advice on choosing LED device

[Raka]

I have been cultivating for a while in a 1.2 x 1.2 meter (4x4) space using 5 x 39-watt T5HO fluorescent tubes during the initial period, then switching to a 600-watt HPS light. Now, I would like to switch to LED lighting, mainly to better manage the high temperatures in summer. I would appreciate advice on which products to consider, keeping in mind that I have very limited knowledge about this technology, and I’ve seen a wide range of prices even for devices that (at least to my eyes) seemed to offer similar performance.

I would like to add that I don't integrate with CO2 and I am in the EU, so only brands/models that I can easily order from Europe.

 

[Baron von Bud]

Heat is a big issue for a tent. I have a 3x3 tent running a 242 watt ViparSpectra led (~600w equiv) - $160 or so on Amazon. Great performers for the money. That might be a bit low wattage for a 4x4. Most modern LED lights have a dimmer - important. Spider Farmer and Mars and others have good lights. My led will raise the tent temperature very little in winter.

 

[Raka]

What do you think of lumatek? Also comparing the prices of the various models from online retailers, I found the ZEUS PRO 2.9 - 465W at practically the same price as the ZEUS PRO 3.1 - 600W, now, would it be worth buying the 600w ZEUS PRO 3.1 and using it at 80%?

 

[Baron von Bud]

What do you think of lumatek? Also comparing the prices of the various models from online retailers, I found the ZEUS PRO 2.9 - 465W at practically the same price as the ZEUS PRO 3.1 - 600W, now, would it be worth buying the 600w ZEUS PRO 3.1 and using it at 80%?

Just looked it up. Very nice light with a Samsung 301 driver. In a 4x4 tent that light is the minimum wattage I'd use. I'd run it without dimming after ten days of vegetative growth. Just raise or lower the light to 22" in veg and 18" in flower or whatever the manufacturer recommends. Sorry for the Fahrenheit and non-metric measures - we really are backward in the US.

 

[1212ham]

What do you think of lumatek? Also comparing the prices of the various models from online retailers, I found the ZEUS PRO 2.9 - 465W at practically the same price as the ZEUS PRO 3.1 - 600W, now, would it be worth buying the 600w ZEUS PRO 3.1 and using it at 80%?

Lumatek is good and I think the PRO 3.1 is the better choice.

 

[1212ham]

Just looked it up. Very nice light with a Samsung 301 driver. In a 4x4 tent that light is the minimum wattage I'd use. I'd run it without dimming after ten days of vegetative growth. Just raise or lower the light to 22" in veg and 18" in flower or whatever the manufacturer recommends. Sorry for the Fahrenheit and non-metric measures - we really are backward in the US.

It has 301H diodes, the driver is Lumatek.

 

[Wastei]

The most affordable in the EU is probably Philzon if you order from Germany.

Lumatek are alright but not very affordable in the EU.

 

[Baron von Bud]

The most affordable in the EU is probably Philzon if you order from Germany.

The Lumatek looks like a good light but it is expensive. Over $400. Similar wattage ViparSpectra lights are under $200 on Amazon in the US. Is it some VAT tax thing? After Greenland and Canada maybe Trump should take over Europe too.

 

[Raka]

Lumatek actually seems very expensive... I'm looking at this manufacturer, they're Dutch, and their products seem well-made. I also like the option to upgrade with UV and NIR... what do you think about it? DIMLUX - XPLORE SERIES LED | 800W.
I saw they also have a 730W model and a 730W 9-bar version https://dimlux.nl/dimlux-xplore-series-led-730w-9x/

There’s not much price difference between the three models, which one would you recommend?

 

[Raka]

I also looked at PHLIZON. The PHLIZON FD7600 800W Full-Spectrum+UV/IR
would cost me a little less than the Dimlux Xplore LED 800W.

 

[waytoofaded]

I also looked at PHLIZON. The PHLIZON FD7600 800W Full-Spectrum+UV/IR
would cost me a little less than the Dimlux Xplore LED 800W.

The Phlizon FD7600 would be a better choice.

I looked at the Dimlux, not much information is given (ie diode count and type)

The Phlizon uses Samsung lm281b diodes, not the best on the market, but a solid choice for a budget light.

The FD7600 comes with an actual led driver as well, instead of a digital ballast.

Phlizon has also been in the game for awhile now, which to me is also a positive.

 

[coreywebster]

I also looked at PHLIZON. The PHLIZON FD7600 800W Full-Spectrum+UV/IR
.

They do a 600w version. Fd6000

I own a few, they come with inventronics drivers, which are good.
and I own the lumatek 3.1 pro also.

