Commercial QB Setup

FOL

FOL

Member
Hello All!
We are a newly licensed medical grower, looking to get some opinions on a light setup.

In personal growing I have tried many different LEDs and we are sold on HLG products, love the quantum boards.

We have come up with several potential layouts, these three are the top picks.

1.) Two Triple heat sinks with 6 QB288 and 2 320W driver in each 4x4

2.) QB 96 Elites on COB style racks with 11 per 4x8

3.) 2 Triple Sinks with 2 quantum boards on each and a meanwell 240w on each, plus a COB style row of QB96 Elites down the middle (either 4 on a 600w over two beds or 2 on a 320w in each bed)

The drawings should give an idea what I'm talking about.

Basically, the question is: all QB288s, all QB96 Elites or a mix of QB288 and QB96 Elite ?

Any maybe this is way overkill..? Maybe just 4 QB96 Elites and two 320W drivers in each 4x4..?

Any suggestions or input would be appreciated!

Light 1.JPG Light 2.JPG
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
FOL said:
Hello All!
We are a newly licensed medical grower, looking to get some opinions on a light setup.

In personal growing I have tried many different LEDs and we are sold on HLG products, love the quantum boards.

We have come up with several potential layouts, these three are the top picks.

1.) Two Triple heat sinks with 6 QB288 and 2 320W driver in each 4x4

2.) QB 96 Elites on COB style racks with 11 per 4x8

3.) 2 Triple Sinks with 2 quantum boards on each and a meanwell 240w on each, plus a COB style row of QB96 Elites down the middle (either 4 on a 600w over two beds or 2 on a 320w in each bed)

The drawings should give an idea what I'm talking about.

Basically, the question is: all QB288s, all QB96 Elites or a mix of QB288 and QB96 Elite ?

Any maybe this is way overkill..? Maybe just 4 QB96 Elites and two 320W drivers in each 4x4..?

Any suggestions or input would be appreciated!

View attachment 4228888 View attachment 4228889
Click to expand...
Yeah for the 288 6 per 4x4 if you have a short space. If you have a tall space like a gorilla tent with height extension 4 QB96 per 4x4 would be cheap and effective
 
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FOL

FOL

Member
Thanks guys, we are filling a room with 9 x 4'x8' beds, so that's 18 4'x4' grow areas. Ceiling height is 8'

Our original plan was 6 QB288 with 2 320W drivers in each 4x4, but they are sending us 32 QB96 Elites to check out, and I like the idea of adding the red spectrum, just not sure if it's worth the hassle..

We can use the QB96 Elites elsewhere if we decide to stick with 6 QB288s per 4x4, just looking for some opinions on 288 vs 96 elites as far as light spread and whether the extra red is beneficial since the cost will be similar either way we go.
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
FOL said:
Thanks guys, we are filling a room with 9 x 4'x8' beds, so that's 18 4'x4' grow areas. Ceiling height is 8'

Our original plan was 6 QB288 with 2 320W drivers in each 4x4, but they are sending us 32 QB96 Elites to check out, and I like the idea of adding the red spectrum, just not sure if it's worth the hassle..

We can use the QB96 Elites elsewhere if we decide to stick with 6 QB288s per 4x4, just looking for some opinions on 288 vs 96 elites as far as light spread and whether the extra red is beneficial since the cost will be similar either way we go.
Click to expand...
Are the beds on tables or the ground? QB96 might be a better option for your situation if the beds are on the ground you could run the QB96 at 250w each an grow some trees in that case you would only need 5-6 QB96 per 4x8. I strongly recommended you buy a good par meter like an apogee mq500 you will be spending alot on the room an extra few hundred $ for the par meter will help get the lights dialed in
 
FOL

FOL

Member
Ryante55 said:
Are the beds on tables or the ground? QB96 might be a better option for your situation if the beds are on the ground you could run the QB96 at 250w each an grow some trees in that case you would only need 5-6 QB96 per 4x8. I strongly recommended you buy a good par meter like an apogee mq500 you will be spending a lot on the room an extra few hundred $ for the par meter will help get the lights dialed in
Click to expand...
Yeah, we have been shopping PAR meters, I just need to bite the bullet, pick one up, build these setups and test them out. I was kinda just hoping someone would show up and say, hey I did all that, here is the answer lol..

I've been following the QB96 Elite threads, and the PAR tests that have been done are looking promising, but that brings me to the issue of wattage. If I have to run 1250 watts of power for 5 QB96s I feel like I'm kind of defeating the purpose of going LED, especially if I know I can get good results from 640 watts of 288s
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
FOL said:
Yeah, we have been shopping PAR meters, I just need to bite the bullet, pick one up, build these setups and test them out. I was kinda just hoping someone would show up and say, hey I did all that, here is the answer lol..

