Black Dog LED True 960W Organic Super Lemon Haze 4'x4' Grow

[ChrisStomata]

Do you recommend multiple LEDs spread out or will 1 big one (Black Dog makes the 750W) do?

After running this setup it is very apparent to me that the 4 smaller lights is overkill for this size of a room. I am looking to expand and will do it with multiple Platinum models (750W unit).

I am looking to do a setup like villain420247 - check out his grow with the platinums.

 

[ChrisStomata]

Thanks bro - your grow looks great as well - I am going to set up a room very similar to yours with 6 platinums. Any suggestions would be great.

I am not using a filter. Shots are taken with my iphone 5s. I take the pics with the flash on and it helps to get rid of some of the purple lighting.

 

[ChrisStomata]

Week 7 Update



Loving what is going on under these lights!

 

[RB26]

Looks beautiful!

 

[satyr]

For a plant/strain specific developed fertilizer program, they look pretty burned, to say the least.

They don't look very resin coated either. Probably too low temperature, they like to be around 25 C to really kick off.

Considering you are using 1000watt and a high yield strain. I would say, you are putting forward a pretty good argument for buying a 600 HPS a improve yield and quality. Quite a bit even. Have a few thousand dollars to buy something useful for.

I would love to have LED do what they promise. I live in a country where you pay 0.50 USD, 50 cent pr kW/h. I have tried most anything to save me some Watts. None compare to HPS.

I see a few very good growers, get semi decent results with LED's. Most keep up their temps with heaters, losing the watts creating heat, not flowers. They understand you can't use a HPS nuteregimen when growing under a LED since they hardly transpire, compared to a 1000Watt HPS, even a 600watt. They lack the intensity, even if PAR and stuff is off a bit.

Its all about Photons, when growing real world marijuana.

If you live in a dorm, or don't have access to good and plenty air shifts, then they might suit a specific purpose. Otherwise its borderline scamming most of it.

If you have room and air and want plenty off good cannabis, FORGET LED the next couple of years, Buy a HPS and enjoy.

 

[villain420247]

I am going to set up a room very similar to yours with 6 platinums. Any suggestions would be great.

I will have more time with them over the next couple months and am happy to share experiences as I run cycles with them.
So far - I am using the adjustability of the distance of the lights more now with the LED vs. HPS given that I can keep an 18" distance easier with them and the plants seem to love it (vs. the 24" I attempt to keep with the 1kHPS' which basically means I just keep them planted at the ceiling).
Some of what Satyr says is valid (some not so much, but whatever) - like they do transpire a LOT less water vs. my HPS setup - at least when using rockwool and my top-feed rtw system. I haven't really tested it yet, but it seems like I could feed maybe once a day vs. 2-3...when they are small, it appears they could almost go every other day or morning the first day and evening the second...I dunno - they don't react negatively to the more regular/standard feeding schedule necessarily, but it seems to possibly be unnecessary and could certainly save some water and nutes.

As far as heat - I run a couple de-humidifiers that generate some heat and my LED area stays right around 80-85 directly under the lights, 72-75 just outside of the light canopy and tables. With the AC cranked in the other side of the space, the HIDs are right in the low to mid 80s as well at around 20-24" away. (all basically in the same 900sq room)

 

[ChrisStomata]

For a plant/strain specific developed fertilizer program, they look pretty burned, to say the least.

They don't look very resin coated either. Probably too low temperature, they like to be around 25 C to really kick off.

Considering you are using 1000watt and a high yield strain. I would say, you are putting forward a pretty good argument for buying a 600 HPS a improve yield and quality. Quite a bit even. Have a few thousand dollars to buy something useful for.

I would love to have LED do what they promise. I live in a country where you pay 0.50 USD, 50 cent pr kW/h. I have tried most anything to save me some Watts. None compare to HPS.

I see a few very good growers, get semi decent results with LED's. Most keep up their temps with heaters, losing the watts creating heat, not flowers. They understand you can't use a HPS nuteregimen when growing under a LED since they hardly transpire, compared to a 1000Watt HPS, even a 600watt. They lack the intensity, even if PAR and stuff is off a bit.

