FishEmulsion
New member
Over a decade ago, I had several grows with pretty good results. It was fun and the end product was rewarding. I am legally allowed to grow and want to get back on the horse. I have to say the options now for all aspects of growing have really taken off. But, the new LED technology is what has me really struggling to make a decision.
I'd really like to hear your thoughts on going for a hps/mh light vs a cheaper LED. There are a lot of opinions out there, and I'd especially like to hear from people who have first hand experience with a budget led.
Basically, I believe that one day in the not too distant future everyone will be using LEDs, and the high end LED's of today are very good. The problem is that I just am not able to spend $1K+ on a light, so I am left looking at the cheaper LEDs with a mixed reputation. Specifically, I am looking at the Amazon series viparspectra() or roleadro cobs ([URL="https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Spectrum-Light-Innovated-Generation/dp/B01I4NY8KW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498215176&sr=8-1&keywords=roleadro+cob"]) Although these have good reviews and some people praise them, there are also many people that say they are junk or do not provide the lumens for good flowering. Also, I believe that these cheaper lights are generally poorly supported by less reputable companies. I'd use 2-4 of these lights. My other option would be to get a 600 or 1000 watt hps/mh.
The parameters I am working with is a 4x4 growing footprint for 6 plants. I am either going to SCROG or train. The room I am using is actually pretty large-15 feet long x 5.5 wide x 6 feet 9 inches tall. I will be adding a fan/filter that vents and draws from the basement.
So, what am I to do? I want to save power and use the newest technology. But, I am concerned about reliability and results from leds in my budget. Although my power bill is a concern, the difference between running 600 watts of hps and 400 watts of leds can be made up for very quickly if the hps provides better results/reliabiltiy. Am I better going tried and true or should I go for a LED?
I'd really like to hear your thoughts on going for a hps/mh light vs a cheaper LED. There are a lot of opinions out there, and I'd especially like to hear from people who have first hand experience with a budget led.
Basically, I believe that one day in the not too distant future everyone will be using LEDs, and the high end LED's of today are very good. The problem is that I just am not able to spend $1K+ on a light, so I am left looking at the cheaper LEDs with a mixed reputation. Specifically, I am looking at the Amazon series viparspectra() or roleadro cobs ([URL="https://www.amazon.com/Roleadro-Spectrum-Light-Innovated-Generation/dp/B01I4NY8KW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1498215176&sr=8-1&keywords=roleadro+cob"]) Although these have good reviews and some people praise them, there are also many people that say they are junk or do not provide the lumens for good flowering. Also, I believe that these cheaper lights are generally poorly supported by less reputable companies. I'd use 2-4 of these lights. My other option would be to get a 600 or 1000 watt hps/mh.
The parameters I am working with is a 4x4 growing footprint for 6 plants. I am either going to SCROG or train. The room I am using is actually pretty large-15 feet long x 5.5 wide x 6 feet 9 inches tall. I will be adding a fan/filter that vents and draws from the basement.
So, what am I to do? I want to save power and use the newest technology. But, I am concerned about reliability and results from leds in my budget. Although my power bill is a concern, the difference between running 600 watts of hps and 400 watts of leds can be made up for very quickly if the hps provides better results/reliabiltiy. Am I better going tried and true or should I go for a LED?