I've been following the QB96 Elite threads, and the PAR tests that have been done are looking promising, but that brings me to the issue of wattage. If I have to run 1250 watts of power for 5 QB96s I feel like I'm kind of defeating the purpose of going LED, especially if I know I can get good results from 640 watts of 288s
Click to expand...
640w of 288 would cover a 4x4 so it's the same power for the space the QB96 is just a little cheaper if you run at high wattage with active cooling. Just buy the par meter either way if your on a tight budget the QB96 would be cheaper. The cheapest par meter worth buying would be the apogee you won't regret having it if you have to spend less on lights/nutrient to afford a good par meter do it.
 
FOL

FOL

Member
Ryante55 said:
640w of 288 would cover a 4x4 so it's the same power for the space the QB96 is just a little cheaper if you run at high wattage with active cooling. Just buy the par meter either way if your on a tight budget the QB96 would be cheaper. The cheapest par meter worth buying would be the apogee you won't regret having it if you have to spend less on lights/nutrient to afford a good par meter do it.
Click to expand...
Know anything about this PAR meter? We were about to order some ventialtion supplies and it has decent reviews online: https://hydrobuilder.com/sun-system-par-meter-with-remote-sensor.html?___store=default
 
PSUAGRO.

PSUAGRO.

Well-Known Member
FOL said:
Know anything about this PAR meter? We were about to order some ventialtion supplies and it has decent reviews online: https://hydrobuilder.com/sun-system-par-meter-with-remote-sensor.html?___store=default
Click to expand...
it's a rebranded old apogee meter........you want their newer par sensor(usb connect to save some coin), or use a quality lux meter with conversion on the cheap

https://www.amazon.com/Apogee-SQ-520-Smart-Quantum-Sensor/dp/B075X3NYT7/ref=sr_1_10/131-4646968-2993403?ie=UTF8&qid=1541693079&sr=8-10&keywords=apogee+par+meter
 
fROGGled

fROGGled

Well-Known Member
FOL said:
Thanks guys, we are filling a room with 9 x 4'x8' beds, so that's 18 4'x4' grow areas. Ceiling height is 8'

Our original plan was 6 QB288 with 2 320W drivers in each 4x4, but they are sending us 32 QB96 Elites to check out, and I like the idea of adding the red spectrum, just not sure if it's worth the hassle......
Click to expand...
I'm gonna play Devil's advocate for you so take this as you will.

Are these lights you want to use UL listed? You better check that out because your state may not allow you to use them. Also check with your insurance company. The insurance company you may want to use might not insure you. And they will definitely screw you over on a claim without approved safety listings.

Also you do understand that QBs are not true horticultural/cannabis lighting? They are off the shelf parts, nothing special about them. And if you don't believe me take all your QB info and ask this company (http://www.valoya.com/cannabis/), what they think. They only deal with people and companies that are licensed to grow so the average enthusiasit/hobbyist like myself and others here can't get their lights or time but you can. And they actually employ photobiologist and lighting engineers. Besides that I urge you to watch their webinar and read this paper below. Also check out their credentials and see who is using them. You may find out that QBs aren't going to cut it in a competitive commercial setting.


https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489030

"LIGHT QUALITY​

A result of years of research, Valoya’s spectra for cannabis have been found through independent research to result in industry leading cannabinoid expressions and plant biomass. All spectra are full (wide, continuous), patented and have been developed through testing against HPS, monochromatic LEDs and some competitors’ LED grow lights."

The advice you are getting here is not what you need. Some growers here are talented but I wouldn't call most of them knowledgable. Too many fanboys, marketers and salespeople are hanging out in this forum. Beware. Unless of course you are here to justify your choices then feel free to ignore my post and drink the Kool Aid.



Cheers and best of luck in your endevour.
 
PSUAGRO.

PSUAGRO.

Well-Known Member
Holy shit froggy is back!.......... SDS and you always on the valoya love train: )

Welcome back cranky
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
fROGGled said:
I'm gonna play Devil's advocate for you so take this as you will.

Are these lights you want to use UL listed? You better check that out because your state may not allow you to use them. Also check with your insurance company. The insurance company you may want to use might not insure you. And they will definitely screw you over on a claim without approved safety listings.

Also you do understand that QBs are not true horticultural/cannabis lighting? They are off the shelf parts, nothing special about them. And if you don't believe me take all your QB info and ask this company (http://www.valoya.com/cannabis/), what they think. They only deal with people and companies that are licensed to grow so the average enthusiasit/hobbyist like myself and others here can't get their lights or time but you can. And they actually employ photobiologist and lighting engineers. Besides that I urge you to watch their webinar and read this paper below. Also check out their credentials and see who is using them. You may find out that QBs aren't going to cut it in a competitive commercial setting.


https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489030

"LIGHT QUALITY​

A result of years of research, Valoya’s spectra for cannabis have been found through independent research to result in industry leading cannabinoid expressions and plant biomass. All spectra are full (wide, continuous), patented and have been developed through testing against HPS, monochromatic LEDs and some competitors’ LED grow lights."

