The Main-Lining Thread

[morugawelder]

Wow! lotsa Q's I got my lights from Growers Lights. I had been veging under a 135, then flowering under a 260. then I realized that the 260 is exactly the same as 2 135's, and I was growing 2 plants under them, and crowding them together to get one under each board LOL. I bought another 135 and made a flower room. Now using a 65 for seeds and clones.

But now I can flower in both rooms if needed.

My temps have been fluctuating from the mid 60's at night to 80's. I have quit worrying that much about it unless it gets to the extremes. Humidity same thing. It's been in the 30's with the furnace running which is easy to fix with domes for young'uns, but I try to just get them acclimatized to whatever is happening instead of babying them too much - too much of a job then.

sry , about the q's . My sons did most of this but since moved away to Virginia for apprenticeship in I.B.W . so I'm solo now any needing to hone my skills , lol . We were using 2x4 tent was able to maintain 80 at top and 50 at bottom using 2 mars hydro 196 reflective . during winter no problem but summer just to hot , couldn't keep ambient temp down , they ended up fluffy . But anyway I got a 4x4 tent same 2 lights ( but their 5 yrs. old ) getting a little weak so I added a 1500 watt Yehence last night ( like a idiot not needing so much for vegging ) meant to add during flower , got to 81 , and she was a not happy this morning a little limp , But was thinking of getting rid of these hot boxes , was checking out the H.L.G. 550 VERSION 2 3,000 OR 4,000 , what do you think ? for 4x4 2 plants at a time . wondering about the heat ? they say they don't run as hot as led's . But read a couple bad reviews about bare wiring .
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[H.A.F.]

sry , about the q's . My sons did most of this but since moved away to Virginia for apprenticeship in I.B.W . so I'm solo now any needing to hone my skills , lol . We were using 2x4 tent was able to maintain 80 at top and 50 at bottom using 2 mars hydro 196 reflective . during winter no problem but summer just to hot , couldn't keep ambient temp down , they ended up fluffy . But anyway I got a 4x4 tent same 2 lights ( but their 5 yrs. old ) getting a little weak so I added a 1500 watt Yehence last night ( like a idiot not needing so much for vegging ) meant to add during flower , got to 81 , and she was a not happy this morning a little limp , But was thinking of getting rid of these hot boxes , was checking out the H.L.G. 550 VERSION 2 3,000 OR 4,000 , what do you think ? for 4x4 2 plants at a time . wondering about the heat ? they say they don't run as hot as led's . But read a couple bad reviews about bare wiring .
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I have a 3x3 closet and the 260 is great for veg, because it is strong enough to cover the whole space at 18". It was also great for flower, but because the twin-135 boards are fixed on one heat sink, it's not as convenient for flower. It is still plenty strong enough, but the plants have to be propped up so they are the same height to get to 12" away in flower. Having the 135's individually mounted gives more flexibility:

in my opinion a 135 board is great for one plant. 1 260 is great for a 3x3 3 space, and if you scrog it will be fine. Not flexible for plants of multiple heights. I'm a stoner and would tip stuff over and break stuff.

The fact that they are heat-sinks means there are no fans blowing hot air all over the place. You save plenty on ventilation since you just need to suck the hot air out of the top. That little USB fan is all I have moving air around, then a good exhaust sucking air through the room. Yes there are bare wires. It is heat resistant. It can be as pretty as you want to make it, and you could even get conduit or something to run the wire through if that is your thing, but it isn't necessary - there are no moving parts, they just lay there.

 

[H.A.F.]

@morugawelder Also, that pic was a few days ago. the light on the right is now almost even with the top of the plant on the left.

Another temp-saver is to switch your schedule. My 12/12 runs from 7pm to 7am. My 18/6 is off from 1pm tp 7pm. In the summer it is dark during the hottest part of the day, in the winter the lights are keeping it warm on chilly nights. win-win.

 

[morugawelder]

@morugawelder Also, that pic was a few days ago. the light on the right is now almost even with the top of the plant on the left.

Another temp-saver is to switch your schedule. My 12/12 runs from 7pm to 7am. My 18/6 is off from 1pm tp 7pm. In the summer it is dark during the hottest part of the day, in the winter the lights are keeping it warm on chilly nights. win-win.

I been running 6 am to 6.pm for flower and 6p.m. to 10 a.m for veg . like the 7 to 7 for veg tho . But I was checking out the Growers light , looking at a few different ones and sizes , came across one that I believe was called the next light , had a article attached about best light distribution theory . If one 800 watt light is used in a 4 x4 tent it will cast shadows , but using 4 200 watt lights same lights / watts but spread out , actually would cast a better light coverage then just one of 800 w. in the middle . I be damn if I can remember which light I seen it at , ( getting old lol ). but all the reading and making lunch I forgot . But your advice , what do you think about me getting 1 550 version 2 , 3000 , or go with 4 smaller ones of the same ( Horticulture boards ). for my 4 x4 ? and ditch the older mars hydros .

 

[H.A.F.]

