4x8' grow tent, need some LED DIY guidance
- Thread starter everest_dope
- Start date
everest_dope
Active Member
So I decided to scrap my original plan for the control box. These ones I got are too small. I forgot I need to make room in there for the power converter for the fans too. I'm getting a couple of these so I can fit everything in. Also can't hurt to build this thing with a little style, right? I have a bunch of these fans left over from a computer build not long ago so that's how I'll be cooling the boards. It's all starting to come together.
Airwalker16
Well-Known Member
Mini boards? Maybe in just looks yes.
But those LEDs are about a little over half as efficient and put out less than half the photons as Samsung's or bridgelux ones.
Covetsculitvars
Well-Known Member
I appreciate the insight.... Flying by the seat of my pants here sorta speak, are you saying Samsung and bridelux have screw LEDs like the ones I have!?
I was looking at these
https://www.samsung.com/led/lighting/led-modules/
The orig pic I posted was the experiment I used...........I figured that setup was less than 35 a month in eletric Bill...........maybe I should pump out 10 bulbs per vegetation area.....using vanity strips for bulbs like you'd see in a bathroom mirror cabinet lighting up the bathroom above the sink mirror. Just thoughts rolling through my head
I was looking at these
https://www.samsung.com/led/lighting/led-modules/
The orig pic I posted was the experiment I used...........I figured that setup was less than 35 a month in eletric Bill...........maybe I should pump out 10 bulbs per vegetation area.....using vanity strips for bulbs like you'd see in a bathroom mirror cabinet lighting up the bathroom above the sink mirror. Just thoughts rolling through my head
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everest_dope
Active Member
I half-heartedly considered the screw in LED bulbs but I already had a 4 foot t8 fixture. I got t8 led tubes for veg. I had to bypass the ballast and replace the tombstones on the fixture but it wasn't too hard. My baby plants are going into the veg tent today, hopefully. The big lights I am building are for flower only.
everest_dope
Active Member
So I drew up a diagram for wiring my control boxes. I am no electrical engineer, just trying to plan this out. I wanted to get this all down to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I start running wires. I plan to use a SPDT on/on switch so the fans are on or the standby switch circuit is closed to turn the lights off. Lights will be powered on when fans are on and the standby switch is open. I'm planning to use a 12v DC 25A switch. Any issues with what I have planned? Should work, no?
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everest_dope
Active Member
Switches finally arrived. I connected everything to the switches and ran a test tonight, everything worked as planned. Although I did mislabel the switch in my diagram above. Should be a DPST switch. Anyhow, everything seems to work as I intended. Now just to put this thing together this weekend.
ANC
Well-Known Member
Before you go buy LEDs, do you have, AC, Dehumidifier, humidifier, extraction fans, RH controller etc?
I'd spend my money on climate control first. I don't care how good your light is, you mess up with that, and you are going to get sub-par results.
It makes much more sense for someone with an established grow and all the supplementary gear to switch over to LED.
HID gear goes for a song now.
I'd spend my money on climate control first. I don't care how good your light is, you mess up with that, and you are going to get sub-par results.
It makes much more sense for someone with an established grow and all the supplementary gear to switch over to LED.
HID gear goes for a song now.
everest_dope
Active Member
Way too late for that, LED parts have long since arrived. I am also not sure how well plants will grow with perfect environment and no lights. Overall cost of running these for the foreseeable future outweighs how cheap HID lights are to start with. HPS would about double my electric bill, not to mention the added cooling I would need. LED is the way for me.
everest_dope
Active Member
PS I do have a fan/carbon filter and an AC unit, c02 and a controller is next but I am looking for a deal. So yes I do plan to do all that stuff eventually but my plants are coming out of veg in a couple of weeks so I need lights asap.
Airwalker16
Well-Known Member
Very VERY rarely do you need dehus or AC with LEDs. I sure as fuck don't in a 4X8.
everest_dope
Active Member
I live in a very hot area so I got a small portable AC unit to be safe and make sure my plants are kept at a reasonable temperature. Summers are brutal where I live. I feel like the AC will take care of dehumidification duties as well. It's dry where I live and very rarely gets above 50% humidity. Until I manage to afford a controller and c02 setup, I think I can get by on fresh air exchange and keeping the room at temp.
I think it has more to do with the local climate rather than tent size.
Why would LED eliminate the need for a dehu?
Airwalker16
Well-Known Member
Cause he said he doesn't live in a humid area and with LEDs you don't have a ton of heat.
TheTinkerer
Active Member
I hope I don’t need a dehumidifier. I just spent all my money on LEDs.
everest_dope
Active Member
For those that have no idea what vpd is (like me) here's a link. Lots to know, lots to learn. Thanks to all the old masters helping out newer growers like myself.
oldbeancounter
Well-Known Member
@Airwalker16 Might I ask a little bit about your setup that allows for no dehumidifier need?
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