IF you are new to LED and want help choosing what to buy, POST HERE!

I've been combing through the application notes. I plan on using active cooling by placing an 80mm fan over top of each diode. I'm also planning on playing around with some water cooling configurations. I haven't sat down and done the math yet, but I should be able to get something sorted out. Right now I'm planning on using a Meanwell HLG-185H-42 and wiring them in series. Still doing some research to make sure that the PSU will work and I need to call bridgelux to ensure that this can be done without damaging the Diodes. Hypothetically speaking though, it should go together fairly easily. If I use the molex connection I may not even have to fireup a solder gun.

My main question though is will it work well enough in a 2'x3'x5' space? Think I could match or come close to the performance an Area 51 XGS-190? Alternately I've been looking at running 6 vero 18's which gives me better lighting distribution, but also adds considerably to the cost of final assembly, ($40*6) vs ($60*2) without going into the cost of heat sinks. Though only being driven at 1040 ma makes thermal management easier.

Thoughts?
Link to power supply in question.
http://www.meanwell.com/search/hlg-185h/default.htm

Rentaldog said:

Hello everyone

Id like to ask for your help! Im starting a small grow soon, and would like to use LED lights instead of HID/HPS. I have been looking at the lights offered by Blackstar LED (http://www.lighthousehydro.com/led-grow-lights.html?dir=asc&order=price), and am a little overwhelmed.

I dont need anything massive as ill only be growing two or three plants at a time, or a few really small ones, but im still not sure which would fit best for me. I was thinking about getting a single 240 watt light and using it from start to finish. Is this possible?

Also, what is the difference between the lights that say HO and UV? I assume UV means ultra violet, but im not sure what the HO might stand for.

Anyhow, do you veteran growers think a single 240 might do ok for a small time grow like mine? Not looking for anything amazing, just enough to take my ladies from start to finish so I can share them with my family.

Thanks!

*edit*

Also came across the DS XML 150W (http://www.advancedledlights.com/3w-led-grow-lights/new-diamond-series-xml-10w-cree-xml/), and am curious to see if the 10W LED bulbs make much of a difference compared to the 3W's everyone seems to have? Im sure I could put up the money for a single DS XML 150W if it would be worth it for my grow.

Click to expand...

Cue the broken record...Go with Advanced, Area51 or Hans.

UV is for flowering, but can veg also.
HO is for veg.
Those prices are high for Blackstars. Cheaper here; http://www.gothamhydroponics.com/grow-lights/gotham-hydro-led-grow-lights.html
There are much better lamps than those Blackstars

Hi all,
I've done single plant grows using feminized autos and CFLs. I'm looking to get ~15 grams at a time, which is plenty for myself. I was wondering if I could use a typical home-depot LED flood light instead. Mainly because I'd like to reduce heat. I have a semi-stealth situation and would like to use a smaller/quieter fan. I also may try to get a PC stealth setup going. Would 20-40 watts from an LED flood lamp work?
thanks

^^^check this thread; https://www.rollitup.org/led-other-lighting/656542-flowering-cree-bulbs.html

ellydee said:

Cue the broken record...Go with Advanced, Area51 or Hans.

UV is for flowering, but can veg also.
HO is for veg.
Those prices are high for Blackstars. Cheaper here; http://www.gothamhydroponics.com/grow-lights/gotham-hydro-led-grow-lights.html
There are much better lamps than those Blackstars

Click to expand...

Thanks do you have any tips on whether or not the 10W LED bulbs are worth the money they're asking?

I have 2 closet spaces, 2.5x3.5ft (i think) that will be closed doors without air transfer for most of the day and need a light for each room that I will not have heat issues with but at the same time can maximize my grow for how small my space is. Price isnt too much of an issue, but since the space is so small Im not necessary I need something that has a ton of coverage or intensity. Im growing for breeding purposes, and though I want as much flower as I can pump out, Im more interested in just getting the plants to grow healthy and have them be large enough that I can get a good idea of how well the genetics are performing against competing flowers on the market. Please PM me in resposnse as I not sure Ill be able to find this page again soon. thanks!

