[Socrates]

Hi all, I'm new to the LED arena and am looking for some advice. I'm looking at a few different lights to cover an area of about 19" x 19" (height should not be an issue, I've got a bit of headroom now that I redesigned the cab). Here's what I'm thinking of so far:

Bysen Helios-style 140W, same as BlackDiamond Raptor X3 Elite 140. Modular, 60 degree lenses, color ratio: R(660nm):B(470nm):R(640nm):B(4 40nm):B(460nm CREE):R(630nm CREE)=24pcs:8pcs:8pcs:8pcs:4pc :28pcs. (They are willing to change this, if you think I should add something or change the ratios around).
https://www.bsled.com/led-grow-light/h158d-140w.html

Knock-off HGL penetrator-style 140W. 90 degree lenses, epistar and bridgelux chips, Color Ratio: 660nm:470nm:525nm:640nm:440nm: 740nm=40:8:4:16:8:8
https://www.aliexpress.com/store/prod...608292600.html

Or, if I move things around a little more for some extra space, I might be able to fit in an eShine 3X100 (about 175W). 90 degree by default but can be changed (is 60 or 90 generally better in a small space?), Spectra: 450/470/630/660//730nm,6500k https://eshinesystems.com/grow/3g-100...row-light.html

I am currently leaning toward the Bysens because their specs seem the best for the price. What do you light experts think (and please don't tell me to just get a LumiGrow, I don't have the cash or the space)?

[sneaky101]

I couldn't see the price for that one, but I've got and like advanced led lights. Only ones I have and I just got the 100 watt one ($295).

[FunkBomb]

Advanced LED's diamond series, 100 watt unit.

-Funk

[Socrates]

Thanks for the input, Sneaky and FunkBomb. Do you think that the advanced lights are substantively different from the eShine version? Also, do you use the 100w one on its own for flowering, or is it supplemental? Thanks!

[sneaky101]

Advanced LED is a US based company and handles all issues. A live person answers the phone and their lights come with a 90 day money back guarantee. I've just got my 100w DS led light and am just using it for a small veg box. If you only have 1 or 2 plants, I would think the 100 would work fine. I've got some others that I use for flowering (and vegging). But so far, they all work great...tight nodes, good frost, and a lot less heat.

[medmaker420]

Going from hps to leds and trying to compare wattage can sometimes confuse us growers at times. I am seeing everything from a diy kit to full blown setups from a ton of different companies.

I think the focus should be on the spectrum you choose first and then find the company that can set that up for you the way you want it.

I am testing a few different manufactures right now and have another 3-4 coming to test for the flowering phase and feel that MOST of the companies offer a great product BUT the key is getting the spectrum that you want for the size cab/tent/room you are currently in.

Right now I am still in the veg tests BUT one thing I have learned is that the amount of wattage needed for leds to veg can be pretty damn minimal.

All I await is the flower tests, I have seen many grows from hydro advanced black diamond and black dog and many diy kits but until I test them all out I can't say which works best for ME and I think that is exactly what you can find out as well.

Unlike mh cmh and hps grows, with leds we can get specific leds for different growth, add different wavelengths and spectrum setups to perfect our grows and work with our environment.

You can always go with 2 smaller leds versus a single panel and then be able to have more options later on.

[vukman]

Hiya..........glad to see there are more people getting into this field and willing to take the time to do some research as well.......

Good luck with your findings and please let us know what you come up with...

[grow_right]

i have 3 advancedledlights led lamps. for your space, i would not go less than the 200 watters.

the new ds xml is square, so it matbe an option. i am currently doing a first run with it.

[medmaker420]

grow_right

can't wait to see how it grows for you brother.

I think many are still trying to iron out the wattage needs based on the sqft and I am sure it is dependent on the leds used and the angles attached to them that deal with spread versus penetration.

If you only need a 19x19 I doubt much spread would be needed compared to penetration so I would look into lens angles between the different manufacturers themselves. If you are planning on getting a larger setup however it would make sense to get something that has the depth and spread now.

I can see running 90's making more sense in smaller areas versus 60's but if you plan on expanding do a hybrid of both.

[Socrates]

Thanks for the replies, all! That Diamond Series XML does look nice - sort of similar to the Bysen light I posted. However, still a little too rich for my blood. Maybe some day in the future as an upgrade? In any case, I'd be very interested to see how it works out for you, as the general size and wattage are about what I'm looking for. Do you have a grow journal going?

Medmaker, I'm curious why you say that running 90s in a smaller area makes more sense than 60s. I would think that with a small footprint and sufficient headroom, the 60 degree lights would actually make the most sense - they'd waste less light and allow for more penetration. Perhaps I'm not understanding the correct applications for various lens angles, though?