so confused over lighting

oldman123

Member
Been out of the grow game for about 15 years and am more confused than ever on lights. back in the day I used a standard 400w hps for veg and flowering. worked finr but heat management was an issue at times and a blessing during the winter. this time ill be in a 4 x 4 x 7 grow tent in my garage. I've been looking into LEDs but there is almost too much information out there and its got me confused. I'd like to try LEDs but need some guidance
Questions.
1. Are LED's really as good as HID when it comes to production?
2. What is the ideal wattage for a 4x 4 tent
3. What is the best LED light out there for home growing? (I dont want to build my own. I prefer to get somethign i can pull out of a box and hang)
4. I see there are different color spectrums. Which one would I need to get for growing?

Thanks for any info. I'm excited about getting back in the game but not gonna lie. i was less confused in the late 90s when i bought a book from barnes and noble and went to town on some mids seeds. lol this has come a long ways
 

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
1. absolutely
2.480-600watts
3.Best is a blanket term. There's plenty of EXPENSIVE fixtures but Kentucky of one's on Alibaba that will kick major ass. I really like this one:
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4.3000k+660/730nm RED is wonderful.
A LOT if pre mades have a mix of 3000k&5000k but I've learned that you want no 5000k for flowering only lights. If you're going to use it for veg too, then sure. But if its strictly flowering, all 3000k is advised. In pretty sure the link I posted can be customized without the 5000k or you could ask for just half as many as least
 

Hobbes

Well-Known Member
.

1. I concur with Airwalker, as good or better

2. Ideal wattage depends on how much you want to harvest. Click on this video link.


3. My research led me to Black Dog LED. They have grow along videos showing their lights growing upwards of 1.2 grams per watt.

I love my Black Dog LED, it's like owning the Tesla of lights.

4. Black Dog has their own spectrum used for both veg and flower.

.

Oldman drop into my thread, it highlights the BD Phytomax 2 LED light.


.
 

Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
.

1. I concur with Airwalker, as good or better

2. Ideal wattage depends on how much you want to harvest. Click on this video link.


3. My research led me to Black Dog LED. They have grow along videos showing their lights growing upwards of 1.2 grams per watt.

I love my Black Dog LED, it's like owning the Tesla of lights.

4. Black Dog has their own spectrum used for both veg and flower.

.

Oldman drop into my thread, it highlights the BD Phytomax 2 LED light.


.
Oh Jesus... You got duped Into a Blackdog? How long have you had it?
 

Hobbes

Well-Known Member
.

I've had it for 3 grows now, my yields have been increasing with each grow as I get use to their style of growing.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

.
 

Boatguy

Well-Known Member
.

I've had it for 3 grows now, my yields have been increasing with each grow as I get use to their style of growing.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

.
Wow, that is a pricey fixture. Could get 2 timber redwood's for that and have cash left over.
 
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Airwalker16

Well-Known Member
.

I've had it for 3 grows now, my yields have been increasing with each grow as I get use to their style of growing.

I couldn't be happier with my purchase.

.
I guess you're past being able to return it. Well as long as you're happy...
 

OneHitDone

Well-Known Member
@oldman123 pay close attention to the what Hobbs said here:
get use to their style of growing.
That continues to be my beef with led's in general. While they can absolutely crank out some yield the plants just do not grow in a "Natural" fashion. And also, make sure you are aware that you must control the environment to steer plant growth rather than the plant acting like it actually has a sun overhead as is the case with HID lighting :peace:
 
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