Imformation oberload

Omg im so confused as to what is the right light
I have 3 x2.5 area 7 sq ft
Someone help please
Why cree cob vs vero or citizen
What do i realy need for even coverage
Why quantum boards over any other cob
And realy what is best spectrum
Soil grower ff happy frog with thre pot ups sog
i use as few nutes as pos.
Cal - mag i max
Im ( please dont rag to jard we all start somewhere) but im using mars hydro 96 reflecto and a 2 ft 4 buld t5 3 6500k with 1 - 2700k cause i felt the red feom mars was plenty and wanted some intesity.
And seriously is a diy kit something anyone CAN actualy do i dint want to worry cause electricity scares the poo outta me
So any -help -advise - opinion- or even critisim would be much apreciated

If you're intimidated by more involved DIY, I'd recommend Quantum Boards. Easiest by far. You have the option of a kit, which is as simple as plugging in a few wires and drilling a few screws, or you can buy all the parts separately, which is more work than a kit, but still not too difficult.

If you're willing to tackle a more complex project, go with Samsung or Bridgelux LED strips.

I'd shoot for up to 250 watts in that space. What's your budget?

I jad looked at the pre assembled qb's i could swing the 3 to 4 hundred ok but i dont want to spend alot i have other responsabilities and they come first so...if it was something realy outta this world I would go 500 max max

My wife asked me once why i dont use morrors like in the floor especialy. What say you. Mirrors

Shadrock15 said:

I jad looked at the pre assembled qb's i could swing the 3 to 4 hundred ok but i dont want to spend alot i have other responsabilities and they come first so...if it was something realy outta this world I would go 500 max max

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$500 is more than enough. One of the 260w Quantum Board kits would fill that space nicely (actually, it's a little overpowered, but you can dim it), and pre-assembled would still be under $400.

Shadrock15 said:

My wife asked me once why i dont use morrors like in the floor especialy. What say you. Mirrors

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No mirrors, They absorb light rather than reflect it efficiently. They can also cause hot spots.

Hmmm yeah i thought t just didnt feel like a good idea and i had never read anyone doing it so figured i would ask..... and then theres the whole break one and 7 yrs. bad luck fuck that im superstitious enough with out tip- toeing around the funhouse grow room lol

Humple said:

$500 is more than enough. One of the 260w Quantum Board kits would fill that space nicely (actually, it's a little overpowered, but you can dim it), and pre-assembled would still be under $400.

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Its just hard for me to believe ( not saying your wron) but hard to believe a .3 w doide albeit 2-300 of them will be over powering

But i am not an expert by any means im just befuddled lol

Shadrock15 said:

My wife asked me once why i dont use morrors like in the floor especialy. What say you. Mirrors

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If you are lighting the floor, you have issues with canopy management.

Shadrock15 said:

Its just hard for me to believe ( not saying your wron) but hard to believe a .3 w doide albeit 2-300 of them will be over powering

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I'll put it this way - most people here shoot for about 30 watts per square foot. When I've tried to run my QBs at 40w/sq ft, my plants get toasted.

Lol, You will regret the first time you look into that line of LEDs head-on in real life.

BK_201 said:

No mirrors, They absorb light rather than reflect it efficiently. They can also cause hot spots.

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Mirrors don't absorb light! Mirrors reflect light, that is why you see your reflection!

Rather than glass mirrors, use Panda film, white paint, aluminum foil etc.

cree, vero, citizen, quantum boards and strips are all good. 200-250 watts at 3000 or 3500k is very good.

1212ham said:

Mirrors don't absorb light! Mirrors reflect light, that is why you see your reflection!

Rather than glass mirrors, use Panda film, white paint, aluminum foil etc.

cree, vero, citizen, quantum boards and strips are all good. 200-250 watts at 3000 or 3500k is very good.

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Obviously it doesnt absorb 100% of the light, but it does absorb a fair amount and the remaining reflected light comes back at a much weaker and wider wavelength. Mylar is cheap and more effective.

Based on my limited experience, I'd list the 'Quantum Board' style as the easiest to assemble. The strips are probably next in line, till very simple to layout. Last would be a fixture to hold multiple arrays like the Vero's. If I had to start again, I'd take a really close look at using the 'F' strips.

F's are a little bit of work if you intend drilling the 32 screws for each strip.
But I actually enjoy tedious shit like that sometimes as a break from brain work.

You could use thermal glue or thermal sticky strips I guess, But I like the screws.
The box of 100 cost me about $1.

BK_201 said:

Obviously it doesnt absorb 100% of the light, but it does absorb a fair amount and the remaining reflected light comes back at a much weaker and wider wavelength. Mylar is cheap and more effective.

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mylar is not more effective than mirrors (just more practical)

CobKits said:

mylar is not more effective than mirrors (just more practical)

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Mylar can reach 97% reflected light, most mirrors can reach around 40-60%. I’m not too concerned with most of it tho, I’ve really only used tents in the past and that’s what I plan on doing for future grows. A lot easier.

With a tent, the issue is that the walls are not flat.

lazerz!