CREE CXB3590 drivers (Meanwell vs CF Grow)

Hi all,

First time poster here, based in Australia with nearly all the materials needed for a promising first grow. I have a mylar tent measuring roughly 4'x4' (1mx1m, and 2m high) and will be growing 4 plants in straight Canna Coco with only Canna nutes/additives (may post a grow journal but will probably save this til my second grow).

My question concerns LED lights – I am looking at two main options here.. one is much cheaper and features a "high quality CF Grow driver" (on closer inspection a YPL-Q089 model)... the other is a Meanwell.. a THIRD and more expensive option is also available for a quantum board which specifies its MW driver model (HLG-240H-C2100B) whereas my option #2 just states 'Meanwell 60w'. So I'm also wondering if these would be the same driver from MW or potentially a lower quality version in option #2 (meaning if I bought 2 of those for the same price as 1x option #3, i'm still worse off in terms of efficiency than if I'd just bought option #3).

Should also mention that I jumped the gun and bought one of those Mars Hydro 600W LEDs without combing any forums for wisdom.. shame on me!!

So an additional question – are these Actually completely worthless... or for the $100USD I paid for it, would it make sense to keep it and just get 1x high quality COB for additional light? Option #1 & #2 both have the choice of either a 1x or 2x CXB3590 model. I am assuming I'd be best off sending the Mars back unopened for a refund and putting that cash towards the Quantum light.

Thanks very much in advance <3

Available specs for these lights are as follows.


Option #1 === CF GROW ($130USD/$220AUD for 2x COB CXB3590):

• Brand Name: CF Grow
• Is Dimmable: No
• Certification: UL
• Certification: CCC
• Certification: ROHS
• Certification: ce
• Certification: PSE
• Material: Glass lens, Aluminum heat-sinking, CREE CITIZEN COB LED
• Model Number: CXB3590-X1SE/X2SE, CTZ-X1SE/X2SE
• Width: 15cm
• Body Material: Aluminum
• Features: Real Full Specturm CREE CXB3590 or Citizen 1212 COB LED grow light
• Light Source: LED Chip
• Voltage: 110-240V
• Item Type: Grow Lights
• Warranty: 3Years
• Length: 30cm
• Power Source: AC
• LED (Qty): 1pcs/2pcs*100W CXB3590 or Citizen ClU48-1212 (buyer's choice)
• Wall Draw Power: about 50watts(1 PCS),100W(2 PCS)
• Wavelength: Real Full Spectrum 380nm~780nm
• Light Color: 3000K, 3500K and 5000K optional
• Input Voltage: 110V~240Vac
• Frequency: 50Hz/60Hz
• Application: Suit for veg, flower, herbal plants etc. and for all the grow stage

Option #2 === MEANWELL ($200USD/$320AUD for 2x COB CXB3590):




Option #3 === Quantum Board ($230USD/$370AUD)

can i get link to option 3

Well I can tell you there's an enornomous difference in wattage needs from a 1mX1m(3.2'x3.2') and and actual 4'x4' tent. It's just under DOUBLE the amount of sq ft. Even in just a 3'x3' you're going to need about 300w and 500w in a 4x4. So knowing your actual sq footage is important
CXB Cobs while great LEDs, just can't match the spread of a board with hundreds of diodes. An HLG 480 is what you'll want to aim for.
Your Mars light can still be useful, but white based is what does the work.

I ended up grabbing Option #3 but the 3000K version, thinking I would also buy a 600W digital dimmable ballast + HPS/MH bulb combo to assist on lower levels throughout veg, then put it on 100% (or "Super Lumens"? whatever that means) to help bulk up flowering. So additional questions, firstly is this a good idea, and second should I get a 4200K or 6400K bulb? Finally, if I have the choice, MH or HPS?

@Airwalker16 the QB I've bought has a HLG-240... will this be okay when paired with the HPS? There is only one option for a HLG-480 I can find online and that is more than double the price.. even this one was out of my price range but I can't spend more than $500AUD total on lights.

Here is the link for the one I purchased, @Snob you can find the 3500K model via same seller~

fauxcoda said:

I ended up grabbing Option #3 but the 3000K version, thinking I would also buy a 600W digital dimmable ballast + HPS/MH bulb combo to assist on lower levels throughout veg, then put it on 100% (or "Super Lumens"? whatever that means) to help bulk up flowering. So additional questions, firstly is this a good idea, and second should I get a 4200K or 6400K bulb? Finally, if I have the choice, MH or HPS?

@Airwalker16 the QB I've bought has a HLG-240... will this be okay when paired with the HPS? There is only one option for a HLG-480 I can find online and that is more than double the price.. even this one was out of my price range but I can't spend more than $500AUD total on lights.