Guys is there much difference from the Alibaba LED chinese companies and the big name brands... lots of the systems look identical and cant imagine that these big companies do much more than stamp a name on it.. I could be wrong but just looking for some advice off more experienced users...

hugaddiction said:

I have 2 closet spaces, 2.5x3.5ft (i think) that will be closed doors without air transfer for most of the day and need a light for each room that I will not have heat issues with but at the same time can maximize my grow for how small my space is. Price isnt too much of an issue, but since the space is so small Im not necessary I need something that has a ton of coverage or intensity. Im growing for breeding purposes, and though I want as much flower as I can pump out, Im more interested in just getting the plants to grow healthy and have them be large enough that I can get a good idea of how well the genetics are performing against competing flowers on the market. Please PM me in resposnse as I not sure Ill be able to find this page again soon. thanks!

Click to expand...

^^^ in a sealed room/no air transfer I would suggest lowest wattage possible for that space http://www.bonsaihero.com/ledgrow-led-panel-80-watt.html should do what you need without an exhaust in most conditions.

midgetaus said:

Guys is there much difference from the Alibaba LED chinese companies and the big name brands... lots of the systems look identical and cant imagine that these big companies do much more than stamp a name on it.. I could be wrong but just looking for some advice off more experienced users...

Click to expand...

Alibaba lights don't last.......try to buy quality or be pissed off later

PSUAGRO. said:

^^^ in a sealed room/no air transfer I would suggest lowest wattage possible for that space http://www.bonsaihero.com/ledgrow-led-panel-80-watt.html should do what you need without an exhaust in most conditions.



Alibaba lights don't last.......try to buy quality or be pissed off later

Click to expand...

Thanks.. I was looking at the cal light works but they cant be used on 240V...they look awesome though

midgetaus said:

Thanks.. I was looking at the cal light works but they cant be used on 240V...they look awesome though

Click to expand...

the new ones do run 90-277v , and their available for preorder http://growershouse.com/hydroponics-brands/california-light-works

Has anyone done comparatives on the sgs160 vs the xgs190 id like to replace the blackstar in my flowering room

I hope someone posts the increase in temperature of the CLW Solarflare 220 vs the Area51 190. My temps are already hitting 82F on some days with the Hanspanel and I would like to get more powerful lights without raising the temps so much. Looking at the new Solarflare or XGS-190. If the temps are too high, I might just get the new 80w panel from hans at bonsaihero instead. I bought my current 60w hanspanel thinking i was gonna make this
my emergency backup light.

tortie said:

I hope someone posts the increase in temperature of the CLW Solarflare 220 vs the Area51 190. My temps are already hitting 82F on some days with the Hanspanel and I would like to get more powerful lights without raising the temps so much. Looking at the new Solarflare or XGS-190. If the temps are too high, I might just get the new 80w panel from hans at bonsaihero instead. I bought my current 60w hanspanel thinking i was gonna make this
my emergency backup light.

Click to expand...

An extra 140 watts of power is going to increase your temps by a few degrees for sure. Can you increase ventilation at all?

Tokecraft said:

Bad Karma, your response brings up another question that I have. In my 4' x 4' cabinet, which I plan to use for both veg and bloom, would I be better off with four XGS-190? Or does it make more sense to have two SGS-160 for some added red light + two XGS-190?

Click to expand...

Sorry it took so long for me to reply, I've recently been without proper internet.
Eraserhead says that the SGS's yield a little bit better due to the more direct lenses and red/white spectrum.
He's always spot on about his lights and I trust his data.
I would probably go all XGS because I like things to match and look uniform.
That being said, if you want to go for two SGS's and two XGS's in your tent, go for it, because you really can't go wrong with A51 LED's.