I been running 6 am to 6.pm for flower and 6p.m. to 10 a.m for veg . like the 7 to 7 for veg tho . But I was checking out the Growers light , looking at a few different ones and sizes , came across one that I believe was called the next light , had a article attached about best light distribution theory . If one 800 watt light is used in a 4 x4 tent it will cast shadows , but using 4 200 watt lights same lights / watts but spread out , actually would cast a better light coverage then just one of 800 w. in the middle . I be damn if I can remember which light I seen it at , ( getting old lol ). but all the reading and making lunch I forgot . But your advice , what do you think about me getting 1 550 version 2 , 3000 , or go with 4 smaller ones of the same ( Horticulture boards ). for my 4 x4 ? and ditch the older mars hydros .

I personally would get 4 of the 160's if they were in stock. They are dimmable, and have more power available. second choice would be 4 135's. also dimmable, but you would rarely need to. I did mine piecemeal and have been rearranging based on what I have, instead of buying what I should have in the first place.

That said, I only grow for me. I don't have the same goals as others and there are probably better lights out there. For my needs, I was sold on the first one I bought, and stuck with the same brand for future purchases. Reliable.

 

[morugawelder]

I personally would get 4 of the 160's if they were in stock. They are dimmable, and have more power available. second choice would be 4 135's. also dimmable, but you would rarely need to. I did mine piecemeal and have been rearranging based on what I have, instead of buying what I should have in the first place.

That said, I only grow for me. I don't have the same goals as others and there are probably better lights out there. For my needs, I was sold on the first one I bought, and stuck with the same brand for future purchases. Reliable.

Ditto here , for myself only ( well a few family members ) but yeah I can of like the 4 160's idea , think they'll be plenty for the 4 x 4 ?
I 'm curious since you have one , do they throw off less heat then l.e.d.'s ?

 

[H.A.F.]

Ditto here , for myself only ( well a few family members ) but yeah I can of like the 4 160's idea , think they'll be plenty for the 4 x 4 ?
I 'm curious since you have one , do they throw off less heat then l.e.d.'s ?

Maybe the same heat, but they have no fans blowing it around so it just rises. easier to remove and control. You could easily use 2 135's for that space and get good dense flowers on 2 plants. 160's would be a plus because you could get the same effect as a 135 by dimming it, but have the option for more light if the plant can take it. their 160 LED boards and the ones in the 320's are not made by the same mfg. Samsung makes the 135's. Pretty safe bet that the others are good too, but I can't say so. I like the 135's and they do what I need.

 

[morugawelder]

Maybe the same heat, but they have no fans blowing it around so it just rises. easier to remove and control. You could easily use 2 135's for that space and get good dense flowers on 2 plants. 160's would be a plus because you could get the same effect as a 135 by dimming it, but have the option for more light if the plant can take it. their 160 LED boards and the ones in the 320's are not made by the same mfg. Samsung makes the 135's. Pretty safe bet that the others are good too, but I can't say so. I like the 135's and they do what I need.

yeah you were spot on , about being out of stock on the 160 , bummer , but you think 4 of the 135's would rock enough light in a 4 x4 2 plants ? thats all I need at a time , but want nice Nugs .

 

[morugawelder]

Maybe the same heat, but they have no fans blowing it around so it just rises. easier to remove and control. You could easily use 2 135's for that space and get good dense flowers on 2 plants. 160's would be a plus because you could get the same effect as a 135 by dimming it, but have the option for more light if the plant can take it. their 160 LED boards and the ones in the 320's are not made by the same mfg. Samsung makes the 135's. Pretty safe bet that the others are good too, but I can't say so. I like the 135's and they do what I need.

I appreciate all your help ! Well the lady perked up , so I didn't fry her , turned off the yechence light , just the 2 mars hydros till she's more up to the flip . Got a question how many branches did you remove starting from where each main cola branch grew ? I removed a couple of nodes up , heres a pic. want her to focus on big colas not popcorn nugs ya know .

 

[H.A.F.]

I appreciate all your help ! Well the lady perked up , so I didn't fry her , turned off the yechence light , just the 2 mars hydros till she's more up to the flip . Got a question how many branches did you remove starting from where each main cola branch grew ? I removed a couple of nodes up , heres a pic. want her to focus on big colas not popcorn nugs ya know .

For a manifold to do it's big bud thing, you basically need to keep the bottoms cleaned up until you flip. Not too much, but after I flip and they start to flower, I remove any lower sprouts that already formed a second node.

And unless you are swimming in cash, I would get either a 260 or 2 135's for starters and see what that does for you. You can always get more, but one board per plant should be plenty. I think mine are 3000k or 3500k, whatever was in stock for both flower and veg.

 

[morugawelder]

For a manifold to do it's big bud thing, you basically need to keep the bottoms cleaned up until you flip. Not too much, but after I flip and they start to flower, I remove any lower sprouts that already formed a second node.

