LED advice for side lighting

I have a 4x4 grow area. i have a CFL set up that works great except for that i am not getting enough penetration during flower which is obviously impacting yield/bud length.

I am thinking of adding LED lighting on the side for flower. I would attach to the wall next to the plants (only four plants at a time all in a row). I'm not looking to spend more than about $200. I know I can T5 for it but don't want any additional heat, thus the LED idea. But I don't want to waste my money if it doesn't work.

I was pondering one or two of these: http://htgsupply.com/Product-High-Output-50-Watt-LED-Panel---Red-Booster.asp or getting some vanity lighting with the LED normal screw in lightbulbs.

Any advice and opinions appreciated!

LEDs of any significant power also create heat, not really that much different than T5s. The light in the link is way overpriced for its true drawn wattage and lumen capability. I have a couple and they only draw around 20 watts. They are very efficient, but light intensity is low. They can be used for weak sidelighting.

There are some E27 led bulbs on ebay with 3 watt chips that look better than these clumsy panels for supplemental lighting.

If it were me I would get a good t5 unit, put it on top and move the cfls into side lighting. when thats not enough get some led lights.

T5 ho run at about 95 F. That's alot hotter than LED isn't it?

4 or 5 x 50w Warm white LED Floodlights....! One each for your 4 plants.... All for under $200 delivered....

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Very little heat....awesome coverage.

GrowinDad said:

T5 ho run at about 95 F. That's alot hotter than LED isn't it?

Click to expand...

The total heat production is actually pretty close. Carefull about comparing tube running temps to total heat production. leds can actually run between 60-90C at the heatsinks. The even heat and light distribution of T5s over the canopy is actually a great benefit, especially since T5s can be kept within 6 inches of the leafs. Its an optimal transpiration environment.

One of the common complaints by HPS growers is that leds don't have enough heat.

It's a little more than you wanted to spend - but I've had great luck combining Kessil H350 magenta with fluorescent lighting. growershouse.com has them for $251 The build quality on a Kessil is excellent as well and you should be able to place the remote driver (definite part of the heat) outside of your box. There are also some nice accessories if you wish to continue along the LED path...like a flexible mounting arm or a spectral spinner if you end up with a few...like I did.

Do your self a favor and dump the cfl idea, I've been down that road. I guessing your 4x4 area isn't for profit so I'll step out and assume you are a hobby/connoisseur grower, right. Save some future $ and pickup a 600w dimable digital ballast($199), bulb($60), a cool tube & fan($100), run it at 75%(450w) or 50%(300W) and get one or two of the Hagen remote T5 H.O. lights(under$50 for the 2x24"/39") http://ca-en.hagen.com/Aquatic/Lighting/DIY-Lighting-Systems/A1555. The remote ballast can sit outside your grow area, as well as the digital 600w ballast. By dimming down the 600w, you will save on $ as well as heat and you'll be able to use it in a larger garden if you decide to expand at some point. A 600w HPS dimmed to 450w uses about $25 a month of electricity. The whole setup with fans & lights should be around $40 -$50 a month to run. By doing so, you'll save precious $ in the long run. Like I said earlier, I've been down that road. I'm NOT in any way looking down on cfl growers, any grower is a great thing in my book. I've done cfl grows too with pretty good results, I have seen the light(punn intended). With a proper MIX of light & fresh air circulating, you'll see HUGE benefits from this setup. Besides, ever touch the ballast end of a cfl? Get's pretty hot for one little bulb. Now multiply that by 2,3 even 4 bulbs. In a small garden, quality is important. In my opinion(doesn't mean I'm right), HPS mixed with a little T5(6500k) will bring out dense, tight buds. Now, I can't mention potency because thats all in the genetics as you may already know. But do this and you'll see some pretty amazing results. I've had results that will rival any of the "world class" grows seen in magazines and websites. You will be the envy of other people when you open up a bag of your "results". How tall of an area you growing in, you mentioned 4x4 but whats the height? Best of luck and good karma always!