HYDRO Help

[Gordo]

I need help about LED lights. I have a 4x4 grow tent and grow in bubble pots, usually only 2 or 3 plants at a time. What are the best LED grow lights for a budget for this size area. Can I use 2 lights that are designed for a 2x2 area?

[Gingerbeard]

These days, it seems, unfortunately, you get what you pay for with lights. Figure what you want to spend and throw all of it on a light. My HLG is great. Cost a mint. Get a manufacturer's warranty, too. Not just free product return.

[Bluey]

A 4x4 requires a minimum 480w draw from the wall with a full spectrum modern LED for photoperiod plants . If you have a 120v power supply a 480w rated light will draw less, possibly under 380w, fine for autos.

Get a bar style light. They are far superior to anything resembling a quantum board. A detachable driver you can mount outside the tent may help with heat management. Some of the latest ones can be programmed using an app on your phone. I've used the Mars Hydro bar light and app. The app is a tad clunky to get it right but the light has lasted 9 months so far without issue and 1st class results. I've also used Spider Farmer quantum boards and bar lights without issue, same results.

The Samsung 301H EVO diodes are the bees knees when it comes to efficiency but you will get the same results from Bridgelux diodes, just your electrical bill from your lights will be about 5% more.

Those two manufacturers run some decent sales from time to time plus additional discount codes are available on line.

[golfnrl]

Put your $$ in the best lamp you can afford. There's lots of opinions about LED's. Which brand is better? Which type is better? Bar lights, quantum boards, or some other configurations? Each have their pros and cons. You'll be told to make sure about the power draw from the wall. I suspect most growers don't even know what that is or how to verify it. Look at the spec sheet for the lamp you are wanting. If there is a question call the C/S. Lastly, and you prolly already know this, its the spectrum that is most important. You need to make sure your preferred light has a good mix of red and blue lights. Think blue for veg and red for flower. More red = slower veg growth. Less red = smaller, less-dense buds. Don't get me wrong, you need light intensity, as that is what pushes the spectrum down to the lower parts of your plants, but the spectrum is most important. But don't go too far down the rabbit hole chasing LED spectrum, intensity, umols, etc. All of that will make your head spin.

Check out Nebula's recommendations. https://www.growweedeasy.com/5-best-...ed-bud-quality I like HLG. You won't go wrong there.

If you haven't already go to YTU for some vids about what to look for in LEDs. Migro gets good reviews for his work there. You can put two LED's made for a smaller area inside your 4x4. They prolly won't be as efficient as a single lamp designed for that space though. That was my experience.