IF you are new to LED and want help choosing what to buy, POST HERE!

Status
Not open for further replies.
nomofatum said:
If you can find anyone with experience using .5w or less LED strips for growing, I'm all ears and want to hear it.

These things look cool for micro builds.
Click to expand...
How about SDS...https://www.rollitup.org/t/5050-smd-microherb-light.631611/#post-8854325
Or Chron...https://www.rollitup.org/t/chronikoolz-stripped-lite-peep-show.567470/
Or caretaker...https://www.rollitup.org/t/fun-with...-for-the-bucket-of-light.635171/#post-8843364
Or this dude...https://www.rollitup.org/t/first-time-grower-experimenting-with-cheap-leds.610538/

You do know there is a search bar???? And a google.
 
a senile fungus said:
So, given that I already have a mixed spectrum of 3000K and 6500K fluoros putting out 330w in my approx 6.28ft³ space, and I have those lights running cool already, would I see any discernable use for LED lighting in that particular space?

I maybe see it being wasteful because its only for one plant.
Click to expand...

For me the idea is interesting with either light because you can isolate one plant for breeding purposes. The LEDs will have an advantage on better distribution of light, but otherwise it's not much of an upgrade except the efficiency/electric cost gains. I wouldn't go and change that trash can setup unless you just want to have fun playing with the project or if you build a second one.

Yours is already close enough to ideal.

I was talking with a buddy about using this approach for a stealth outdoor grow too, take the top off for good weather and use a dawn to dusk timer for lights. Or autoflower also with dusk/dawn for stealth.
 
Last edited:
 
captainmorgan said:
There aren't a lot of panels that haven't been tried here or variations of DIY with assorted parts from low to high end. You just need to search or ask some senior members.
Click to expand...
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
 
Boatguy said:
Looking for some advice on my build. I have an old wine fridge im converting and height is going to be an issue. I have recessed the heatsink through the top of the fridge so i have all 28 inches of height to work with. The main light currently has a mix of blue,red and white 3.5 watt cree leds, 44 total. I have 4 12" phillips lumiled light strips mounted vertically in the corners. Total actual power is around 80 watts for everything. The width/depth of the fridge is 1.5'x1.5'.
My question is, would i benefit from a few larger leds in the main panel or will the proximity of the lights to the plant become a problem with the higher powered leds?
Click to expand...
I would consider cali lightworks 220 bloom spectrum,KIND L300, Or a Blackdog micro, This is just me but what do I know! I would buy the CaliLightworks 220 from growershouse.com, because they treat ya right.Answer email,answer phone etc. Hope this helps ya out little!
 
Boatguy said:
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
Click to expand...
Mainly you just want to avoid COBs because they are much more intense for their size. I would stick to 5w or less, 5w will likely cost you 1/2" over 3.5 if spaced well.
 
JimmyIndica said:
I would consider cali lightworks 220 bloom spectrum,KIND L300, Or a Blackdog micro, This is just me but what do I know! I would buy the CaliLightworks 220 from growershouse.com, because they treat ya right.Answer email,answer phone etc. Hope this helps ya out little!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply but my question relates to DIY panels. I posted earlier with what i have going but wanted to know if it would benefit from a few cxa's or something. Space is at a minimum at 28" high 18"wide and deep.
 
nomofatum said:
Mainly you just want to avoid COBs because they are much more intense for their size. I would stick to 5w or less, 5w will likely cost you 1/2" over 3.5 if spaced well.
Click to expand...
Im only asking because i have a spare 9volt driver and thought i might be able to add a 9volt cxa at 1000ma. But you think this would be too much? i should add that im only passive cooling and dont want to add a fan to the heatsink
 
Boatguy said:
Im only asking because i have a spare 9volt driver and thought i might be able to add a 9volt cxa at 1000ma. But you think this would be too much? i should add that im only passive cooling and dont want to add a fan to the heatsink
Click to expand...

I think it will limit your top out height directly below it. You could train around it or turn it off when the plants get that high if you want to use it.

Edit: 9v * 1a = 9w. I can't see that being too bad, just steer the plants away when they are getting within 5" or so I would think.
 
nomofatum said:
I think it will limit your top out height directly below it. You could train around it or turn it off when the plants get that high if you want to use it.

Edit: 9v * 1a = 9w. I can't see that being too bad, just steer the plants away when they are getting within 5" or so I would think.
Click to expand...
Better yet, put it on its own switch and shut it down when she gets too close :)
 
Boatguy said:
That was a helpful contribution to the thread. I think the thread title suggests you post here for advice. Perhaps you could help with my question. What is the maximum wattage led i could use that will wind up within 1 to 3 inches of the plant without damaging it? Should i even bother using a higher wattage led? Meaning higher than the 3.5watt cree's i already have.
Click to expand...

3w diodes driven @ 700ma without secondary lenses is generally considered safe at that distance..........I wouldn't go any higher if your that restricted imo.

good luck
 
The lower the wattage the better for your use. Also with your limited space you won't get much gain from taller plants without side lighting as only the top will really get light anyway.

Get wide instead of tall buckets too for more space.
 
My 3070 Z4 3000k at 1400 ma puts out around 1000 umoles at 7 inches. Supra may have some readings on 3070's driven real soft,maybe at 350 ma would be able to get that close. If someone doesn't have that umole number I have a 350 ma driver I could hook up and take some readings but it might take a few days before I have the extra time. Otherwise you'll need more sources of less intensity.
 
Last edited:
nomofatum said:
The lower the wattage the better for your use. Also with your limited space you won't get much gain from taller plants without side lighting as only the top will really get light anyway.

Get wide instead of tall buckets too for more space.
Click to expand...
pot size is actually one of my bigger space losses. Any opinions on pots? Am i better off with a deeper one or a wide pot at half the height? I really want to stick with a soil grow.
 
Boatguy said:
pot size is actually one of my bigger space losses. Any opinions on pots? Am i better off with a deeper one or a wide pot at half the height? I really want to stick with a soil grow.
Click to expand...
I think volume is most important, but I wouldn't go shorter than 5-6".

Get a storage tote with a lid that can serve as a saucer/water catch. Drill holes for drainage.

If you get a roughneck you can even cut the top off the tote.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Jimski
POSTING FOR HELP IDEA
Replies
2
Views
167
tstick
tstick
MarsHydrofactory
Grow Tent Kits Buying Guide: Read This Before You Get Into Traps!
Replies
0
Views
1K
MarsHydrofactory
MarsHydrofactory
MarsHydrofactory
How To Choose The Best LED Grow Light For Weed Greenhouses
Replies
0
Views
814
MarsHydrofactory
MarsHydrofactory
HippieFarmer420
400w LED v 600w HPS Comparison Journal.. Which is the best option? Let's find out!
2 3
Replies
57
Views
4K
HippieFarmer420
HippieFarmer420
B
Need help choosing LED for 5x5 Flower Tent
Replies
0
Views
266
BuddhaPack
B
Back
Top