What light in 2'x3'x60" for veg?
- Thread starter .Smoke
- Start date
420AD
Well-Known Member
The XS1500 pro would be enough imo. But there's always the 2500 pro if you wanna go crazy.
I have a 1.3' x 2' x 3' seedling/veg tent with a SF-2000 style board. (220w @ 50%) and that's enough for me.
shnkrmn
Well-Known Member
I veg in a 2x3 but I have it set as a double decker now. Top shelf is a3 year old Spiderfarmer panel, 200w, I usually have that at 50%. Lower shelf for moms is just cheap noname leds, also running about 100w. That viparspectra light will be great for you. Quite a few nice grows last year when they promoted it.
.Smoke
Well-Known Member
I've got a handful of 220w Chinese boards that are collecting dust right now. My issue is running them @ 50% means I'll have to supplement heat for the tent since I'm in a basement.
I'm hoping with the xs1500 cranked up it will generate the heat I'm looking for with enough of a footprint to cover both plants.
They'll be on floraflex bases pushed close together so I'm thinking it should work.
I love the idea of the double deck design.
I've always wanted to keep a few mothers and try growing from clones but never found my previous setups to be quite right to be able to do so.
Looks like this might be the route to go.
shnkrmn
Well-Known Member
I just found a wire shelving unit that fit perfectly the light clipped to the underside of the shelf adds heat to cloning trays on top as well.
coreywebster
Well-Known Member
Several boards dimmed to the same wattage of the xs1500 will be the same heat.
If it's heat you want, wouldn't you be better running the China boards at higher wattage and raising them to create the same ppfd as the xs1500 would do if it were closer.
Could always go with a 315cmh if you need heat
Billy the Mountain
Well-Known Member
100w = 341 BTU regardless of the source.
Whether it's a 100w fan, a 100w toaster, or a 200w LED lamp run at 50% power, all will produce the same amount of heat.
Whether it's a 100w fan, a 100w toaster, or a 200w LED lamp run at 50% power, all will produce the same amount of heat.
There's typo in the number, should be 3.41
Drop That Sound
Well-Known Member
HO t5s if you need the extra heat. I know I do anyway, most the year. I'm sure they still make 3ft models & replacement bulbs, but probably getting harder to find the multi bulb fixtures in that length.. Might have to get multiple single bulb lamps if you want the full coverage wall to wall at 3'. Or stick a 2ft 6 bulb fixture in, and fill in the gaps with cfl or something.
I like the rack idea. I'd probably end up hanging T5s for the bottom shelf, so the heat rises up through a port in the floor panel into the plants on the top shelf, with an LED at the highest point.
Without the rack though, I would pop in a 360w ceramic MH (in a standard 400w ballast)..
Good luck with the new LEDs though, I'm jealous of not being able touse them effeciently
I like the rack idea. I'd probably end up hanging T5s for the bottom shelf, so the heat rises up through a port in the floor panel into the plants on the top shelf, with an LED at the highest point.
Without the rack though, I would pop in a 360w ceramic MH (in a standard 400w ballast)..
Good luck with the new LEDs though, I'm jealous of not being able touse them effeciently
Billy the Mountain
Well-Known Member
True: 1w = 3.41 BTU
I multiplied by 100 for a more representative example.
Also true: 100w = 341 BTU
jeremymuszynski
New Member
For a 2' x 3' x 60" grow space designed for the vegetative stage, you need a grow light that provides sufficient coverage and spectrum for healthy, vigorous growth. Here’s a breakdown:
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Recommended Light Types for Vegging
1. LED Grow Lights (Best Choice)
Energy-efficient, low heat, full spectrum.
Look for "blue-dominant" or "veg-focused" spectrums for optimal leaf growth.
Recommended Power Output:
~150–300 watts of actual power draw.
Aim for 30–40 watts per square foot (2' x 3' = 6 sq ft → 180–240 watts).
2. Fluorescent Lights (Budget Option)
T5 or CFL lights are suitable for small spaces and low heat.
Less efficient than LEDs but affordable.
Recommended Power Output: 200–300 watts of fluorescent lighting.
3. Metal Halide (MH) Lights (Traditional Option)
High intensity and excellent for veg, but runs hot.
Requires proper ventilation in small spaces.
Recommended Power Output: 250 watts.
Recommended LED Grow Lights for a 2' x 3' Veg Area
1. Spider Farmer SF-2000
Wattage: 200W.
Full-spectrum with dimming, ideal for 2'x3'.
High efficiency with Samsung LM301B diodes.
2. Mars Hydro TS 1000
Wattage: 150W.
Full-spectrum light suitable for veg and flower.
Affordable and efficient for small setups.
3. HLG 200 BSpec (Horticulture Lighting Group)
Wattage: 200W.
Blue-enhanced spectrum, designed specifically for veg.
Exceptional build quality and efficiency.
4. ViparSpectra XS1500
Wattage: 150W.
Full-spectrum with emphasis on veg growth.
Budget-friendly and compact.
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Additional Considerations
Light Hanging Height:
LEDs: ~18–24 inches above canopy for veg.
Fluorescents: ~6–12 inches.
MH: ~24 inches to avoid heat stress.
Ventilation: Ensure proper airflow to prevent heat buildup, especially if using MH lights or older LEDs.
Budzbuddha
Well-Known Member
Get the XS3000 ( 300w ) from Vipar , it even has UV in its spectrum. Full dimmer control for all growth stages.
Then grab a beer and call it a day.
Then grab a beer and call it a day.