LEDs worth it?

Discussion in 'First Time Marijuana Growers' started by VoodooVince64, Oct 28, 2014.

  1. #1 VoodooVince64, Oct 28, 2014
    So I'm setting up my dresser for a stealth grow and been debating cfl's, mh/hps, and led was introduced to me recently. I don't know the difference in led's, how to grow with them, or anything. It'd be like handing a cellphone to a cave man okay people? Anyways I've heard a lot about LED setups causing deficiencies in the plants, and then having to add whatever chemical/ nutrient you need to fix the deficiencies. Also I've heard a lot of led grow lights, don't quite do the right job. Blah blah blah. But I do like that they are low maintenance as in i don't need to regulate light temps. Anyways any info would be more than grateful. 

     
  2. #2 Breezey007, Oct 28, 2014
    Tough question mate lol....

    Personally I use MH/HPS, but I have heard of some very experienced growers getting very respectable yields from LED's. I think it all depends on the quality of the LED unit you purchase to be honest.....a cheap one won't be up to the job, and a decent one will come with a hefty price tag....which then makes the MH/HPS option sound preferable....

    But then again LED's are cheaper to run, so you can recoup the initial outlay fairly quickly, and they do kick out way less heat than MH/HPS do, but all in all, I'm still of the opinion that MH/HPS are still the best available indoor light source at the moment....but that could all change 5-10 years down the line if LED units keep getting better. 

    My 2 cents - if you go LED you will spend more to begin with, less during the grow, and end up with slightly less than you would with HPS, providing you bought a decent unit......if you aren't prepared to spend in the region of $1000 up front for one I would stick to MH/HPS for the time being. 
     
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  3. #3 VoodooVince64, Oct 28, 2014
    Okay, because I've found some for like 150-180 that are good size, because ill be growing in a small dresser and onl one plant at a time. And the fact that all I'd need is some mylar, 2-5 gallon bucket/pot, the led, and nutes. where as the mh/hps is totally preferable and i would use them but setting up air flow and ventilation is a basic bitch and a half on my dresser not to mention that it's supposed to be "stealth".
     
  4. #4 mop420head, Oct 28, 2014
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  5. #5 Breezey007, Oct 28, 2014
    Yeah I get the logic behind opting for LED if stealth is an issue mate, but for $150 I wouldn't expect much in the way of quality to be honest....I'm no expert, but I believe it's more to do with the wattage of each individual diode within the unit and the lumen spectrum it provides rather than the actual size of the unit. 

    That being said I'm sure there probably are half decent units out there at a not too ridiculous price, but it's safe to say there are also a shit ton of unscrupulous sellers out there flogging sub standard merchandise too bro.....best of luck though man, hope you get a good one. 
     
  6. #6 SmokinAshleyTitsMcgee, Oct 28, 2014
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 28, 2014
  7. #7 VoodooVince64, Oct 28, 2014
  8. #8 SmokinAshleyTitsMcgee, Oct 28, 2014
    Well they ran out of mine, so no EXACT link, but this is the same(This one actually has one more fan than mine)( I would of have bought this one but i jumped the gun and bought the first cheap one i saw) Also if this is to large, the second link would be my second option.
     
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/MarsHydro-300W-LED-Grow-Light-Full-Spectrum-Veg-Flower-Hydroponic-Lamp-Panel-/390567591853?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item5aefa47fad
     
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/135W-LED-Grow-Light-3W-Full-Spectrum-for-Indoor-Greenhouse-Hydroponic-Plant-/251281434119?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item3a818a6607
     
  9. #9 PIFFCLOUD22, Oct 28, 2014
    $100 led does this
     

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  10. #10 DazedAndStoned, Oct 29, 2014
    I got a 180W veg cab and 540W flowering cab and LEDs are working great so far. I went with 1W cree diodes, most important thing aside from actual wattage pull is diodes and spectrum IMO. With a lower W diode like mine, you might benefit from a SOG type setup, because LEDs typically have penetration problems and you'll get very airy buds at the bottom of the plant

    I'm just about to flower some plants, so I can't really say how many Grams per Watt I will get, but for veg I can say they are really nice. Keeps nice tight node spacing, not so stretchy plants and temps are very easy to manage.

    Sent from my Spaceship using the GrassCity App.
     
  11. #11 DazedAndStoned, Oct 29, 2014
    If you want a pretty good light for a good price, talk to Sarah the topled rep on here. The older gen lights are pretty cheap and work GREAT, if you got a little more then look into a mars2. I've bought cheap LEDs from China and they work great, but I wish I went with topled. A little cheaper $ per watt

    Remember that LEDs only pull about 50% of their rating, for example a 300W of LED actual draw is about 150W of actual draw. you will have about the same temperature watt for watt with practically any type of lighting, so adequate ventilation is needed the more wattage you push regardless of HPS or LED.

    And if you throw out the expectations that an LED that is 100W will outperform a 600W HPS like many people seem to have I think you'll have great results. :)

    Sent from my Spaceship using the GrassCity App.
     
  12. #12 Intelligent-Gro, Nov 9, 2014
    I would love to chime in here:
     
    If you look at my signature you will see two links to other live review grows of our LED grow lights. 
     
    And after you have done this I have a few specials going on this month. 
    here is our latest special that is posted in my sponsors thread.
     
    Hello Everyone!
    I am doing another special!
    \nIGRO II-90TRU $195.00(without controller) FREE SHIPPING WITHIN USA!
    \nLimited quantities available at this price (first come first serve)
    \nGet ready for the winter season, and take your growing inside! Perfect for the stealth grower panels are nearly silent! Low profile sleek designs. Great for a 2'x2' little grow or daisy chain a few together for more intensity and versatility.
    \nMessage us through facebook,or grasscity or directly send us an email and we will create you a custom discount code for your growing needs.
    \nIntelligentgro@gmail.com
    1-800-319-0455 
    If I miss your call leave a message and I will get right back with you.
    \nHappy Growing
    \n\nBest of luck which ever direction you choose to go. You wont go wrong with LED if you choose the right LED panel.
     
  13. #13 loki125, Nov 9, 2014

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  14. #14 loki125, Nov 9, 2014
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