The advice you are getting here is not what you need. Some growers here are talented but I wouldn't call most of them knowledgable. Too many fanboys, marketers and salespeople are hanging out in this forum. Beware. Unless of course you are here to justify your choices then feel free to ignore my post and drink the Kool Aid.



Cheers and best of luck in your endevour.
Click to expand...
Guess I missed the part where he said it had to be ul listed everyone was just answering his actual question
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
fROGGled said:
I'm gonna play Devil's advocate for you so take this as you will.

Are these lights you want to use UL listed? You better check that out because your state may not allow you to use them. Also check with your insurance company. The insurance company you may want to use might not insure you. And they will definitely screw you over on a claim without approved safety listings.

Also you do understand that QBs are not true horticultural/cannabis lighting? They are off the shelf parts, nothing special about them. And if you don't believe me take all your QB info and ask this company (http://www.valoya.com/cannabis/), what they think. They only deal with people and companies that are licensed to grow so the average enthusiasit/hobbyist like myself and others here can't get their lights or time but you can. And they actually employ photobiologist and lighting engineers. Besides that I urge you to watch their webinar and read this paper below. Also check out their credentials and see who is using them. You may find out that QBs aren't going to cut it in a competitive commercial setting.


https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489030

"LIGHT QUALITY​

A result of years of research, Valoya’s spectra for cannabis have been found through independent research to result in industry leading cannabinoid expressions and plant biomass. All spectra are full (wide, continuous), patented and have been developed through testing against HPS, monochromatic LEDs and some competitors’ LED grow lights."

The advice you are getting here is not what you need. Some growers here are talented but I wouldn't call most of them knowledgable. Too many fanboys, marketers and salespeople are hanging out in this forum. Beware. Unless of course you are here to justify your choices then feel free to ignore my post and drink the Kool Aid.



Cheers and best of luck in your endevour.
Click to expand...
That was a pretty stupid video I couldn't suffer tgrouth all of it. I love your "off the shelf parts" comment like everything isn't an off the shelf part. Do the special led you buy float? Or do you just pick them up off the ground?
 
R

Ryante55

Well-Known Member
PSUAGRO. said:
Nah, he's been here since the inception of this led subforum. He may rub people the wrong way sometimes, but it's his personality......... also sucks at party cup growing:mrgreen:
Click to expand...
I'm surprised I haven't encountered him I've been here for like 6-7 years now
 
FOL

FOL

Member
fROGGled said:
I'm gonna play Devil's advocate for you so take this as you will.

Are these lights you want to use UL listed? You better check that out because your state may not allow you to use them. Also check with your insurance company. The insurance company you may want to use might not insure you. And they will definitely screw you over on a claim without approved safety listings.

Also you do understand that QBs are not true horticultural/cannabis lighting? They are off the shelf parts, nothing special about them. And if you don't believe me take all your QB info and ask this company (http://www.valoya.com/cannabis/), what they think. They only deal with people and companies that are licensed to grow so the average enthusiasit/hobbyist like myself and others here can't get their lights or time but you can. And they actually employ photobiologist and lighting engineers. Besides that I urge you to watch their webinar and read this paper below. Also check out their credentials and see who is using them. You may find out that QBs aren't going to cut it in a competitive commercial setting.


https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/489030

"LIGHT QUALITY​

A result of years of research, Valoya’s spectra for cannabis have been found through independent research to result in industry leading cannabinoid expressions and plant biomass. All spectra are full (wide, continuous), patented and have been developed through testing against HPS, monochromatic LEDs and some competitors’ LED grow lights."

The advice you are getting here is not what you need. Some growers here are talented but I wouldn't call most of them knowledgable. Too many fanboys, marketers and salespeople are hanging out in this forum. Beware. Unless of course you are here to justify your choices then feel free to ignore my post and drink the Kool Aid.



Cheers and best of luck in your endevour.
Click to expand...
I do appreciate the alternative perspective. I will look into this info before I make any comments on it. I have been thoroughly researching LED lights for about 6 months now, but can't say i know anything about this company.

As far as UL certification.. I have gone round and round with that. No the QB kits are not UL listed. This is a calculated risk I have put much consideration into.

Ryante55 said:
Looks like it's not the full spectrum sensor I would just spend the extra $100 for the better one you must be spending like 20k for the setup just buy 1 less light if you have to
Click to expand...
I just went ahead and ordered the Apogee MQ500. Should've done it weeks ago, thanks for shaming me into it lol. At least now I can publish the effects of varying setups since I have so many lights to play with.

Here is a pic of our current mother/breeding room and our new room yet to be completed.New Flower Room.JPG
 
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