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Which LED light for 2'x3.5'x5.5' perpetual DWC auto

3lementa1
3lementa1started grow question 3 years ago
After this run I think I'm going to grow 2 DWC autos at a time and harvest monthly. I'm looking at a 6x 3k COB, a 58 SMLEDs 2 CREE COBs (3k and 5k), or a 112 SMLED and 4 CREE COB (3k). LINKS: https://tinyurl.com/778famth https://tinyurl.com/2dz9uw https://tinyurl.com/4m7ynerv
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Week 6
Setup. Lighting
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NobodysBuds
NobodysBudsanswered grow question 3 years ago
Those are all meh lights. I've actually used that 6x cob led light before. it's a 280w space heater that does provide some light. it'll probably be fine for ~10-12k hours, then it'll dim like crazy cause those things run hot AF. the other ones are mixing an older tech (COB LED) with an even older tech of LED diodes. They are all lying about PAR values. the last one shows a 34.26lm/w efficiency which would be 1/6th of a cheap unit with new technology used, if true. they don't even know how to lie correctly. that 280w 6x cob can cover about 3'x2' - mainly due to shape and the reflectors used. it is expensive and hot, despite the 0 up front cost. get something inexpensive to start like a mars or vipar to cover your area. they are 'okay' lights. they too lie about umol/s and PAR etc more times than not.. when you look at better equipment, they'll often be more honest about the specs. umol/s is the best way to determine how much you need... ambient co2, you are fine 60-80umol/s per square foot. this'll be ~800-900 PPFD? can google the math on that. If you add/regulate CO2 you can probably push 100-120umol/s per square foot. watts does not work for this, because efficacy varies. a high-end 100w light might provide more photons of light than one with 120-140watts. cheaper lights -- 40watts / sq ft. expensive lights ~30w per square foot. you can do a break-even analysis of your electricity savings per month and decide between 2 lights with more confidence of buying best value. (requires accurate specs or algebra skills to deduce it yourself.) Anyway... i'd take it easy on the light until you can resolve the best ones.. before spending too much. Get a light that uses bars/strips of LED spaced out covering most of your area. it provides a very even blanket of light across entire canopy.
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3lementa1
3lementa1answered grow question 3 years ago
Thank you NobodysBuds, that's super helpful. My electricity is included in my rent so that's not a factor but I agree with your logic and I'll crunch some numbers. Thanks again and happy growing!
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NobodysBuds
NobodysBudsanswered grow question 3 years ago
1/4th to 1/5th of a newer one ** ~190lm/w would be a higher end light.. so 1/6th was wrong.
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Hashy
Hashyanswered grow question 3 years ago
Nice setup, right in your kitchen. Will you be able to fit 2 dwc in there. As far as lights, I would be tempted to look at some of the cheap brands like mars hydro and spiderfarm. Keep up the good work. I'm going show my wife your setup and tell her that's how our kitchen should be.🤣🤣
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3lementa1
3lementa1answered grow question 3 years ago
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07VL8FZS1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_27Y6MNFYZEK2S6R2CR0G This one is cheap too and actually a brand I recognize (Mars Hydro)
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