Thinking of buying a second LED

Thinking of buying a second LED for my grow, looking for advice. I have a 240w blackstar lighthouse hydro v2.0 2014 model and I am looking for something about equal size to fit in my 3x1.7x5 grow tent. In my opinion I think my tent could use a second light even though this one is good and covers the area. My budget is 500-1000$ US money, I been looking at the 2014 model from blackstar called the ION 8 its like 400+watts with some UVB special light that looks interesting. Has anyone else grown with this light?

Ok here's my options:

Option 1:http://www.gothamhydroponics.com/led-grow-lights/lighthouse-hydro-ion-8-426w-led-grow-light-fsf-uvb.html
COST:649$ and I have a 20% off coupon from my last purchase so approx. final price = 520$ + shipping and tax.
Specs: 6 band, 426watts, fancy UVB booster for resin production (not sure if this works?)

Option 2:http://www.advancedledlights.com/3w-led-grow-lights/new-diamond-series-leds-extreme-3w-led-technology/
COST: 545$ + Shipping and tax.
Specs: 11 bands, 185watt

Option 3:http://a51led.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=181
COST: 575$+shipping and tax.
Specs: unsure of bands, 190watts, 3 different settings for intensity.

It says that middle one is "only" $295.00 didn't it?

They all look sweet...

Good luck on your choice...

You have to select the other model in the drop down menu.

Out of these, I would go area51 or advanced. You'll get more power from the Blackstar though for the money.they will all grow some Mighty fine herb.

Yeah the area 51 looks dope but what really got my attention is that UVB resin booster from that blackstar what's up with that? I talked to their rep on the phone and he said it works so I'm intrigued I might get that plus like you said more power.

I like the advanced if I had more money I would get that one but its a lot of money for the wattage. I've heard good things and looked at some grow logs for it and it does make impressive buds.

I have two Blackstars. I am going to try Area51 next. I have been very impressed with what I have seen for Area51's results. Most of the guys use SCROG to keep a good 12" distance from the panel. I can get mine much closer than that to my lights without them getting burned. Also, there is a minimum distance you need above, I think, (I don't know how much that varies) so that might inhibit your choices some. I think DAWG has a journal or two using the Area51. If you do a search, I know you'll find it. He would know more.

Danks!

Greatbranch which blackstar do you have? I have the 240w 2014 v2.0 panel LED from them, but I'm looking at their square LED 426w with that resin booster what does that thing do? I mean resin booster sounds sick I want that for my weed!

Yodaweed said:

Yeah the area 51 looks dope but what really got my attention is that UVB resin booster from that blackstar what's up with that? I talked to their rep on the phone and he said it works so I'm intrigued I might get that plus like you said more power.

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That UVB resin booster is a downward pointing omni-directional CFL, I don't see the point? That has to to bee one of the most gimmicky things I have seen in a while and Black Dog has an ok name too, but that is just plain ghetto sorry.

From all the other chaps killing it in the LED section with A51, I must say that is the one or [4] that I have had my eyes set on for some time. Real deal Cree's @3700k, can't beat it unless you got the hook on Nichia....

Yodaweed said:

Greatbranch which blackstar do you have? I have the 240w 2014 v2.0 panel LED from them, but I'm looking at their square LED 426w with that resin booster what does that thing do? I mean resin booster sounds sick I want that for my weed!

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Small UFOs - two 135W flowering. Wanted to be able to limp along until I got a replacement if I lost a light. I do my vegging in a Phototron (try not to laugh at me...lol) The vertical T5s actually do well for that.

Abiqua said:

From all the other chaps killing it in the LED section with A51, I must say that is the one or [4] that I have had my eyes set on for some time. Real deal Cree's @3700k, can't beat it unless you got the hook on Nichia....

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And KILLING it, they are. If I had seen any of this before I started spending cash, Area51 would have been my first purchase. Maybe they are just the most outspoken

I just ordered an a51 a few days ago. I own 3 Blackstar 240s (that really pull 135). Two have failed and one three times. I was able to repair them myself the first time but one light is just toast now. They are less than two years old.

That being said, I really like the design changes they've made on that Gotham Hydro light. Not sure about the UVB dongle but the rest of the light looks pretty awesome.

I went with A51 because that seemed to be the consensus on the board here and having lights going out in less than two years multiple times didn't leave me with a good feeling about Gotham Hyrdo.

Area 51.. They are giving you a great lamp for the money. N I can really feel how they keep improving. I mean they had some of the best lamps even before their '13 n '14 lamps, kinda always taking that next step.

Ok great feedback here, thanks everyone really helps me get a good judgement on LEDs , I went with the 426W ION 8 from blackstar but I am going to be buying an area 51 LED when I get my next grow tent (within 6 months). With these type of positive reviews from a product I just feel the need to test it and do a comparison when I get that second grow tent to these two lights. Thanks everyone and toke up !