Its all about Photons, when growing real world marijuana.

If you live in a dorm, or don't have access to good and plenty air shifts, then they might suit a specific purpose. Otherwise its borderline scamming most of it.

If you have room and air and want plenty off good cannabis, FORGET LED the next couple of years, Buy a HPS and enjoy.

I agree with you on yield satyr. I think that if yield is your top goal than you will be better off with HPS lighting.

 

[ChrisStomata]

Harvest Results and Final Black Dog Review

Harvest Results and Final Black Dog Review

Amongst the few environmental controls that are necessary for growing medical grade cannabis (water, light, Co2, nutrients, temp/humidity) lighting has always been at the top of my list. The reason I switched from HID lighting to LED lighting a number of years ago was to provide finally-tuned spectrums of usable light to my plants. I was tired of the wasting power on heat and unusable light.

In earlier postings I reviewed the numerous LED lighting companies that I have used. Early in my LED growing experience I got frustrated buying lights that claimed to be 100W units but when connected to a watt meter they would only pull 60-70 watts from the wall. Manufacturers would sell this lack of power as a cost saving when in all actuality the difference in watts was due to the poor quality of light diodes and configuration. I have been on a very expensive LED grow light journey to find a lighting company that combines power & efficiency without cutting corners. Black Dog LED is that company! I do not work for them or have any financial interest in their organization. I am simply a cultivator looking for the highest quality equipment to produce the highest quality medicine. I cannot tell you how relieved I am to finally settle on a LED manufacturer and have no intention to change – journey completed!

I have been growing these 2 Super Lemon haze phenos for the last 2 years. I have grown them under Lighthouse Hydro, Hydro Grow LED, ProSource, and now Black Dog. I have never seen this tight of a flower formation, trichome production, and this large of a yield as I got with these lights. Now I do have to admit that my light setup is overkill. The reason I went with the four BD-240 lights over the one large Platinum model is because in the past I was tired of diminished light footprints from all the other LED manufactures and wanted to make sure I was covered. Come to find out that Black Dog lights actually cover the footprint they say it does…. my bad. I will be switching over to the Platinum model for my 4x4 areas moving forward.

One thing I did want to address before the results of this grow is the cost of Black Dog lights. All lighting cost money and the reason I see most people fail at LED grows is they cheep out on inferior products. HID lighting is like paying for a car on a 48 month loan with interest. Sure you don’t have to put much money upfront but by the time you pay off the “car” (bulbs, ballasts, AC, hoods, venting, energy costs) you pay almost double what you actually bought it for. Black Dog lighting may look expensive at first glance but you only have to put up the money once and that’s it. You will see the saving sooner than you think!

Grow Results:
The girls came down on day 62 of flower. This is about 5 days sooner than I normally bring them down which I credit to the lights. Trichs were about 15% amber, 70% cloudy, and 15% clear. I was able to pull 0.675 grams per watt from this grow. I am extremely happy with the results considering I had a couple slight nute issues that impacted the outcome and this being my virgin grow with these lights. I am confident the next couple grows will be closer to the gram per watt standard. While I know a lot of people are concerned about the final weight – I care more about the quality of the final product.





The final dried medicine is compact, smells amazing, tastes incredible, looks so frosty, and I am getting a tone of feedback that the high is more complex and well rounded. The only thing I did different was the lighting.

