Affordable LED clone lighting?

[JackTheGrower]

I am exploring clone station lighting.

I suspect a blend of florescent and LED will provide a satisfying lighting situation. I am wanting some white light for me.

What could i do with LED? What is reasonable for a 2 foot by 2 foot clone box?

 

[MeanBean]

Well one of the 63 Watt units would be PLENTY for a 2x2 box of clones. You wouldn't need any other lighting like florescents.

 

[gonzo`]

How much would a 63 watt unit cost? And what sort of fluorescent would it be equivalent to? (in terms of watts)

Thanks!

 

[MeanBean]

Hey Gonzo.

Yeah the 63 Watt Unit is $275. I don't think comparing them to fluoesents will help much but here's the stats.


63w unit:

Use within 6 – 12″ from your canopy for best results
Maximum Coverage Area of 24" x 18" @ 12" above your canopy

Recommended Lighting Area of 18" x 12

For making clones you could have the light at the 12" mark to get that footprint you want. the 63W is rated 6" shorter on one side but for clones you should have no issues, those charts are based on the full plant life cycle Veg - Bloom.

 

[gonzo`]

I'm just trying to understand how to compare LED with HID or Fluoros. ledgirl was talking about how 300w = like 600w... so can you just give some rough comparison of what 63w LED equals in HID or fluoro

 

[MeanBean]

As a rough comparison, I would say very close to a 250HID or 8-10 2ft t5 bulbs..

 

[blazeoneup]

I have not used LED for rooting clones yet, But from my experience using them for starting freshly rooted clones they seem to take off fast, Would probably work well for rooting babies...

I'd say and I havent used the 63w LED before, My guess is somewhere around a 175w mh or 4 of the 40w 4ft floresent tubes. Hard to compare to the floresents though because the tubes spread the light over a much different space.

 

[blazeoneup]

I have not used LED for rooting clones yet, But from my experience using them for starting freshly rooted clones they seem to take off fast, Would probably work well for rooting babies...

I'd say and I havent used the 63w LED before, My guess is somewhere around a 175w mh or 4 of the 40w 4ft floresent tubes. Hard to compare to the floresents though because the tubes spread the light over a larger area.

More spread less intensity for the floresents.

 

[unthing]

I've used a 14 watt noname toyledpanel for rooting cuttings with success, they don't need much light, of course how much cuttings you're taking..

In my opinion product such the 63 watt panel would be more suitable for mother plants or veg light for small personal grow.

 

[MeanBean]

unthing, a 63W unit would be a really nice clone light. But yes you can do it with less.

He is planning on making a 2x2 foot clone box so a 63W unit is a suitable light. I mean you would need at least 4 2ft t5 floros plus ballast to do the same area. Plus those t5 things get hot.

 

[JackTheGrower]

Okay.. That sounds good and I appreciate that you shared your expertise.

My goal is to make seeds but I have to re-veg, clone then feminize.

However, I do so little cloning I found it awkward without a proper place last time and sure the unit can function as a seedling center too.

Okay then.. I shall look at this vendors offerings.

Thanks friends!

 

[JackTheGrower]

I've used a 14 watt noname toyledpanel for rooting cuttings with success, they don't need much light, of course how much cuttings you're taking..

In my opinion product such the 63 watt panel would be more suitable for mother plants or veg light for small personal grow.

I was just looking at VerdantGreen's LED grow show..[/rul] Looks like it does well as a proper grow light.

I am going to think about this. The 63 may be too much for my plans.
I don't need the clone station to do more than seedlings and clones.
I want a proper place for cloning. I do it so infrequently that it's awkward and stressful.
There wouldn't be many clones maybe 10.

I see a 14 now so I am looking at that. No disrespect intended to the Forum Hosts here,

Does Hydro-Grow have a small unit like the 14. I would like to honor our Vendor if possible.

Is the 14 some how a bad purchase?

I am thinking the 63 is a bit large for this task. Not that it wouldn't an excellent light.


Thank you.

 

[unthing]

Those little panels are toys, maybe you could just use couple of fluoros(t5s or pl-l), cheap and available everywhere.

Um, I remember that HGL was planning to produce led strips or something like that when it becomes economically feasible, but there hasn't been much about them lately?

 

[MeanBean]

Yeah, 63W is as low as it goes, but hey there way more fun than floros.

You defiantly could make some healthy clones with the 63W but yea, it could be done with less.

If you plan on buying a ballast and t5's I would just spend the extra $ and get the premium HGL light.

Once your done with your clones I'd throw it in the bloom room for some sweat supplemental light for a plant or 2.

 

[VerdantGreen]

hey jack - i think you woudl find a little cab with a 63w unit quite versatile. plenty for clones and seedlings and small plants, and plenty to grow on a few males in isolation too.
in fact if you check my sig i managed to pull 2 ounces of buds from under a 63w unit too so all in all you will find it a good addition

VG

 

[JackTheGrower]

hey jack - i think you woudl find a little cab with a 63w unit quite versatile. plenty for clones and seedlings and small plants, and plenty to grow on a few males in isolation too.
in fact if you check my sig i managed to pull 2 ounces of buds from under a 63w unit too so all in all you will find it a good addition

VG

Yeah I am sure that 63 would be a champ. I just don't have a need. Have main box, mother room and need clone station.

That LED grow show of your Rocks VG!

Friends, LED looks interesting. If there is no harm using the smaller wattage unit for clones I do need a light. That is in a nice price range.

If it will handle things I am thinking of giving it a try. I understand that it is on the toy side of grow lights but I can get my feet wet on LED with it.

So, with respects to this group, unless there is an obvious flaw with that smaller wattage. I'm ready to join the LED club, albeit at the economy level membership.