Here is the link for the one I purchased, @Snob you can find the 3500K model via same seller~

QUANTUM LED GROW LIGHT V3 MEGA LM301B 3000K + R-SPEC + IR + UV 2020 250W QB288 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for QUANTUM LED GROW LIGHT V3 MEGA LM301B 3000K + R-SPEC + IR + UV 2020 250W QB288 at the best online prices at eBay!

www.ebay.com.au

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HPS is going to be a battle with heat nonstop. Are you prepared to deal with it? Gonna need a sealed reflector hood or preferably a cool tube sucking air through it at all times its turned on. We could have gotten you set up with a VERY DECENT light for less than 300 that will do a 4x4, and could dim for a 3x3.
So many people come in here, ask for advice, then just jump the gun and do what they learned originally. I guess you'll know next time to get some info first before dropping the cash on premium, expensive QBs.

@Airwalker16 less than $300USD or AUD? I hadn't seen your comment here by the time I decided to buy that 3000K QB linked above (honestly I assumed this sort of question got asked here all the time with no replies)... but based on what you said in your first reply, the model I bought was my best choice of the 3 anyway?

That's why I then asked if the HLG-240H-C1200B driver onboard that model would suffice in place of the HLG-480 you recommended. But your reply was a little confusing -- perhaps I haven't framed my own question correctly -- are you saying that using the 600W HPS would be too much? I have the option of a 400W model instead, would this suit my space better temperature-wise?

Here is the bulb + ballast combo I'm looking at, from Vivosun. Pretty sure a reflector hood would be a separate purchase. I'll also have a 6" inline fan running with carbon filter out of the tent.. going into winter now here in Victoria and it gets pretty cold, so the QB guy's suggestion of a second ($300) QB to bulk up flowering just didn't make sense when I can get this HPS/MH 400w or 600w combo at less than half that price which would also provide some extra heat. I have 2m of height to work with in the tent. The fan runs at (or up to, I'm not sure which) 408cfm if that makes a difference.

@Airwalker16 And when you say "we", do you represent a store/company or just saying 'we of the forum'? What would your suggestion have been for a 4-plant setup in my space at the start, before I'd bought any lights? Thanks for your help..

fauxcoda said:

@Airwalker16 less than $300USD or AUD? I hadn't seen your comment here by the time I decided to buy that 3000K QB linked above (honestly I assumed this sort of question got asked here all the time with no replies)... but based on what you said in your first reply, the model I bought was my best choice of the 3 anyway?

That's why I then asked if the HLG-240H-C1200B driver onboard that model would suffice in place of the HLG-480 you recommended. But your reply was a little confusing -- perhaps I haven't framed my own question correctly -- are you saying that using the 600W HPS would be too much? I have the option of a 400W model instead, would this suit my space better?

Here is the bulb + ballast combo I'm looking at, from Vivosun. Pretty sure a reflector hood would be a separate purchase.

VIVOSUN 600Watt Dimmable Digital Ballast w/ MH Bulb Hydroponics Grow Light Kit | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for VIVOSUN 600Watt Dimmable Digital Ballast w/ MH Bulb Hydroponics Grow Light Kit at the best online prices at eBay!

www.ebay.com.au

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HID bulb in general is going to be a nightmare. They burn at 3,000-5,500℃ bulb temp. Have fun with that....

fauxcoda said:

@Airwalker16 And when you say "we", do you represent a store/company or just saying 'we of the forum'? What would your suggestion have been for a 4-plant setup in my space at the start, before I'd bought any lights? Thanks for your help..

Click to expand...

We as a community

Airwalker16 said:

HID bulb in general is going to be a nightmare. They burn at 3,000-5,500℃ bulb temp. Have fun with that....

Click to expand...

Well I haven't bought any HPS/MH stuff yet. Given my budget I could afford another $100USD light to supplement the 3000K QB, or $200USD if I return the Mars TS '600W'. I feel like the QB is worth keeping, and you haven't disagreed with that choice specifically, only stating that it was too expensive -- which whilst true was still my most economic option for those features, being based in Oz and having no skills to build from parts myself.

So if we dump the HPS/MH idea – keep the QB – do I even need anything else? If so, what?

And for future reference... What specific lights would you have suggested from the get-go?

There are a CORNUCOPIA of them on the baba. Here's 2 VERY decent legit fixtures for a 4x4. Under $500CAD

Still not sure on if your in a 1m x 1m or a 4x4?
Big difference!

Given you bought a 240w light already, which will cover 2x4 or 3x3 (but not ideal light spread for 3x3 and a bit shy on total light)
I would grow with that, get your self a grow or two under your belt and then get another later when you can afford.