Dried buds ready for manicuring:


Final thoughts – If you are thinking about LED lighting then Black Dog LED is the only lighting manufacturer I recommend. It is very evident LED lighting technology is still far away from producing the amount of product (weight) 1000W HID light compared to a 1000W LED can produce. Who knows if it will ever equate? The quality of the final product and the ease of controlling the environment between the two is what has me hooked. I did some research on a few of your questions about Black Dog LED lights being LG Mars II just rebranded. This could not be farther from the truth. Mars LED is your Chinese knockoff company. Look at them on Alibaba – they have tried to knockoff every major LED company out there. If you are going to make the switch to LED’s do it the right way – if you cut corners you’ll only be disappointed. One thing I do recommend is picking up a pair of their LED grow glasses. They are made by Method Seven out of Italy and specially formulated to Black Dog’s spectrums. It is like looking at your plants in daylight. The pair I picked up saved my eyes! The final selling point for me in addition to the quality is Black Dog’s level of customer service. It is rare to find this type of openness and professionalism in this industry. If you have questions or need technical support they are a phone call away. That peace of mind is worth every penny.
Happy Growing

 

[ChrisStomata]

I remembered I had I couple nugs of my SLH left from 8 months when I grew it under Hydro Grow LED 189X so you can see the difference between the quality of lighting:

HGL 189X


Black Dog LED


Side by side

 

[artthug]

I know its an old tread but....

I know its an old tread but....

Amongst the few environmental controls that are necessary for growing medical grade cannabis (water, light, Co2, nutrients, temp/humidity) lighting has always been at the top of my list. The reason I switched from HID lighting to LED lighting a number of years ago was to provide finally-tuned spectrums of usable light to my plants. I was tired of the wasting power on heat and unusable light.

In earlier postings I reviewed the numerous LED lighting companies that I have used. Early in my LED growing experience I got frustrated buying lights that claimed to be 100W units but when connected to a watt meter they would only pull 60-70 watts from the wall. Manufacturers would sell this lack of power as a cost saving when in all actuality the difference in watts was due to the poor quality of light diodes and configuration. I have been on a very expensive LED grow light journey to find a lighting company that combines power & efficiency without cutting corners. Black Dog LED is that company! I do not work for them or have any financial interest in their organization. I am simply a cultivator looking for the highest quality equipment to produce the highest quality medicine. I cannot tell you how relieved I am to finally settle on a LED manufacturer and have no intention to change – journey completed!

I have been growing these 2 Super Lemon haze phenos for the last 2 years. I have grown them under Lighthouse Hydro, Hydro Grow LED, ProSource, and now Black Dog. I have never seen this tight of a flower formation, trichome production, and this large of a yield as I got with these lights. Now I do have to admit that my light setup is overkill. The reason I went with the four BD-240 lights over the one large Platinum model is because in the past I was tired of diminished light footprints from all the other LED manufactures and wanted to make sure I was covered. Come to find out that Black Dog lights actually cover the footprint they say it does…. my bad. I will be switching over to the Platinum model for my 4x4 areas moving forward.

One thing I did want to address before the results of this grow is the cost of Black Dog lights. All lighting cost money and the reason I see most people fail at LED grows is they cheep out on inferior products. HID lighting is like paying for a car on a 48 month loan with interest. Sure you don’t have to put much money upfront but by the time you pay off the “car” (bulbs, ballasts, AC, hoods, venting, energy costs) you pay almost double what you actually bought it for. Black Dog lighting may look expensive at first glance but you only have to put up the money once and that’s it. You will see the saving sooner than you think!

Grow Results:
The girls came down on day 62 of flower. This is about 5 days sooner than I normally bring them down which I credit to the lights. Trichs were about 15% amber, 70% cloudy, and 15% clear. I was able to pull 0.675 grams per watt from this grow. I am extremely happy with the results considering I had a couple slight nute issues that impacted the outcome and this being my virgin grow with these lights. I am confident the next couple grows will be closer to the gram per watt standard. While I know a lot of people are concerned about the final weight – I care more about the quality of the final product.

[URL=https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=50161&pictureid=1172504&thumb=1]View Image[/url]
[URL=https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=50161&pictureid=1172503&thumb=1]View Image[/url]
[URL=https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=50161&pictureid=1172543&thumb=1]View Image[/url]

The final dried medicine is compact, smells amazing, tastes incredible, looks so frosty, and I am getting a tone of feedback that the high is more complex and well rounded. The only thing I did different was the lighting.