And unless you are swimming in cash, I would get either a 260 or 2 135's for starters and see what that does for you. You can always get more, but one board per plant should be plenty. I think mine are 3000k or 3500k, whatever was in stock for both flower and veg.

definitely not swimming in cash but would be nice sometimes , but all my kids are grown up and moved out , so its just me and mama , house been paid off for 6 yrs. now , only a Subaru payment and necessities . a couple of 260's sound good , maybe I'll hold out for a week or so see if they restock , if not I'll rock the 135's . would like to see her get some big fatties , that would take me through summer . but need to get something different , not hearing to positive things on the Inzane membrane , I do have Zsweet Insanity , Citradelic Sunset , Ethos Glue rbx2 , oh and Fionna , thinking of Humboldt 's Girl Scout cookies , not sure still getting my feet wet .

 

[H.A.F.]

definitely not swimming in cash but would be nice sometimes , but all my kids are grown up and moved out , so its just me and mama , house been paid off for 6 yrs. now , only a Subaru payment and necessities . a couple of 260's sound good , maybe I'll hold out for a week or so see if they restock , if not I'll rock the 135's . would like to see her get some big fatties , that would take me through summer . but need to get something different , not hearing to positive things on the Inzane membrane , I do have Zsweet Insanity , Citradelic Sunset , Ethos Glue rbx2 , oh and Fionna , thinking of Humboldt 's Girl Scout cookies , not sure still getting my feet wet .

I grew these under a 260. Which basically means that each was under a 135. 2 should be no problem.

 

[H.A.F.]

That weight listed was for the plant on the right. Never updated the pic after I harvested the 2nd one, but it was about 5 oz total. I was low on weed, just starting, and harvested one early and let the other go longer. It worked out great because it was definitely 2 different high's from the same seeds just by harvesting at different times.

 

[morugawelder]

That weight listed was for the plant on the right. Never updated the pic after I harvested the 2nd one, but it was about 5 oz total. I was low on weed, just starting, and harvested one early and let the other go longer. It worked out great because it was definitely 2 different high's from the same seeds just by harvesting at different times.

well I went ahead and flipped tonight , man having a hell of a time keeping temps steady , when I was in the 2x4 with both mars and a 6" vivosun exhaust I could maintain 80 at top and 50 at bottom but that was winter , and they weren't manifolded which exposes the whole middle . This 4 x 4 tougher its 77 in there lights 29 " above canopy , just checked 75 at the top of the canopy . got a window partially open and heat duct blocked off . Think they need to get restocking those lights soon ! these big ol" mars hydros throw some heat , and 2 small fans blowing on the lights and a intake fan ,

 

[morugawelder]

That weight listed was for the plant on the right. Never updated the pic after I harvested the 2nd one, but it was about 5 oz total. I was low on weed, just starting, and harvested one early and let the other go longer. It worked out great because it was definitely 2 different high's from the same seeds just by harvesting at different times.

well looks like they have them in stock , so what would you go with , they have 260 watt qb 288v2 equivalent to 500 watt has 576 less for $ 353 , and another 260 watt xw for $ 382,99 it has a different beard layout and larger heatsink same 576 leds or just a plain 260 watt 576 less for $ 304 .99. , what 2 would you go with for a 4 x4 tent . I'm ready to order and ditch these hot ass mars hydros !

 

[morugawelder]

well looks like they have them in stock , so what would you go with , they have 260 watt qb 288v2 equivalent to 500 watt has 576 less for $ 353 , and another 260 watt xw for $ 382,99 it has a different beard layout and larger heatsink same 576 leds or just a plain 260 watt 576 less for $ 304 .99. , what 2 would you go with for a 4 x4 tent . I'm ready to order and ditch these hot ass mars hydros !

oh they do have 135 's in

 

[H.A.F.]

oh they do have 135 's in

If you are growing 2 plants, I would get the 260 that is longer, so you can have more space between plants, I think it's still only 3'.

If you think the hobby might grow, the 2 135's would be exactly the same boards, but you are paying for an extra driver since each board has one. This would give you the option to have different heights for different plants, as well as different intensities if needed. Or a plant in veg and one in flower.

 

[morugawelder]

If you are growing 2 plants, I would get the 260 that is longer, so you can have more space between plants, I think it's still only 3'.

If you think the hobby might grow, the 2 135's would be exactly the same boards, but you are paying for an extra driver since each board has one. This would give you the option to have different heights for different plants, as well as different intensities if needed. Or a plant in veg and one in flower.

SO your saying 2 135's for 2 plants will do the job ? or maybe 2 260's ? if I go 260's not sure which style the older one QB- 288 v2 or the 260 w. XW ( which has a larger heatsink and a different layout . To many choices , making my head spin ! lol !

I can afford 2 of either 135's or 2 of 160's , just want to do it right the first time ( again ) lol .

 

[morugawelder]

SO your saying 2 135's for 2 plants will do the job ? or maybe 2 260's ? if I go 260's not sure which style the older one QB- 288 v2 or the 260 w. XW ( which has a larger heatsink and a different layout . To many choices , making my head spin ! lol !

I can afford 2 of either 135's or 2 of 160's , just want to do it right the first time ( again ) lol .

But the theory of 4 smaller would cover better than 1big one . What’s the amperage of your 135 ? 160?

 

[morugawelder]

think I'll get t 2 of the 260 's , as you said I can dial them down and plenty for 4 x 4 , you stated you had one , whats the amperage draw ? and whats your perspective on this ?