Dloomis514
Well-Known Member
oh i remember this...
Mars will be fine, there are better, apache, a51, diy cob. Adding that cfl will do little, wont hurt tho. Topping helps if you have a height issue.
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Mars will be fine, there are better, apache, a51, diy cob. Adding that cfl will do little, wont hurt tho. Topping helps if you have a height issue.
How tall is the tent? I think you'd want two lower-watt fixtures for that rectangular space. You'll want about 40-45w/sq ft of inefficient LED like MarsHydro. That's 320-360w total. If you use more efficient LED, 30-35w/sq ft. But, it depends on the vertical space. If you grow tall plants, probably go to the high side of those numbers. If you grow shorter plants, then the low side.
Efficient LED will cost you more up front. So, you have to decide if saving electricity and/or heat reduction is worth the expense. If it's not, then you might as well go with ceramic metal halide in a tall tent. In a short tent, t5ho or ineffficient LED could be ok.
I use 9.5w LED lightbulbs and they can touch the leaves for extended periods without burning. Maybe after 2 days they'll burn. They can be within 1/2" and not burn.
Removing the globe is an electrocution hazard. You could use a GFI outlet to reduce the danger. I don't remove mine. But, the Cree lightbulbs come with a gummy rubber film over the globe. I rub that off.
These are 40% more efficient than CFL, so it's definitely the way to go unless you can't afford the extra $5 per bulb (or need the heat from CFLs in a cold climate.).
Iamlegend2121
Well-Known Member
I can't go with hps or metal halide I wouldn't even know where to start with the venting or heat issues. Like I said I've always done cfl closet grows and just want to switch to something new. I grow auto flowers so they don't get to tall and I usually do one at a time. The tent that I want to go with is 28.75”x53”x78.50 that might be a little big but if I ever want to do more than one I'll have the space. What would you recommend for just one autoflower at a time other than the Mars?
I'm still not sure you understand your priorities. Mars (or any light using epi-whatever diodes) will produce about as much heat as CMH. CFL is hot too. You're using CFL and considering Mars.
If heat reduction is a priority, and considering your height, 1 RW-75 would be good for a single autoflower. That would give you 19w/sq ft in a 2x2 space. Supplement with sidelighting using Cree lightbulbs. Use enough to get to 30-35w/sq ft.
My concern is that you've said "just want to switch to something new." Sometimes people just want to do LED because they think it's "better" in some way. It's only better if you understand what you're trying to improve. If it's heat reduction, then you'll have to pay $3-4 per watt and it will take 2-3 years to pay for itself. CMH produces more light for the heat than the inexpensive inefficient LEDs like Mars.
Iamlegend2121
Well-Known Member
Okay that's where I messed up I didn't realize that the Mars gets that hot. I have never really had a heat issue that I couldn't manage with cfls. I was just going for leds hoping it would give me more dense buds and maybe increase my yield a bit.
If you can manage CFL heat, you can manage CMH. It's not as hot as HPS.
I'm not trying to dissuade you from LED. But, the cheap ones aren't more efficient than CMH. The expensive ones aren't necessarily better than the cheap ones. There are quite a few predatory brands like (Kind, Lush, HydroGrowLED, GrowBlu, Blackdog) that are little more than rebranded epi-whatever lights sold at a premium. Area 51, Rapid/Onyx, Apache, Hans, PlantPhotonics. Those are efficient but cost a lot to get into.
Spending $200 on a MarsHydro isn't a lot to put at risk. If you spent $1000 on a rebranded epi-whatever light, that could prove to be a disappointment. If you just want to try LED, Mars might not be bad. You just have to keep in mind that it's not optimal. If you're disappointed, don't judge all LED based upon that experience.
$240 for the Area51 and $100 on LED sidelighting would be a very good long-term investment. That would let you start small, have some flexible options for when you expand.