Dried buds ready for manicuring:
[URL=https://www.icmag.com/ic/picture.php?albumid=50161&pictureid=1172505&thumb=1]View Image[/url]

Final thoughts – If you are thinking about LED lighting then Black Dog LED is the only lighting manufacturer I recommend. It is very evident LED lighting technology is still far away from producing the amount of product (weight) 1000W HID light compared to a 1000W LED can produce. Who knows if it will ever equate? The quality of the final product and the ease of controlling the environment between the two is what has me hooked. I did some research on a few of your questions about Black Dog LED lights being LG Mars II just rebranded. This could not be farther from the truth. Mars LED is your Chinese knockoff company. Look at them on Alibaba – they have tried to knockoff every major LED company out there. If you are going to make the switch to LED’s do it the right way – if you cut corners you’ll only be disappointed. One thing I do recommend is picking up a pair of their LED grow glasses. They are made by Method Seven out of Italy and specially formulated to Black Dog’s spectrums. It is like looking at your plants in daylight. The pair I picked up saved my eyes! The final selling point for me in addition to the quality is Black Dog’s level of customer service. It is rare to find this type of openness and professionalism in this industry. If you have questions or need technical support they are a phone call away. That peace of mind is worth every penny.
Happy Growing

I own several Black dogs and I grow great with them, BUT... I also own Mars 2 lights and there is no difference in performance just price. I have had a lot better customer service from Top Led (the mars people). I admit I was afraid of the "China stigma" but I'm way past over that and growing with the power of several Black Dogs fr !/5th the price.

 

[LowWater]

Lush Lighting?

Lush Lighting?

Chris, time's passed and I hope your still about.

In the interim, Michigan has come out with a company called Lush Lighting. Several LED folks and cultivation businesses I respect have switched to Lush Lighting and a few have gone from HID all the way to Lush Lighting. Are you at all familiar with these LED lights? They are (well) built around 100% 3W Cree diodes. I cant find any independent reviews; all are subsidized by Lush. Your opinion would be meaningful.

 

[HerBnGorE(illa)]

Cris. U said u harvested at a15/70/15 ratio on trich color. Have u tried other ratios for the SLH and found that to be best??

 

[Monkey Trousers]

I own several Black dogs and I grow great with them, BUT... I also own Mars 2 lights and there is no difference in performance just price. I have had a lot better customer service from Top Led (the mars people). I admit I was afraid of the "China stigma" but I'm way past over that and growing with the power of several Black Dogs fr !/5th the price.

Yeah, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news OP but the lights are essentially identical. Trying to convince people otherwise because you fell for the Black dog sales pitch doesn't change the facts. It's a shame you paid 3 times more than you needed to, but bad mouthing Mars 2s and the company that produces them isn't going to get you your money back.

For anyone interested in these units, all these lights are produced in China, just buy from the source and don't waste your money too.

 

[cooljeff]

Yeah, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news OP but the lights are essentially identical. Trying to convince people otherwise because you fell for the Black dog sales pitch doesn't change the facts. It's a shame you paid 3 times more than you needed to, but bad mouthing Mars 2s and the company that produces them isn't going to get you your money back.

For anyone interested in these units, all these lights are produced in China, just buy from the source and don't waste your money too.

Are you serious?

dam, im sure glad i didnt buy from them!

 

[GuerrillaRed]

I gave this thread five stars for the information on LEDs. I find it difficult to give up my HIDs since that's what I know and I'm comfortable with, but I'm very interested in LEDs. I found the info in this thread to be excellent.

 

[uptosumpn]

Yeah, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news OP but the lights are essentially identical. Trying to convince people otherwise because you fell for the Black dog sales pitch doesn't change the facts. It's a shame you paid 3 times more than you needed to, but bad mouthing Mars 2s and the company that produces them isn't going to get you your money back.

For anyone interested in these units, all these lights are produced in China, just buy from the source and don't waste your money too.