Or you can go on cutter.au and supplement your QB light with some of their cree J series strips and build your own for a reasonable price.

You should also know that as well as cutter.au (amazing shop for leds)
you have grow lights Australia on your doorstep which also make awesome LEDs.

Regarding your mars light, if you haven't sent it back you can use that to supplement or you can use it in veg. They may not be good lights but they do tend to veg reasonably.

Airwalker16 said:

There are a CORNUCOPIA of them on the baba. Here's 2 VERY decent legit fixtures for a 4x4. Under $500CAD

This product is no longer available.

This product is no longer available.

m.alibaba.com

https://m.alibaba.com/product/62127005146/Sinowell-Flexstar-180-Degree-Foldable-Dimmable.html?spm=a2706.7835515.0.0.deef1fcdPGgU5c&__detailProductImg=[URL]https://sc01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1tP6eXLWG3KVjSZFgq6zTspXax.jpg_300x300xz.jpg

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I looked at the Meijiu's prior to purchasing but they seemed (on paper) almost identical to the QB I ended up getting... I see they have the HG-480 you're mentioning, does that really make all the difference?... Anyhow, with the exchange rate from USD plus shipping the Meijiu would have worked out much dearer for me, with longer delivery time too. Time is of the essence in my situation.

Wish there was a simple comparison guide somewhere online for all the different MeanWell drivers. That would be a decent start for those like myself who are struggling to make sense of all the different ways that specs for grow equipment can be (legitimately or shadily) represented, but who have at least ascertained that their main light board probably needs modern LEDs and a MW driver. Like I say, didn't think I'd get many replies here and was tired of weighing up so many drastically conflicting viewpoints & articles online, for almost every aspect of lighting... so I bit the bullet, trusting from my own research at that point that it was at least a Decent all-round light, but knowing that it would likely need to be supplemented at some stage -- if not throughout the grow -- with a 2nd, dimmable light.

You seem to hold some prestige here and I appreciate the advice you have given so far. Really wanted the 400W HPS to be a workable option for me as this 2nd supplementary light, and lots of resources/sites online do seem to suggest it would be; but if you're saying it would just be too hot, and nobody else here has a convincing argument otherwise, then I guess my search continues as neither the Meijiu nor the Sinowell are anywhere near the $200USD I now have to play with.

fauxcoda said:

I looked at the Meijiu's prior to purchasing but they seemed (on paper) almost identical to the QB I ended up getting... I see they have the HG-480 you're mentioning, does that really make all the difference?... Anyhow, with the exchange rate from USD plus shipping the Meijiu would have worked out much dearer for me, with longer delivery time too. Time is of the essence in my situation.

Wish there was a simple comparison guide somewhere online for all the different MeanWell drivers. That would be a decent start for those like myself who are struggling to make sense of all the different ways that specs for grow equipment can be (legitimately or shadily) represented, but who have at least ascertained that their main light board probably needs modern LEDs and a MW driver. Like I say, didn't think I'd get many replies here and was tired of weighing up so many drastically conflicting viewpoints & articles online, for almost every aspect of lighting... so I bit the bullet, trusting from my own research at that point that it was at least a Decent all-round light, but knowing that it would likely need to be supplemented at some stage -- if not throughout the grow -- with a 2nd, dimmable light.

You seem to hold some prestige here and I appreciate the advice you have given so far. Really wanted the 400W HPS to be a workable option for me as this 2nd supplementary light, and lots of resources/sites online do seem to suggest it would be; but if you're saying it would just be too hot, and nobody else here has a convincing argument otherwise, then I guess my search continues as neither the Meijiu nor the Sinowell are anywhere near the $200USD I now have to play with.

Click to expand...

Meanwell drivers, the letters are the product code, the number (240h) is the wattage, then there follows either the current (2100mA) or the voltage (54v) depending on the type of driver. Then the letter , A,B or AB. been the dimming options, external, internal or both.

If you want a better understanding read the thread "leds and how to power them" or google growmau5 and search for his 7 part series on youtube.

So if your looking at a lighting kit, the 480 is twice the power and will be twice the amount of boards in this case, also will cover twice the space.

We aim for 30w per square foot. Some like a bit more.

fauxcoda said:

Really wanted the 400W HPS to be a workable option for me as this 2nd supplementary light, and lots of resources/sites online do seem to suggest it would be; but if you're saying it would just be too hot, and nobody else here has a convincing argument otherwise, then I guess my search continues as neither the Meijiu nor the Sinowell are anywhere near the $200USD I now have to play with.

Click to expand...

Nobody can tell you a HPS is going to be too hot without knowing your climate and exactly how much air you would need to shift to keep it in ideal range.

