California Lightworks Solarsystem 550

I recently switched from viparspectra and picked up 7 550's in September. Just completed harvest with EXCEPTIONAL results. Many other variables (different and much larger space, environment, etc) but the controller is the real key. You won't be running these at full blast unless you have a need for the heat from the whites. It was a first run, and I maxed at 4 lights each covering 2'x3'. Ideally, I will have 6 each covering 2'x4'. This would leave me with an extra panel in the event some maintenance was necessary.

Not an apples to apples comparison, but:

ViparR900(1)/NirvanaAF/Air-pot #2/Canna coco & nutes
213g (.53gpw/287g/m2) from a 4x2 space in 63 days (forced harvest 3-4 weeks early). The r900 is ~400w actual.
Three strains tested @ 17.9%, 18.5% & 18.5%

SS550(4)/FastBudsAF/Air-pot#5/Canna coco/ANutrients

808.74g(1.01gpw/363g/m2) from 6x4 in 74 days. This grow had some issues an was less than ideal. The AN is simple enough, I just don't feel that the plants ever looked as good as they did on Canna. AN was returned under the growers guarantee after 3 months (and they give you 6 months) and I restocked Canna. Test results should be up next week.

The difference between the two makes it difficult, but the spectrum controller is where it's at. I had one light for the first 2 weeks, 2 for the following 2 weeks and then 4 lights for the remainder. I had roughly 8 steps programmed, rarely using whites (10-30%), reds (10-40% veg/70-99% flower) and blues (70-99% veg/10-40% flower).

I adjusted the g/w to reflect each panel running at ~50% draw. Had unexpected heat issues in room and the red/blue give off very little. I used whites mostly in midday, but not much early or late in the day.

Sidenote: FastBuds have some sketchy genetics & I won't be running more anytime soon
 

BM9AGS

Well-Known Member
I recently switched from viparspectra and picked up 7 550's in September. Just completed harvest with EXCEPTIONAL results. Many other variables (different and much larger space, environment, etc) but the controller is the real key. You won't be running these at full blast unless you have a need for the heat from the whites. It was a first run, and I maxed at 4 lights each covering 2'x3'. Ideally, I will have 6 each covering 2'x4'. This would leave me with an extra panel in the event some maintenance was necessary.

Not an apples to apples comparison, but:

ViparR900(1)/NirvanaAF/Air-pot #2/Canna coco & nutes
213g (.53gpw/287g/m2) from a 4x2 space in 63 days (forced harvest 3-4 weeks early). The r900 is ~400w actual.
Three strains tested @ 17.9%, 18.5% & 18.5%

SS550(4)/FastBudsAF/Air-pot#5/Canna coco/ANutrients

808.74g(1.01gpw/363g/m2) from 6x4 in 74 days. This grow had some issues an was less than ideal. The AN is simple enough, I just don't feel that the plants ever looked as good as they did on Canna. AN was returned under the growers guarantee after 3 months (and they give you 6 months) and I restocked Canna. Test results should be up next week.

The difference between the two makes it difficult, but the spectrum controller is where it's at. I had one light for the first 2 weeks, 2 for the following 2 weeks and then 4 lights for the remainder. I had roughly 8 steps programmed, rarely using whites (10-30%), reds (10-40% veg/70-99% flower) and blues (70-99% veg/10-40% flower).

I adjusted the g/w to reflect each panel running at ~50% draw. Had unexpected heat issues in room and the red/blue give off very little. I used whites mostly in midday, but not much early or late in the day.

Sidenote: FastBuds have some sketchy genetics & I won't be running more anytime soon
Can you make a thread with pics? With them at full power 99 r w b 3 ss550 should cover a 8x4 as per Manual. My results were about 1.125gpw.
 

Kushrider

New Member
The Viparspevtra 900 is a good light. On the blue side, but a good light nonetheless. I recently upgraded to the SS550s when I got some extra cash. This is my first LED and tent grow. Using one 550 in a 4x4 with great results. Added a 90W G8 red bud booster during budding. Tried two 550s in a 4x4 but that meant meant dialing them down to avoid burn and running the fan at max to manage temps. So what's the point? One is doing a great job. Blueberry Kush colas you can't get you hand around :) Great light imo.
 
yea I realize this is a 4 year old thread lol

Sooo…is the consensus that 1 CLW ss550 is sufficient for a 4x4? If I need another it will probably be after my first crop and at that point I’d just get the ss1100 (probably on a black Friday …pft who pays full price for anything lol)
C1F10F9D-5474-447F-BF3A-B8642E45A78C.jpeg
 
Last edited:

1212ham

Well-Known Member
That's only 25w/ft and some of those watts are making noise rather than light, only 2.23 efficacy and over priced.
I suggest adding an HLG 135 or 260 r-spec or something with similar wattage.
 
Top