Question about led lighting for 4x4 tent

[sc.biker]

I'm currently using a eBay led light and although I'm generally happy with it I'm looking to upgrade. I grow DWC in a 4x4 tent.
I am wondering if it would better to run two smaller full spectrum lights or one large light?
I've got a budget of around $500 so any suggestions would also be much appreciated.

 

[V256.420]

$500 for a decent light in a 4 x 4 would probably be had from Alibaba. You will pay a lot more if ordered from US sellers.

 

[PJ Diaz]

$500 for a decent light in a 4 x 4 would probably be had from Alibaba. You will pay a lot more if ordered from US sellers.

You can do it for $500 if you DIY with HLG stuff.

 

[OSBuds]

Medic Grow Fold 8 PAR Test & Review - Coco For Cannabis

Independent Grow Light Test and Review of the Medic Grow Fold 8 by Dr MJ Coco. Medic Grow Discount Code, Review, PAR map, PPFD, Efficiency, Hanging Height

www.cocoforcannabis.com

 

[sc.biker]

Medic Grow Fold 8 PAR Test & Review - Coco For Cannabis

Independent Grow Light Test and Review of the Medic Grow Fold 8 by Dr MJ Coco. Medic Grow Discount Code, Review, PAR map, PPFD, Efficiency, Hanging Height

www.cocoforcannabis.com

I looked at these lights and are definitely a contender but might be a little tight in my 4x4

 

[piratebug]

I am still a big fan of custom 320 boards 3k w/reds-4k-3k w/reds, they grow big beautiful plants using just 240 watts at the wall, and two of those boards lights up a 4x4 nicely. you can easily pull (34 to 38 zips out of that area every 110 days)! And if you go the component route at kingbrite, you can build two 320 for $118 each, and with shipping the total is $282. And then I would buy the drivers locally from (trc, etc)!

 

[VTHIZZ]

Get this for $270. You wont find a better deal. I like to use 1 light on 1 timer.

 

[PJ Diaz]

To answer the OP's question, generally speaking, two fixtures would offer you more flexibility than one. You can also space two out better to avoid the hotspot in the center issue. In the case of bar-type LED fixtures, that seems to less of a concern.

 

[FidelCa$hflow]

I'm currently using a eBay led light and although I'm generally happy with it I'm looking to upgrade. I grow DWC in a 4x4 tent.
I am wondering if it would better to run two smaller full spectrum lights or one large light?
I've got a budget of around $500 so any suggestions would also be much appreciated.

You need about 600 actual watts(at least that’s ideal)
Ive got 2 sf2000s and an sf1000 in my 4x4, and technically it falls short of the 600 watt draw benchmark but id say save another 60 and consider an sf 3000 which is definitely enough for that 4x4. Im Not endorsing spiderfarmer but based on bang for buck and reliability its my best quick answer.

 

[FidelCa$hflow]

Get this for $270. You wont find a better deal. I like to use 1 light on 1 timer.


View attachment 4922088

Wow its got great components and power. How is the driver mounted, or is it not mounted?

 

[VTHIZZ]

You need about 600 actual watts(at least that’s ideal)
Ive got 2 sf2000s and an sf1000 in my 4x4, and technically it falls short of the 600 watt draw benchmark but id say save another 60 and consider an sf 3000 which is definitely enough for that 4x4. Im Not endorsing spiderfarmer but based on bang for buck and reliability its my best quick answer.

With quality diodes all you need is 30w per sq ft.

 

[VTHIZZ]

Wow its got great components and power. How is the driver mounted, or is it not mounted?

I think it gets mounted on top, but can also be mounted outside the tent. I personally mount them outside the tent

 

[piratebug]

Get this for $270. You wont find a better deal. I like to use 1 light on 1 timer.


View attachment 4922088

That isn't a bad deal, but their 76800 lumen output / 480 watts = 160lpw is way off, because each lm283B diode is only rated at 113lpw!

 

[PJ Diaz]

That isn't a bad deal, but their 76800 lumen output / 480 watts = 160lpw is way off, because each lm283B diode is only rated at 113lpw!

I was just noticing the same thing, because I hadn't seen lm283b diodes used yet, so I had to look it up. I've seen a lot of fixtures with lm281b diodes lately, which are a bit better. Remember that lm301b are rated at 220 lm/watt, so nearly double the light output as these lm283 diodes.

 

[PJ Diaz]

With quality diodes all you need is 30w per sq ft.

But those aren't quality diodes, so you need 60w per sq ft.

 

[PadawanWarrior]

But those aren't quality diodes, so you need 60w per sq ft.

These light threads have been getting crazy lately, so I've been treading lightly, lol. I like the HLG idea. I'm guessing you're thinking the QB96's. He could even start with 4 and one big driver or a couple 320's. Then he could get another couple QB's to create a better spread when he's got more cash. Just a thought. I'll be curious to hear how you like the strip light you're testing vs the QB's.

I have 6 new QB96's in a box still, so I have no actual experience with them, but know you do.

QB96 Elite V2 Engine

QB96 Elite V2 is a white LED Board with boosted red spectrum. Each Board is powered by 64 high power white LED, 16 630nm Red LED and 16 660nm Deep Red LED.

horticulturelightinggroup.com

 

[PJ Diaz]

These light threads have been getting crazy lately, so I've been treading lightly, lol. I like the HLG idea. I'm guessing you're thinking the QB96's. He could even start with 4 and one big driver or a couple 320's. Then he could get another couple QB's to create a better spread when he's got more cash. Just a thought. I'll be curious to hear how you like the strip light you're testing vs the QB's.

I have 6 new QB96's in a box still, so I have no actual experience with them, but know you do.

QB96 Elite V2 Engine

QB96 Elite V2 is a white LED Board with boosted red spectrum. Each Board is powered by 64 high power white LED, 16 630nm Red LED and 16 660nm Deep Red LED.

horticulturelightinggroup.com

I really like the bar lights, but I will keep my QB96's for the winter so that I can run them with a 315cmh for added IR heat during those cold months.