Hello from Russia ! I need help! I am a new grower)
i whant to build a box two meter height, 2 width, 4 length!
please tell me how much plants I can grow, how much led light I need, what power!
where I can buy light in internet, who shipping to Russia ?
Sorry for my English

i wanna switch to l.e.d. grow lights that'll some what substitute for a 1000w hps... i was wondering if 4 of these lights in a 5x5 tent would be a good replacement... heres the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-180W-9-Band-UFO-LED-Grow-Light-3W-IR-Flower-spectrum-Hydroponic-lamp-panel-/121272263343?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item1c3c63e2af
i know they're the ones from china with a u.s. distributor but after reading a million reviews and youtube videos i feel like my phukin head is gonna explode... also,,, are there any other led lights in the range of $400 you can suggest that will cover the 5x5 area if these don't qualify for the job??? Thanx in advance and HAPPY GROWING TO YOU ALL!!!

Fortunastas said:

Hello from Russia ! I need help! I am a new grower) i whant to build a box two meter height, 2 width, 4 length! please tell me how much plants I can grow, how much led light I need, what power! where I can buy light in internet, who shipping to Russia ? Sorry for my English

Click to expand...

Your English is very good actually! That's a very big grow box. Really 4 meters long? I would normally recommend Area 51 lights, but their web site says that they don't ship to Russia. (Finland is the closest country.) Here's the company's web page about shipping:
http://a51led.com/store/index.php?main_page=shippinginfo

I'll check a few other options for you.

SHABOOGY1 said:

i wanna switch to l.e.d. grow lights that'll some what substitute for a 1000w hps... i was wondering if 4 of these lights in a 5x5 tent would be a good replacement... heres the link:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-180W-9-Band-UFO-LED-Grow-Light-3W-IR-Flower-spectrum-Hydroponic-lamp-panel-/121272263343?pt=US_Hydroponics&hash=item1c3c63e2af
i know they're the ones from china with a u.s. distributor but after reading a million reviews and youtube videos i feel like my phukin head is gonna explode... also,,, are there any other led lights in the range of $400 you can suggest that will cover the 5x5 area if these don't qualify for the job??? Thanx in advance and HAPPY GROWING TO YOU ALL!!!

Click to expand...

I don't think those panels will cut it also with just $400 as a budget you won't be able to cover that space efficiently maybe half that.

daveroller said:

Your English is very good actually! That's a very big grow box. Really 4 meters long? I would normally recommend Area 51 lights, but their web site says that they don't ship to Russia. (Finland is the closest country.) Here's the company's web page about shipping:
http://a51led.com/store/index.php?main_page=shippinginfo

I'll check a few other options for you.

Click to expand...

I checked with 2 other places:
Hans Panel - ships to Russia, same shipping cost as shipping to European countries. (They are located in Europe.)
Inda-gro (induction driven fluorescent) - shipping cost alone would be $800! ridiculous! It's not LED, but another low heat, low watts option.

So Hans Panels are possible for you, but they are mainly for small growing spaces. I would recommend Hans Panels, but for a smaller space. Would you like to experiment with LED in a small space before you invest in your plan for growing in a larger box? With a few Hans Panels you can grow a couple of test plants.

The company's web site is here:
http://www.bonsaihero.com/ledgrow.html

Maybe someone else has a better idea for a large operation like you are planning.
Anyone???

Bad Karma said:

Sorry it took so long for me to reply, I've recently been without proper internet.
Eraserhead says that the SGS's yield a little bit better due to the more direct lenses and red/white spectrum.
He's always spot on about his lights and I trust his data.
I would probably go all XGS because I like things to match and look uniform.
That being said, if you want to go for two SGS's and two XGS's in your tent, go for it, because you really can't go wrong with A51 LED's.

Click to expand...

Did EH really say that the SGS yields BETTER than the XGS??? I like to go with whatever gives the best results in practice. The SGS is lower cost to purchase and to operate, so if it also gives a better yield, it sounds like it's better than the XGS overall.