Looking for the right LEDs

M

mycoyoda

Member
Hello,
I'm very confused in deciding what lights to get. I plan on attempting two different kinds of growing.
Bellow are my current researched options and some comments or thoughts alongside each. Any criticism or advice is greatly appreciated!

(I believe all Quantum boards are equipped with the LM301B)

1. PC grow (silly I know but worth a try)
I'm trying to build a PC Grow box, I have a large PC case coming, however, the most difficult part seems to be finding a good LED light.
I've thought about ordering
  • A "full-spectrum" LED Grow light: Either this "60W" or this 30/60W or this 100W
    • LED that is cheap and might not be strong enough for a good harvest
    • The plan is to do something like a vertical grow, by putting the LED on the side of the PC case
  • A 60w Quantum board with Meanwell driver
    • I thought this one might be too strong, as it claims to be ideal for a 40 x 60 cm grow area. (see second project bellow)
    • Could I simply add a dimmer and use this anyways?
  • A 65W Quantum board with a dimmable Meanwell controller
    • This light has no information on its PFF output, can I trust them?
  • A DIY LED grow with small 40W LEDs from Aliexpress either this or these
    • For this, I am unsure, as I have limited experience with electronic, soldering and high voltage LED
    • Also, would I need a Driver for this?
2. grow tent 40x40x120 or 160 (in cm) . 0.16sqm
How many watts is ideal for this growing area? (1.7sqf)
Any Advice or recommendations are always appreciated!
 
GrassBurner

GrassBurner

Well-Known Member
You want between 30-40 watts per sq ft during flower, and about half that for veg. Meanwell drivers that end in "A" have a built in potentiometer so you can directly adjust the driver.
I'm pretty new to this myself, and I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to give you a more in depth recommendation. One of the HLG 100 or 135 kits might be right up your alley, and hard to beat for the price.
I just fired up a 288 b-spec in a 2'x2' cabinet, and even turned down it is crazy bright. Best of luck!
 
M

mycoyoda

Member
GrassBurner said:
You want between 30-40 watts per sq ft during flower, and about half that for veg. Meanwell drivers that end in "A" have a built in potentiometer so you can directly adjust the driver.
I'm pretty new to this myself, and I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to give you a more in depth recommendation. One of the HLG 100 or 135 kits might be right up your alley, and hard to beat for the price.
I just fired up a 288 b-spec in a 2'x2' cabinet, and even turned down it is crazy bright. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
GrassBurner said:
You want between 30-40 watts per sq ft during flower, and about half that for veg. Meanwell drivers that end in "A" have a built in potentiometer so you can directly adjust the driver.
I'm pretty new to this myself, and I'm sure someone with more experience will be able to give you a more in depth recommendation. One of the HLG 100 or 135 kits might be right up your alley, and hard to beat for the price.
I just fired up a 288 b-spec in a 2'x2' cabinet, and even turned down it is crazy bright. Best of luck!
Click to expand...
I've been looking out for such lights, I think it also depends on what kind of LED it is. For example a Quantum board is more efficient therefore I need less power required than a cheaper LED

the difficulty is I am posting this on an American Forum and I live in central Europe..

Thanks anyway!
 
PadawanWarrior

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
mycoyoda said:
I've been looking out for such lights, I think it also depends on what kind of LED it is. For example a Quantum board is more efficient therefore I need less power required than a cheaper LED

the difficulty is I am posting this on an American Forum and I live in central Europe..

Thanks anyway!
Click to expand...
People from all over the world are on here.
 
S

spek9

Well-Known Member
mycoyoda said:
Hello,
I'm very confused in deciding what lights to get. I plan on attempting two different kinds of growing.
Bellow are my current researched options and some comments or thoughts alongside each. Any criticism or advice is greatly appreciated!

(I believe all Quantum boards are equipped with the LM301B)

1. PC grow (silly I know but worth a try)
I'm trying to build a PC Grow box, I have a large PC case coming, however, the most difficult part seems to be finding a good LED light.
I've thought about ordering
  • A "full-spectrum" LED Grow light: Either this "60W" or this 30/60W or this 100W
    • LED that is cheap and might not be strong enough for a good harvest
    • The plan is to do something like a vertical grow, by putting the LED on the side of the PC case
  • A 60w Quantum board with Meanwell driver
    • I thought this one might be too strong, as it claims to be ideal for a 40 x 60 cm grow area. (see second project bellow)
    • Could I simply add a dimmer and use this anyways?
  • A 65W Quantum board with a dimmable Meanwell controller
    • This light has no information on its PFF output, can I trust them?
  • A DIY LED grow with small 40W LEDs from Aliexpress either this or these
    • For this, I am unsure, as I have limited experience with electronic, soldering and high voltage LED
    • Also, would I need a Driver for this?
2. grow tent 40x40x120 or 160 (in cm) . 0.16sqm
How many watts is ideal for this growing area? (1.7sqf)
Any Advice or recommendations are always appreciated!
Click to expand...
Although I can't help any here, I would like to say that well laid out posts such as this one feel like a breath of fresh air.

Stay detailed like this in all you do, and you'll do well.
 
M

mycoyoda

Member
spek9 said:
Although I can't help any here, I would like to say that well laid out posts such as this one feel like a breath of fresh air.

Stay detailed like this in all you do, and you'll do well.
Click to expand...
Thanks! It took a bit of time but I figured if I write a good question I would get a good answer. Time will tell!
 
PadawanWarrior

PadawanWarrior

Well-Known Member
GBAUTO

GBAUTO

Well-Known Member
I think the simplest answer would be a single qb/sink fixture.
It has over double the light output you would need for that space.
Make sure the driver has the ability to dim below 50% for your application.
I like using a 3500k spectrum
A fixture like that would work now and also allow you to double your space if you want to.
 
M

mycoyoda

Member
GBAUTO said:
I think the simplest answer would be a single qb/sink fixture.
It has over double the light output you would need for that space.
Make sure the driver has the ability to dim below 50% for your application.
I like using a 3500k spectrum
A fixture like that would work now and also allow you to double your space if you want to.
Click to expand...
Do you recommend a 75w or 120w model?
also, would a 60w dimmable qb work inside a pc grow?
Thanks for the reply!
 
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