. Patented LED bulb/units though I see the bulbs made by them can be purchased via Chinese supply companies. Efficiently placed LEDs with good length for any tent coverage. They now have a 535 watt which is just too costly.
So--here is what I did a month ago. Ordered an inexpensive 345 watter from Amazon. Last year this time did the same with a unit and it went out (all units can have issues even the expensive ones). What really got me was finding a sticker on the back of it that said--150 watts (the description claimed 225 watts--so paid for 75 unused watts.). The LED itself was solid and worked well--though overpriced and sold generically and with other branded names. Found out that Amazon LED listings were using the total wattage as a marketing tool rather than the actual draw. Deceptive to the uninformed. Raised hell with Amazon and looks like most now list all specs and include actual draw.
With LEDs it is all about photosynthetic light and it efficiency. HID and sodium expend heat and less usable light--so that is the distinction. LED's will have no wasted light and heat--even the cheap ones.
You may have run across this tidbit--5 watt LEds are not as cost effective as 3 watt. They somehow they tune the LED bulbs to expend only part of wattage--they say to extend life. I would rather have all the watts I paid for. The five watts sound powerful. Almost fell for it once. Better to have 200 3 watt bulbs spread out then 150 5 watt bulbs--for many reasons (given the same wattage of an LED unit). That is a lot of waste on 5 watts.
The 345 or so watter is fine.
Just bought a very inexpensive 600 watter. Works well and they add a few white bulbs for brightness (diminishes the purple cast and makes it look more like traditional lighting). The plants went into high gear--put two under it last night.
Here is what I think:
The highly engineered LEDs made by lightening companies with engineers is best. But, there are only a couple. The price is difficult to justify unless a commercial grower etc.
The LED industry is due for a shake up--soon--just too many seat of the pants operations.
Why did I buy a cheapy. Well to gamble (at least I win something) and curiosity. The LED biz is nasty because anyone can get into it without any experience. The Chinese sell all the components. It is funny because one can go thru the catalogues and see all the components used by the LED sellers. They are all the same.
What got me is that all LED's with a few exceptions use the same mounts on top of unit for hangers. All components with the exception of the highly engineering commercial LED firms are the same components. They are a hoot. Heard one description claiming their stainless steal fans are better than the plastic. Well--given same price maybe. Lots of fans are made of plastic. In fact--the better the quality LED the less need for fans. It is all in design--pack 1000s of LED's in a tiny area and it will be hot. Spread them out and engineer efficiently and no need for fans. Do a search for fanless LEDs--they are pricey yet note the design style is longer.
The LED's are the same. Only a few companies make them. So in the end every unit has a similar chip and bulbs.
If I was buying an LED today I would buy a big inexpensive mother. Have seen some on bay and can be bought at store fronts with 1200 watts for the cost of a good 300 watt unit. It is a cob style of LED with reflectors. One could get 2000 watts for around $700.00--that is what I would do.
Like the Chinese businessman said in a description: We know what the plants need. The plants could careless about the cost and features--it is the light spectra that counts. Cannabis only needs and can use a select range efficiently. For example blue and red are opposing in the spectrum. They respond a bit differently with an LED mix. But they will grow with either and will flower. The only remarkable distinction is that 'red' LEds cost more to make. Blue/red is the name of the game--some--white, IR, UV and maybe a hint of green (not necessary) makes little difference and is mostly marketing a distinction (my new one has IR yet doubt it will do much in short grow periods). Of course, the reds and blues are all slightly different within their own spectrum, e.g. Far red--promoting flowering hormone etc.
Everyone complains about quality. This new unit looks solid and the price about what I paid for first 240 watter. Some Amazon and bay listers have pricing for multiple units which can help one design the lighting for a new tent. My tent has all kinds of different models which is not very efficient.
Admin. policy is no LED discussions of models without a grow log. So, PM me and I will assist you. You can look forward to tons of light for a good price.
Cheers
_________________
BTY--Was chatting with someone yesterday. LEDs are efficient. I use to grow five or six under a single--240 watt LED. And some monsters. So--it doesn't take much.
Check out Rosenthals book and site. Thinks he has all the science and some testing. I like to get at least 50 watts per sq foot to cover all strains and sativas. Base all on Rosenthal info.
I just divide the lights watts by number of plants. 50 x 3 plants is 150 watts. Would go with minimum 300 watt. Yet--could grow several more if desire. Think longer LEDs are better then compact with all the different angles etc.
So--
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I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences. There is so much info out there on leds I am having a hard time pulling the trigger and buying one.
BayLee420
Chef de la ganja
jackmc
Killing them softley
1guy, I'm using a 300W draw light to grow up to 4 plants at a time in around 9 sq. ft. I have my plants clustered together so I probably grow in 6 sq. ft. of space.
For the application you describe and because of the energy efficiency a LED is perfect. There are a number of mfg.s who sell affordable LEDs. You'll find all sorts of grow journals of members who are successfully growing with inexpensive LEDs.
My advice is don't over think it. Buy an LED that you can afford and from a vendor you trust.:Sharing One:
For the application you describe and because of the energy efficiency a LED is perfect. There are a number of mfg.s who sell affordable LEDs. You'll find all sorts of grow journals of members who are successfully growing with inexpensive LEDs.
My advice is don't over think it. Buy an LED that you can afford and from a vendor you trust.:Sharing One:
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