Iamlegend2121
Well-Known Member
I'll probably go with the Area 51 the only thing that sucks about those is you have to pre order and wait a while but it's better to wait for something good than to buy something inefficient. One last question the Area 51 won't create much heat will it? And thanks for all of the help.
It will produce the least heat without spending a fortune on Apache, or building your own COB. It will be less heat than 75 watts (actual) of Chinese epi-whatever light. You need more than 75 watts for a 2x2 space. That's why you'll want to side light with LED lightbulbs. But, whatever you end up at (say, 120w total) it will be cooler than 120w of Chinese epi-whatever.
It will also be a longer-term investment because you can buy replacement parts at cost (forever). There's supposed to be an upgrade option when LED technology advances enough. I'm not sure how that will work if A51 moves to COB technology. I don't know if that could be retrofited into the the current fixtures.
You might want to wait on your A51 purchase. There is a new model in the works. Since you just want to get into LED, don't have a pressing need right now(?), it might be better to wait 2-3 months. (This might be why there is a shortage now. He may not be making a lot, expecting demand to drop off.).
wouldn't-u-like-2know
Member
ok guys need abit of advice. ive got the Mars Hydro 300w Led for Veg and Flower. I've currently added x1 florescent tube 100w and florescent bulb 100w. any one ever used the mars hydro? should I use this for my veg? currently got 3 autoflower under 24/7
JimmyIndica
Well-Known Member
I
Yeah there someone here I think? He swears by the Mars units! And if I can remember he said that heat wasn't an issue. You might wanna put Fire extinguisher in the corner your tent!!! No No just kiddin man. How much u pay for 300watter? If u don't mind me askin?
JimmyIndica
Well-Known Member
I cant wait until there new units come out. I'll take 2! The RWs ! you can tell the girls just love em!
lmoore2680
Well-Known Member
My new 75
They seem to love it
They seem to love it
wouldn't-u-like-2know
Member
I didn't pay that much. I think it was £100 & £6 delivery. Just have a browse through amazon. Thinking off advancing to a 600w Mars hydro but 1st I wanna see what this does.
Hey Iamlegend2121, your timing might be good for an area 51 led, I just got two rw75's delivered last week, they were not in stock when I paid about 10 days earlier, they arrived in 3 working days here in canada, I also use a 2'x4' tent and can't wait to see how much improvement two lights is over Jeff's last 155 watt single light in the same area. I've been very happy with Jeff's product and definitely don't have the heat issues I had with hps.
I realize most peeps want to shoot for 45-50 watts per square foot but I have no complaints with this wattage setup.
I realize most peeps want to shoot for 45-50 watts per square foot but I have no complaints with this wattage setup.
Iamlegend2121
Well-Known Member
Wait I'm confused are the new ones already out or are by coming out soon?
PSUAGRO.
Well-Known Member
"new " a51 panel(s) are scheduled to be released at the end of april.......last we heard it will be vero cob based
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JimmyIndica
Well-Known Member
I would light you sq ft 8 = 1 RW150 and 1 RW75 then you will be in the watts per sq u need
Iamlegend2121
Well-Known Member
I'll probably just go with a smaller tent considering the fact I only do one plant at a time it seems like a waste of space and money on lights for one plant. If I go with one RW75 and some side lighting in a smaller space I should be fine. I might actually order the ones they have now it seems like the newer ones will probably be a higher price.
puffenuff
Well-Known Member
Ideally, you'll want around 600w of quality led power to get sufficient coverage in a 4x4. I recommend the following brands of prebuilt led lights: Apache Tech, Area 51, California Lightworks, Lumigrow, Advanced LED, Rapid LED, and Heliospectra. These are some of the better options out there. DIY builds are an alternative. Probably a few others I'm forgetting at the moment but this should give you a starting place to research further I'd stay away from most other brands.honestly there are so many comments I didn't read much lol, but im gardening in a 4x4 room. what size/watt led light would be best and which brand of light will be good. Thanks in advance everyone
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