Yes the bulbs are hot, yes they create more heat, but people have managed that for decades so...
Horses for courses..

coreywebster said:

Still not sure on if your in a 1m x 1m or a 4x4?
Big difference!

Given you bought a 240w light already, which will cover 2x4 or 3x3 (but not ideal light spread for 3x3 and a bit shy on total light)
I would grow with that, get your self a grow or two under your belt and then get another later when you can afford.

Or you can go on cutter.au and supplement your QB light with some of their cree J series strips and build your own for a reasonable price.

You should also know that as well as cutter.au (amazing shop for leds)
you have grow lights Australia on your doorstep which also make awesome LEDs.

Regarding your mars light, if you haven't sent it back you can use that to supplement or you can use it in veg. They may not be good lights but they do tend to veg reasonably.

Click to expand...

My tent measures (LWH) 1m x 1m x 2m. I'm in Victoria (one of the coldest parts of Australia) and we're about to go into winter -- so that's what made me think the QB I've bought may not produce enough heat by itself, to rule out the addition of a 400W HPS/MH as well. Besides the fact that with my QB in the middle of the tent, it would make more sense to put a smaller HPS ballast+reflector underneath, than another board of similar dimensions, right? Otherwise wouldn't a lot of the top board's power be wasted by hitting the similarly sized board underneath? Or in this situation am I really best to use my QB on one side of the tent (for 2 plants), and whatever other light option I choose on the other side (for the other 2 plants)?

This is getting complex & very specific to my own situation so cheers for sticking with me, also thanks for your info and that link... some cool looking stuff but it's all alien to me, I have no DIY/soldering skills/equipment.. really seems like I have to cross the $600-700AUD threshold to get up to that HLG-480 level, even if I did buy the parts and learn to build something myself. But as a beginner I only want to grab what I *need* for a quality & sizeable personal yield. I'm not aiming to absolutely max this out... only planned to grow 4 short-ish auto's in 100% coco, finishing in 3gal (11L) pots but I could do 9 plants in a SOG, further reading required on my part there..

Also thanks heaps for the clarification re. what the MeanWell model names represent That makes total sense.

Why not 2 qb96v2 with a 320 watt driver just dial it down gives you option to move up to a 3x3 if you chose

X6xsilverx6X said:

Why not 2 qb96v2 with a 320 watt driver just dial it down gives you option to move up to a 3x3 if you chose

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Even if I returned both the Mars & the QB (which I COULD technically do as neither has arrived yet, though I may be up for return shipping on both) this option would be Just out of my price range when considering the fact that I'd also need to pay somebody to build it for me (might be difficult to even find someone in the current COVID lockdown climate)

fauxcoda said:

My tent measures (LWH) 1m x 1m x 2m. I'm in Victoria (one of the coldest parts of Australia) and we're about to go into winter -- so that's what made me think the QB I've bought may not produce enough heat by itself, to rule out the addition of a 400W HPS/MH as well. Besides the fact that with my QB in the middle of the tent, it would make more sense to put a smaller HPS ballast+reflector underneath, than another board of similar dimensions, right? Otherwise wouldn't a lot of the top board's power be wasted by hitting the similarly sized board underneath? Or in this situation am I really best to use my QB on one side of the tent (for 2 plants), and whatever other light option I choose on the other side (for the other 2 plants)?

This is getting complex & very specific to my own situation so cheers for sticking with me, also thanks for your info and that link... some cool looking stuff but it's all alien to me, I have no DIY/soldering skills/equipment.. really seems like I have to cross the $600-700AUD threshold to get up to that HLG-480 level, even if I did buy the parts and learn to build something myself. But as a beginner I only want to grab what I *need* for a quality & sizeable personal yield. I'm not aiming to absolutely max this out... only planned to grow 4 short-ish auto's in 100% coco, finishing in 3gal (11L) pots but I could do 9 plants in a SOG, further reading required on my part there..

Also thanks heaps for the clarification re. what the MeanWell model names represent That makes total sense.

Click to expand...

How cold is cold? Whats your average day and night temps over there?

I mean if its cold then a 600w hps will light up a 1m x 1m tent really well. Since your growing autos you have less or no dark time to worry about heating the space. Use your QB when winter is over.

Heat can be a good thing. Sometimes we forget that in the pursuit of efficiency

fauxcoda said:

Even if I returned both the Mars & the QB (which I COULD technically do as neither has arrived yet, though I may be up for return shipping on both) this option would be Just out of my price range when considering the fact that I'd also need to pay somebody to build it for me (might be difficult to even find someone in the current COVID lockdown climate)

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Diy isn’t hard, but you shouldn’t return anything, especially since you’ve already ordered everything. If you decided the qb over the Mars I would just cancel the Mars shipment, or other way around