HELP! I need to purchase my primary grow light. No US brands!

[herbgrower]

Hi, So I currently have a COB 150W but for my grow space I think it wouldn't be enough. So I am looking to buy a light with 200-250W. I can't get any US brands because there is virtually 120% tax on import. However I can get lights from China at 60% tax. So I have to opt for that. I have found some products who claimed to be using CREE led in their fixtures. I am putting their spectrum chart here. What do you guys think? I will put the product link as well if you want. I just don't know authenticity of it. They are all from AliExpress.

 

[BlueberryGIrl]

Hi herbgrower, I have browsed AliExpress myself. I would be careful about cheap lights from china claiming to use Cree parts.. there is usually a good reason why items are much less than from a reputable dealer. do you have any grow shops where you are? any lighting specialists in your area, online?

 

[herbgrower]

Nope. There is no market for it here. All they have is from China. I am skeptical about their(AliExpress) quality as well because the COB CREE chip they claim to use in light costs around $50/piece. In 400W light the LED chip would cost $200 and they are selling the whole fixture for $250! It is just this is the only option I have. I just have to pick something that would substitute if not suffice.

 

[FunkyButtLovin]

As long as heat isn't a major issue, how about a simple 250w or 400w MH/HPS setup?

 

[herbgrower]

I am in hot climate. Heat is going to be an issue. I thought of MH/HPS set up. A friend also suggested that but I am not sure about it. Energy consumption and heat is going to be an issue. Climate in summer is maximum 97 to 108 °F to minimum 66 to 81 °F, in winters min 57 max 84 F. I don't have air conditioner in grow space.

 

[FunkyButtLovin]

That sounds like summer here but winter here is more like 29°/50°F. I have to have a heater, humidifier and HPS for winter and air conditioner, dehumidifier and LED for summer.

 

[herbgrower]

FunkyButtLovin Do you think I will be needing those? Air conditioner and humidifier? I can't invest in that much. The total cost has to be in $700 max. I have to have everything from tent to nutes in this budget. I am at $400-ish without light. I have one cheap 150W LED in shipment but I don't know how long it gonna last or work at all. It is just for desperate measures if you can call that.

 

[herbgrower]

Hey guys there is a good news I would like to share with you all. So the title reads No US brand but finally I got the US brand. I have a friend who is coming home from states. He will be carrying Viparspectra PAR600.
Since this is much like stealth grow for me, there isnt many people I can share this news with except you guys.
Wish me luck. I got the goods, need the lucks!

 

[RFheavy]

Good luck and have fun!