Wow. REALLY? I was def contimplating getting the Black dogs because of what i heard and read on em...previously i was gonna get Hydro grow ,(or something like that name) Led panels....BOTH Co. shit is expensive!!!! But I really wanna give LED's a run. Plus its def needed in my climate warm/hot during most of year except these next few months. and dont need any FLIR problems!!!!! I need panels similar to 2 x 1000hps, in a 4x8 tent...and need coverage for both sides. (will be running 8 5gal buckets, 4 under ea panel) any sugg. on which panels?? gonna check the website too!

 

[Smoke342]

Blackdog Led is a scam. Just look at their facebook pictures all you see is semi frosty under developed buds that for some reason the owner is proud of.

The owner Corey was fired from Custom Spectrum LED in 2010 for attempted fraud so he went on to start his own company. He totally copied their spectrum but has been too stupid to figure out not only do uv/ir damage plants significantly impacting yield but leds in general get much lower yields than hid while costing much more.

Corey doesn't care as he is a selfish megalomaniac scam artist looking to do nothing but find more people to rip off with inferior led technology. The reason his lights use more energy is their divers are only 70% energy effiicient where the good ones are 99%.

I have a pile of 864w 6w leds that outperform his 2x but i havent touched them in years besides once where a they failed a hps comparison test.

Moral of the story this scam/ con artist only cares about ripping more people off and doesnt.give a shit he is selling/marketing pathetic bogus lights. I saw a test light of his at family hydroponics in boulder and the plants leaves were curling and it was dying lol i told them it was because of the uv/ir and they assured me it was because of the nutes they were using lol took the.display down next time i was in. Plants looked spindly and clawing just like all the ones on his facebook lol...The reason no one has has figured it out is most of his customers are ignorant noobs tricked by his/led marketing. I hope one of his ripped off customers finds him and kills him...20 free 900w leds better than his $2000 ones for any volunteers.

 

[villain420247]

Yeah...I spent the money to test em, cause that's what I do - test stuff. and besides all the personal commentary (which I have no insight to), the units really aren't that great I, and the folks I gave them to after running an array of 6, definitely pulled yields from under them and they can be dialed into an environment a bit. But it's never going to be what you are expecting from under an HPS. Most interesting thing about them to me was the change in terpene profile...so then I ran them as supplemental lighting in addition to HPS. That was cool...but ridiculously cost prohibitive to do on any kinda scale. and almost no ROI for anything but head nugs...and even then - seems silly.
If you want to go with some new hotness that gives a decent cost savings - use double-ended HPS' - provided you have the proper environment for em anyway.

Blackdog Led is a scam. Just look at their facebook pictures all you see is semi frosty under developed buds that for some reason the owner is proud of.

The owner Corey was fired from Custom Spectrum LED in 2010 for attempted fraud so he went on to start his own company. He totally copied their spectrum but has been too stupid to figure out not only do uv/ir damage plants significantly impacting yield but leds in general get much lower yields than hid while costing much more.

Corey doesn't care as he is a selfish megalomaniac scam artist looking to do nothing but find more people to rip off with inferior led technology. The reason his lights use more energy is their divers are only 70% energy effiicient where the good ones are 99%.

I have a pile of 864w 6w leds that outperform his 2x but i havent touched them in years besides once where a they failed a hps comparison test.

Moral of the story this scam/ con artist only cares about ripping more people off and doesnt.give a shit he is selling/marketing pathetic bogus lights. I saw a test light of his at family hydroponics in boulder and the plants leaves were curling and it was dying lol i told them it was because of the uv/ir and they assured me it was because of the nutes they were using lol took the.display down next time i was in. Plants looked spindly and clawing just like all the ones on his facebook lol...The reason no one has has figured it out is most of his customers are ignorant noobs tricked by his/led marketing. I hope one of his ripped off customers finds him and kills him...20 free 900w leds better than his $2000 ones for any volunteers.

 

[hydro91]

Excuse me where I can buy the seeds of super lemon haze ?? in most sites tells me it's finished