Since you are in the EU you should also look at migro lights and definitely check his YouTube channel where he reviews most lights on the market

 

[coreywebster]

LUMii XLEDV6 680W LED Fixture

LUMii XLEDv6 680w LED Fixture LUMii XLEDv6 680w LED fixture is a high-performing, high-efficiency mid-range 6-bar LED fixture. Lightweight and easy to install. Supplied with a constant current driver which has fold-out brackets enabling it to sit on the upper face of the fixture. The driver has...

grorite.co.uk

There's also options like this.

Basically any HPS ballast producer now make LED bar light and most of them use the same HPS ballast you already have, though this one seems to come with a proper driver

 

[Raka]

Thanks to everyone for the good advice. I’ve read positive reviews about the Lumatek Zeus Pro 3.1, and the price is around 1000 euro. I’d like to understand if it’s really worth the price difference compared to several models that, on paper, seem to have the same light efficiency and cost half the price. Anyway, from what you’re advising me, it seems like I can get a good device with a budget of 500 euro.

 

[coreywebster]

Just to correct myself, I keep saying I have the lumatek and I don't.
I change the plan and ordered the omega infinity pro 3.0 , because on paper it was pretty much the same light but half the price.

Lumatek are solid lights, but I wouldn't pay €1000 for a led light in this day and age.

If you look at some of the hps manufacturers led designs, youl see that although they might use 60w - 100w more and are slightly less umol per joule the actual light output is higher.

So it's a balance between efficiency and cost and in all honesty the scales tip toward cost for me.

I can get a light (like omega black) for £200 or less that has more light output than a light like Lumatek that cist 4x the price.

If I was buying today I'd go for the cheaper option.
Chasing absolute efficiency is crazy when you think next year there will be something better anyway.

 

[futurebanjo]

I use these, for what it's worth-- widley available in UK, dunno about the rest of the EU...

DAYLIGHT LED - DAYLIGHT Lighting Systems

Enhance your growing journey with DAYLIGHT LED grow lights. Embrace the future of indoor cultivation and join the DAYLIGHT LED revolution today!

growwithdaylight.co.uk

I have a 300w, but youd probably want the 480w in your space....

 

[futurebanjo]

For example for £490:

Data sheet here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/4oee52n71ppygtso4eeya/ALNawDPoi2sfJbDioVg78cI?dl=0&e=1&preview=1+-+English+-+DAYLIGHT-480W-LED.pdf&rlkey=lcsl71nfjtffhcegw65blrb3h

Maxibright Daylight LED Grow Light - 480W / 480W PRO

Fixture efficiency of 2.7 μmol/J or 2.3 μmol/J Five bars of high-efficiency Osram and LUMLED LED chips Full spectrum output including far red and UV Even light spread over 1.2 x 1.2 meter footprint Solid state silent operation 50,000 hours LED lifespan Plug-and-play and pre-installed heavy-duty...

www.futuregarden.co.uk

 

[Rivendell]

I have been running a vipar ks5000 in a 4x4 for a while now, absolutely no complaints. Not sure what pricing on your side of the pond is, but its currently $440 on amazon.

 

[tstick]

If you want to try an inexpensive light from Amazon, then I'd take a chance on one of the Updayday 300watt lights. They are inexpensive. They are super fun to use because you can customize the spectrum. They are NOT UL listed for safety or anything light that. They are probably a company that won't be around for much longer. I think (hope) they have improved their packaging for shipment. The light I use is an older model that has been discontinued. I think they still offer a big one (1000 watt) and a smaller one (300 watt).

Another more reputable option is Viparspectra. I have two of their XS 1500 Pro lights....really like them a lot! They are also very inexpensive but they are well-reviewed and you can get a few of them to equate to a bigger fixture.

 

[Baron von Bud]

If you want to try an inexpensive light from Amazon, then I'd take a chance on one of the Updayday 300watt lights. They are inexpensive. They are super fun to use because you can customize the spectrum. They are NOT UL listed for safety or anything light that. They are probably a company that won't be around for much longer. I think (hope) they have improved their packaging for shipment. The light I use is an older model that has been discontinued. I think they still offer a big one (1000 watt) and a smaller one (300 watt).

Another more reputable option is Viparspectra. I have two of their XS 1500 Pro lights....really like them a lot! They are also very inexpensive but they are well-reviewed and you can get a few of them to equate to a bigger fixture.

Good idea. Raka could put two of the ViparSpectra xs1500 into his 4x4 tent. Two provide 300w, wide surface coverage and total cost of only $220.