Whats up everyone? I know this is my first post, but I have been using these forums for years now and appreciate all of the help and knowledge gained just from reading. Unfortunately, I have finally gotten to something that I cannot seem to find any information on using the search function (although I'm wondering if this is because I just started using the app and don't know how to use it yet. If so, my apologies). I have been shopping around for a light for some time now. I borrowed someone's 1000w dome with a switchable ballast and MH and HPS bulbs to go with it so that I could save some money up to buy myself a light. I am looking for efficiency as well as decent output and have been into QB's heavily. Started off looking into HLG's QB's then learned about Alibaba. Read a million reviews and threads, watched some videos and decided I wanted the Bava 480w. Then, I thought to myself, why not get a smaller light for now, seeing as my current grow setup is only temporary until I build out my actual permanent setup. Thus I came upon this: Lenofocus LED Grow Light I did what I normally do, and jumped on here looking for reviews and found... Nothing. Does anyone know anything about these at all? Besides the information given on their page? Any input would be appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
Well I know nothing personally of that light as I have never used it.....but I can PROMISE you.........youll be very very disappointed with the results of going from 1000W MH/HPS to a 103W LED......
Believe me... I know. I think mostly, I just feel really uncomfortable using somebody else's equipment. Also, this is my first official indoor grow, so I'm looking to use something more efficient energy-wise to make sure that I would be okay with continuing this build-out. Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
From looking at the amazon info, that is a 100 watt light, suitable for growing in a space smaller than 2 ft x 2 ft. The light looks fine, although I'd prefer a MarsHydro because I saw an unbiased good review today. This one is 150 watts, and they come in a variety of sizes. https://www.amazon.com/MARS-HYDRO-Hydroponic-Thermometer-Hygrometer/dp/B07RSRX1RS/ref=asc_df_B07PLY1WKK/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=344041227836&hvpos=1o4&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12104490478185916323&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9023209&hvtargid=aud-801381245258la-759798986294&ref=&adgrpid=67585364605&th=1
I actually just watched a really good review on these where they took PAR readings, energy efficiency, etc. I almost want to pull the trigger on this, the only think preventing this is that when they took readings, the light was pretty much useless outside of 18" from center. That review video also put me off from the Leno as well though as it would probably have lesser readings. Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
This is the original light that I spent about a week researching, but have not found any actual quality reviews on. BavaGREEN 480W QB Grow Light Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
A good way to judge light prices is by comparing dollars per watt, assuming the light has good chips and a suitable spectrum. The first light you mentioned was about $0.80 per watt, the Mars light about $0.87, and the last light $0.95. Assuming some wasted tent space, at least 25 watts per sq ft is needed with the best LEDs. I think any of the lights in this thread would be fine, given sufficient power, which probably means multiple lights if you get the smaller ones. There is something to be said for the ability to give different tent places different light distances when using multiple lights. Light are becoming more like fertilizer, they're all very similar.
Haha, I'm beginning to see that... I'm thinking I may just say screw it and use the 1000W for now... that should hold me over for another two or three months until I have plenty of extra cash to buy a sufficient amount of lighting for my grow areas. Thanks a lot for your help man!
The amazon light uses old SMD diodes. Older tech. Still better than blurples, but about 25% less efficient than current Samsung LM301h diodes Mars uses old SMD 5050’s too Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum
Is the LM301h the newest diodes? I've been hearing a lot about the LM301b, but nothing yet about the h.
Not sure why it's a good idea to buy a niche light that nobody knows anything about. I do not see the point in being tight on lights. Sent from my SM-G9650 using Tapatalk
If you want a small budget light that will kick ass and is reliable I suggest you get a qb288 V1 board. Up to 60watts no heatsink required so you can get the board with a 60watt Meanwell driver: QB288 V1 Quantum Board hlg-60h-54a Stock and Price by Distributor Option B, cost a bit more, is to get a board+heatsink combo (+$20) and a stronger 150watt driver: QB288 V1 & Slate 2 Single Combo HLG-150H-54a Stock and Price by Distributor 4000k = Veg only 3500k = Full cycle, seed to harvest 3000k = flower only
It's not, IMO. That's why I'm asking if anyone has any experience with them... I don't want to buy this specific light if nobody has any experience with them. If I had the funds to do a light test, I would buy it to do side-by-side comparisons, but most of my extra spending money is going to be used to build a permanent grow space right now. I'm just looking for something decent, yet cheap, that will hold me over until I get something that I really want and will be a permanent fixture for a while. I just need something to cure the grow itch for now and seeing as I live in Maine, I can't plant anything outside at the moment, lol. Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
This is actually optimal... To buy and basically DIY. I haven't had the confidence yet since I have never played with LEDs though, but the prices that you just posted are pretty phenomenal... Thanks for thkse links. I'm gonna look into that a little bit more. Is there soldering required? When doing this? Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
Don’t do it mate. If your gonna buy leds you need around 600w of high quality cobs or quantum boards to replace the 1000w hps. The things you’re looking at are dogshit compared to what you have already. That 100w light would get you 3oz at best. I use blurple lights and hps. There’s no comparison. Watt for watt the hps wins by a country mile.
You will not need any soldering, just get yourself some Wago wire connectors and you'll need a plug to stick on the driver AC wire and some copper wire (18awg, solid core rated 300v at least)
And I agree with @Spanish@rcher a 150w light, although it will kick ass for its size, will not compare to a 1000watt HPS, it will be comparable to a 300watt HPS. However, you could always start with one board and add to it down the road when you have more funds.
Awesome... This seems like the way i might go, even if i stick to the HPS anx just use this for supplemental/side lighting for now. With these QB's, can you use one driver for more than one board as long as you dont exceed max draw? Sent from my iPhone using Grasscity Forum mobile app
That depends on how you wire your boards and what driver you get. The driver I linked can be wired to multiple boards in parallel, BUT it will split the power between the boards. This will increase the efficiency of the boards (since they are more efficient when used with less power) but you will still be in the same power range. If you know you will want to add more boards in the near future you might want to get a different driver, depending on how many more boards you are planning to add. I would recommend 1 board per 2x2 area of space for optimal coverage as the final goal. If you wanted to end up with 4 boards eventually you can go with two Meanwell 240watt driver that can power two boards @ about 120 watts each. Get one driver now and get the other when you need it. This one you will need to wire in series when you add more boards, but can be ok with just connected to a single board too. HLG-240H-c2100 Stock and Price by Distributor (if you want dimming get the driver with "a" at the end of the model name (HLG-240H-c2100a)