180 Blackstar UFO - pulled the trigger - Any input?

Canon

Well-Known Member
Did a lowball bid on one yesterday and the offer was accepted.
This is the 2011 model, 6 band w/ 2 watt diodes. Advertised as flowering model.
Willbe used in a 2' X 2 1/2' closet where the plants don't get over 3 ft from dirt to canopy. (usually more towards 2')
Grow style varies widely and from 1 to 9 plants depending on grow style at the time.
After procrastinating for about a year on these, I thought it good to give a try with one. I know this may not be the top of the line for many of you, but for me I'm not needing(?) much. Being comfortable with the 250 MH/HPS I'm hoping this is a good alternative and somewhat compatable.
I find that most info on total grows with these to be sketchy at best (and confusing).

Questions are -
Should I be expecting to need side / low CFLs to compliment the grow of these in veg or flower?
Will my light meter still be usable when comparing light at the plant when checking intensity / penetration?
What distance for total coverage and best penetration / intensity?
And if I expand room size, how much area are these really good for covering? Think they say 3' X3',, but that's advertising and we all know how to believe that. ;-)

Honestly, still not convinced on LEDs,,, but I've gotta find out. The "pluses" are definately inticing to me. Now if it only will work.
 

Devilspawn

Well-Known Member
I just got the 240 flower- the 180 if I remember is 2w leds- the 240 uses 3 which gets bit better penetration. Added mine to my cab along wiith the 2 90w UFOs ( 1 w chips) and growth is taking off. Going to flower in a week or so once I get enough side colas from LSt. They love the 6 spectra it seems. I did add a cfl for heat originally b4 I putthe 240 in- plenty of heat now so I pulled it out. I still may side light with cfls once the canopy gets dense. You are only going to get 4-6 sq ft, not 9 out of this one.
 

Canon

Well-Known Member
Thanks for the reply.
I was torn between them 2 actually. Hope to do complete grows with this in the 5 sq ft closet. Remember thinking the 240 may have been a bit much to start out.
Figured if need be, a CFL could get dropped down the middle for lower levels.
Hear 8 - 12 inch over the canopy is about right?

Thanks
 

Devilspawn

Well-Known Member
8" is supposed to be right withthe 60 degree leds- not sure how 180 is- might be a mix. Wider angle, you can get closer. I have my 90s with 1w 120s about 3" away on sides
 
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