LED Gurus please help

I currently have a 300w viparspectra in my stealth grow cabinet. (Dimensions: 15”w x 26.5”d x 50”h)
But the efficiency is trash, and it produces a pretty good amount of heat. I used this light to veg and flower, so if possible I’d like the new to do the same.

I’m sold on upgrading to a new light, hopefully that produces less heat. preferably HLG. But with my limited vertical room, I’d imagine it will have to be dimmable. I know absolutely nothing about LEDs when it comes to assembly, what drivers or what to look for, so if anyone could help point me in the right direction I’d greatly appreciate it.

The HLG QB kits are prob the best value LED's for the money. Don't let the term "kit" scare you. They just take a few minutes to assemble.

coherent said:

The HLG QB kits are prob the best value LED's for the money. Don't let the term "kit" scare you. They just take a few minutes to assemble.

Click to expand...

Qb 96? Are those dimmable? If not already dimmable how could I add one?
Or were you referring to something like the 135W QB V2 RSPEC LED KIT

Pmurp said:

Qb 96? Are those dimmable? If not already dimmable how could I add one?
Or were you referring to something like the 135W QB V2 RSPEC LED KIT

Click to expand...

Qb 96 would be sweet. I see this advertise on here who has some small space leds.

Rolla J said:

Qb 96 would be sweet. I see this advertise on here who has some small space leds.

Click to expand...

@LEDTonic - Max

I have a hlg 135w qb v2 bspec in my 3x3 veg tent and I love it. Took only a few minutes to put together and I don't like doing any kind of wiring but this was easy.

Pmurp said:

Qb 96? Are those dimmable? If not already dimmable how could I add one?
Or were you referring to something like the 135W QB V2 RSPEC LED KIT

Click to expand...

Buy a board and driver separate. Be sure the driver is dimmable. Then just add a mechanical, resistance type, speed pot in your voltage range. 0-10 dimmer. Cheap and stupid easy wiring.

Rolla J said:

Collections

Powerful lights for your indoor plants, optimized for both marijuana and vegetables. Full spectrum, highly efficient LED grow light. User-friendly, no maintenance, and low power consumption. Read our exclusive beginner friendly indoor gardening guides. We'll show you step by step how to start...

www.ledtonic.com

@LEDTonic - Max

Click to expand...

Thanks for the shout-out, Rolla! Our Q2 is indeed a bit smaller than most lights, pulling 36w from the wall. It isn't dimmable but has a great light spread and can be as close as 3.5-4" above canopy during flowering, just touching 1000 PPFD in the center spot. Although, 2-3 Q2 lamps would be needed to cover the space with good light intensity for adult cannabis plants. It may be easier to just plug one larger lamp into the wall, rather than several smaller lamps, but the versatility has a value too, as they can be hung at different heights and be angled freely, illuminating from the side.

lazypothead420 said:

I have a hlg 135w qb v2 bspec in my 3x3 veg tent and I love it. Took only a few minutes to put together and I don't like doing any kind of wiring but this was easy.

Click to expand...

It looks amazing, I’m ultimately torn between HLG 100 V2 R-Spec, HLG QB96 and the HLG 135 V2.
Is your 135 dimmable straight from them? Or is additional wiring required for that.
Also, what temp would you say it runs at?

MICHI-CAN said:

Buy a board and driver separate. Be sure the driver is dimmable. Then just add a mechanical, resistance type, speed pot in your voltage range. 0-10 dimmer. Cheap and stupid easy wiring.

Click to expand...

First time ever doing this, buying stuff that isn’t plug and play right out the box. Are any drivers compatible with any board? If not how do I know which would be a good fit?

And my electrical skills are minuscule. Any other thread for dummies?

Pmurp said:

First time ever doing this, buying stuff that isn’t plug and play right out the box. Are any drivers compatible with any board? If not how do I know which would be a good fit?

And my electrical skills are minuscule. Any other thread for dummies?

Click to expand...

Easier than wiring. But you'll need to lengthen the power leads to remote mount the ballast. Really impressed with my 2 350W models. Owners wife is in cancer battle. Delays shipping. But worth the wait. And plug and play. OOPS!

Pmurp said:

It looks amazing, I’m ultimately torn between HLG 100 V2 R-Spec, HLG QB96 and the HLG 135 V2.
Is your 135 dimmable straight from them? Or is additional wiring required for that.
Also, what temp would you say it runs at?

Click to expand...

Yes it is dimmable. I use a watt meter and turn the IO screw to adjust. As far as heat, this light gives off absolutely no heat. As I happen to be messing around in my grow room right now, here's a few more pics.

lazypothead420 said:

Yes it is dimmable. I use a watt meter and turn the IO screw to adjust. As far as heat, this light gives off absolutely no heat. As I happen to be messing around in my grow room right now, here's a few more pics.

Click to expand...

How does that flower? I'm sold on IR. And honest question.

I was using a diy veg light that's 6500k. I like it and all just my growth is really tight. So I switched them with my light bar. 3500k. Try to get a lil stretch on. Max is 203 watts. Running at 80 watts atm. GoodLuck on your choice OP

MICHI-CAN said:

How does that flower? I'm sold on IR. And honest question. View attachment 4837284View attachment 4837285View attachment 4837286

Click to expand...

Sick light!

Rolla J said:

I was using a diy veg light that's 6500k. I like it and all just my growth is really tight. So I switched them with my light bar. 3500k. Try to get a lil stretch on. Max is 203 watts. Running at 80 watts atm. View attachment 4837287GoodLuck on your choice OP

Click to expand...

I love it. Here's 40W LM3528's in 3500 on a wintering mother and some starters, I use what gaets it done for me. Not gets sold to me. LOL.

Rolla J said:

Sick light!

Click to expand...

Thank you. More than a few years squirreling nuts. As soon as I tame them. Overkill in 4x4 at 60%.

I flowered with that light above. At 320 watts. these are the summer of '17 photos
and this is the veg light. Diy FTW
Not no Samsungs, but they do the job.

Rolla J said:

I flowered with that light above. At 320 watts. these are the summer of '17 photosView attachment 4837292View attachment 4837293View attachment 4837294
and this is the veg light. Diy FTW
Not no Samsungs, but they do the job.

Click to expand...

I've been hooked on IR and far red since my first cob builds. Really dense stuff.

And those are better than I expected for blue. Nice treats.

MICHI-CAN said:

How does that flower? I'm sold on IR. And honest question.

Click to expand...

I've only used it for veg. I got a geekbeast 630w for my flower tent.