So I decided to upgrade my HPS and go for LED. As the price for a decent LED where I live is close to robbery, I want to try the Alibaba way. Naturally I'm considering Kingbrite 600w LM301H 3500K +CREE XP-E2 (660nm+730nm)+ LG UV. But also Mars Hydro fc-e6500. Pretty much the same price. Also gotten some offers from other vendors with other lights.
What would you pick from Alibaba for a 5x5 tent for around $600?
As much as I don't dig mars as a company their bar fixtures seems ok I guess if you can get a good deal on shipping. Having the light spread around properly makes up for a lot.
For Alibaba: well, you haven't linked the light so hard to say
but generally for a 5x5 I'd rec more smaller lights, rather than one big ol light in the middle that only gives light to sides and corners if it hangs at 3 feet.
The 2 board fixtures with the same kind of boards would be better. For a perfect light spread I'd spec out how much 4 x240 kits would cost you: if you set each doubleboard to center over a 3x2 foot print you have perfect cover, but you'd probably have to dim a bit. Also: if a driver goes belly up then you still have the extra power. Also the higher wattage HLG drivers are generally the most likely to fail (on anecdotal from some of the light makers) while 240w meanwell hlg have lowest fail rate.
