Advice on LED lights

[Xperimints]

I already posted this under khyberkitsune's LED grow log but maybe I'll get help faster here.

i need some advice.

backstory: i recently lost my job and don't know when i will get another one so i am pursuing growing as one way to help make ends meet.

I have been researching grow methods and lighting. I have decided to build an aeroponic/hydroponic system and use LED lighting because the heat and energy involved in HIDs is not something I want to deal with. I currently have some 1 1/2 week old seedlings in a soiless mix under a CFL that seem to be doing well so far.

Now, I have limited monetary resources that comes with being unemployed and all, so I need as little chance for big mistakes as possible (such as investing in garbage lights).

I have been looking at these lights:
120W LED Triband Hydroponic Plant Grow Light UFO II - eBay (item 290398326969 end time Jan-28-11 07:32:13 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290398326969)


2x90W LED UFO Triband Hydroponic Plant Grow Light 7:1:1 - eBay (item 120638633937 end time Jan-22-11 23:25:46 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120638633937)

120w LED Aquarium Coral Plant Grow Light Tri Band - eBay (item 330518256458 end time Feb-10-11 05:24:49 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330518256458)

I'm looking to have 6 to 12 plants growing in a 24 sq ft area. Am I on the right track with these lights/setup? Or am I horribly lost? Thanks for your help.

[Dutch Pimp]

Rule #1: when you find yourself in a hole....stop digging.

[stra8outtaWeed]

take DP's advice :thumbsup:

the LED lights I use are the only commercial units i would reccommend...if you are stuck on getting some LED lights :smokin:

[Xperimints]

So none of those lights are even worth it? I have been thinking if LEDs aren't a possibility maybe I could use a florescent set up in the meantime. Any advice in that direction?

[Weezard]

So none of those lights are even worth it? I have been thinking if LEDs aren't a possibility maybe I could use a florescent set up in the meantime. Any advice in that direction?

Nobody said that, exactly.

It's more, we have not tried those particular lights so can not say how well they work.
Str8 knows that his lights work for big grows and said so.

Now, with cash flow problems, and reasonable rates for electricity.
Overspending on "maybe" lights, especially lights that require extra skill for a successful grow is ill advised.

CFL s look inexpensive, until you add up the cost of a half dozen or so.
And they do produce more radiant heat than LEDs, watt for watt
But they are quite usable for small grows.

Have you priced a 250 - 400W HPS?
It's a simple way to go.
Probably the easiest solution to your temporary problem.

'course if ya just really like leds, :cool: I'll be happy to help. :)

Aloha,
Weezard

[Xperimints]

Because of safety concerns (fire and energy companies flagging your energy usage to the authorities) I'm trying to avoid the heat and energy usage involved with the HPS and MH bulbs. Maybe I'm being overly cautious but I am new to this.

I know that these lights haven't been used or tested by any of you guys, but, using the knowledge you have regarding light needs, what specs and features would you look for to satisfy a grow like mine?

Thank you all for your willingness to help! :hippy:

[GetThisOrDie]

Whats up?

I bought a 90w UFO from ebay a long time ago. I think its either a tri or a quad band. I like it but its definitely not good for many plants or big plants. I now use it for vegging/mother and use hps for flower.

If you want to properly light all those plants with LED it will be expensive. HID is my suggestion.

Besides... I think that whole power company reporting you is a myth for the most part. I mean why would they report you for buying more of what they sell? Thats like McDonalds reporting a heavy person for eating there more. In some extreme cases maybe. Its usually people trying to steal power that get caught whenever I read an article about it. :stoned:

Also about the safety concerns with fire. I am the same way. They sell fire sprinkler units that you mount in the corner of your grow space that will put out a blaze by itself if one starts. Very cheap too considering it provides peace of mind and safety. 100 bucks or less for a decent sized one.

[TANKJR]

It sounds like you're suffering from information overload...:wtf: To start anything, you have to actually form a plan and post it up here...we'll tell you if we see anything wrong, make recommendations, and you can revise the plan until you get the info you NEED for your space, not all the extraneous BS. You're going to start in veg, and cfl's will do for that, so go get some cfl's and get started! Start with the space you plan to use, and what you want for an end result and go from there. Going to use a closet? How big is it? How high is the ceiling? How can you cheaply heat, cool and humidify this particular space? Is this going to be THE room, or will you have one for veg and one for flower? Only you know what you want and until you give us some hints we can't help much, even if we want to! I've not heard of anyone getting busted due to electrical usage lately, prolly gov't scare tactics nowadays...my 400w light does not raise my bill more than $20/month, and my monthly bill varies far more than that, so I don't see how they could spot it anyway, and no-one has ever asked about it in 8 years. There is a need to be careful, but not paranoid! Anyway, I always start at the beginning. Best of luck!

[TANKJR]

^^^^^^^^^^ yea, ignore all that....I'm clearly too high to advise right now! LOL! Sorry!

[stra8outtaWeed]

Because of safety concerns (fire and energy companies flagging your energy usage to the authorities) I'm trying to avoid the heat and energy usage involved with the HPS and MH bulbs. Maybe I'm being overly cautious but I am new to this.

I know that these lights haven't been used or tested by any of you guys, but, using the knowledge you have regarding light needs, what specs and features would you look for to satisfy a grow like mine?

Thank you all for your willingness to help! :hippy:

i left a link in your rep where you can find a LED like mine :smokin:

[loopup2u]

Hey Weezard,

Have you ever seen this model of LED.

Kessil LED Grow Light (http://www.growalot.com/manufacturer/kessil.html)


If you do. Do you have any opinion on these?

[Weezard]

Hey Weezard,

Have you ever seen this model of LED.

Kessil LED Grow Light (http://www.growalot.com/manufacturer/kessil.html)


If you do. Do you have any opinion on these?

I've read their site but have not used their light.

The science looks good and the packaging is nifty.
However, at the price per Watt, I won't be trying them anytime soon.:(
IMO it would take 4 of them to even approach what a 400W HPS will produce.
So, $1200 seems too pricey
Just my opinion, I have no first-hand knowledge on these.

Aloha,
Weezard

[Morbidangel]

LED's will grow weed! not going to be super dense heavy nug but! they will get the job done. If you cant go cutting a bunch of holes in ur ceiling and running intake and exhaust lines through your room then LED's are they way to go! Plus you wont have to change a bulb for like what 50,000 hours? LED's seem to pay for them selves over time cause you dont have to keep replacing bulbs. And they look so damn cool!:rastasmoke:

[Xperimints]

Thanks for all the advice. I've decided to go with a 2 400w HPS system for flowering and a CFL setup for vegging. I will keep you guys updated with how my grow goes. I'm so excited!:jointsmile: