Hey GC, I've been looking at LED's lately and am asking for some advice. I could get the 400w mars ii, with 5w chips. Or, I could get the 300w reflector series mars ii with 3w chips. They are both roughly the same price, and I cant really tell the difference between the two. I've heard people saying to go with the 5w chips over the 3w chips, but does the reflector aspect make the 300w even better than the 400w? Does anyone have experience comparing these two lights? Any advice helps! I am looking for an led for under $250 (preferably even under $200), and both these are a little under $200. I will design my grow size and method around which light I get.
I run the mars reflector lights, 2- 450w and a 600w. I picked up the 450s on ebay for about 210.00 ea. With the reflector lights you get a lot brighter light, higher lumens and a better coverage area due to the reflectors and more of the 3w diodes while using less elect. doing it. Good luck. Mike
Thanks for the input Mike, I think that since I will have a smaller grow area, the 150w or 300w reflector led will suit me best. I figure that I can even start with one 150w and continue to add lights to the grow as I save up some money.
Hello Ingrid27, The panels in one of my tents run 6w diodes with secondary lenses to focus their intensity. I recently purchased these due to their ability to penetrate the canopy and this pic: http://static.grscty.com/uploads/monthly_08_2014/post-349376-0-68372500-1408267569.jpg Weed Dude and DDP also have journals documenting the performance of these panels. The plants preferred the white light and there it was. I was sold! View attachment 148853 A 5x5 space under a pair of 150w SolarSPECs. These panels @ 300w are outperforming the 864w HO-T5 fluorescent tubes. I think they make a 100w panel that is in your range too. A lot of growth for little wattage and heat. The quality and health of the plants have improved since I made the switch. They also keep my peppers alive during the winter I hope this helps. -PG