LED bulbs for growlights

[JoeR]

First I am going to point out that unless you go for very high quality LED you and your plants won't be happy. There is no savings without sacrifice in LED technology yet at point of purchase. Some bulbs have come down a small amount(on sale) but the market is not saturated enough to expect good on the cheap. CFL Bulb replacements and some of the newer Fluorescent technology allows for proper lighting and energy savings.

As for Hydroponic shops and Pet Stores they may have good information depending on what the person you are standing in front of knows from Personal Experience(most do not have that). You will also find that the pricing in those places is far more expensive the lets say a Tractor Supply.

Based on that and that fact important information needed at point of purchase you will find CFL will have the most information as the technology is now common and frequently used.

All that being said I will recommend a suitable idea of what you might consider for a 3' x 3' x 6' setup using various materiel that are of good quality - Most people wanting to "Grow" throughout Winter are dealing with plants that do not require dormancy like to use 5000 Lumens or more. so I'll base the parts list on that. Keep in mind this will be a very flexible system.

Start with getting 3 of these which can be hung from chain, clamped, etc... from most any tractor type supplier. They are far less expensive then similar in Hydro and Pet stores.
http://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/Little-Giant-Brooder-Reflector-Lamp/0000000209172?utm_source=googleps&utm_medium=shopping+search&utm_campaign=google+product search&gslfah&gclid=CPOLioT1hckCFU6PHwodmn4Fiw
And 3 of these - they each produce 1,800 Lumens for a total of 5,400 my target for this purpose. They also only use 26 watts of power which is very low.
http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/26w_power_compact_411_prd1.htm
An inexpensive timer and power strip -
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-...Mechanical-Big-Button-Timer-49810DI/203678109
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Belkin-6-Outlet-Power-Strip-F9P609-03-DP/100654575

The only other item I find handy is sold at hardware places by the foot and I find really nice to use if you are hanging the lights as you can leave a link open and adjust them up and down, I am certain it is well under 1USD per foot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-16-x-250-ft-Zinc-Plated-Jack-Chain-806510/203958817

Grimmy

Thanks so much, that is the most help I have gotten on lighting even after talking to people on other forums. Much appreciated.


I have thinking to do.

 

[BK Bonsai]

The world is your playground but here is some links that you will find interesting for experimental purposes. In your journey be certain to record SKU numbers on products you are happy with for future purchase or direct purchase from China for bulk -

Grimmy

Hey Grimmy, what are your thoughts on this LED grow light. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271935849409?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

It doesn't seem to be a bad deal. I'm still going to attempt creating my own, but I need something in the meantime. It doesn't seem to be top quality, but it seems more functional than fluorescent.

Edit: Now that I look at it, the LED's don't seem to be white. I only see 4 white ones on that whole panel. Shouldn't full spectrum LED's be white and not red/purple?

 

[GrimLore]

It doesn't seem to be a bad deal.

I can only tell you what I know based on CFL and Fluorescent bulb current technology. I never seem to see the information I need to know on LED lamps such as Lumens, useful life, etc... Wish I could help you out more but that information seems to be limited and not often shared by LED sellers.

Grimmy

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Hey Grimmy, what are your thoughts on this LED grow light. http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/271935849409?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

It doesn't seem to be a bad deal. I'm still going to attempt creating my own, but I need something in the meantime. It doesn't seem to be top quality, but it seems more functional than fluorescent.

Edit: Now that I look at it, the LED's don't seem to be white. I only see 4 white ones on that whole panel. Shouldn't full spectrum LED's be white and not red/purple?

I'd avoid it. It looks like a cheap Chinese made light. You've gotta spend upwards of $300 if you want a decent LED.

 

[sorce]

All I know.....

I got 4, 4ft bulbs from Wal-Mart.
In 2 double fixtures.

2 kitchen and bath.
2 closet and laundry.
And one CFL.

My good ficus.
Next two 2 4ft s on one side.
And a CFL on the other side.

Nodes Outside over summer 3/4 inch.

Inside under lights. 1/4 to 3/8in.

And backbudding too.

Sun? Overrated!

Sorce

 

[GrimLore]

All I know.....

Full Spectrum CFL and Fluorescent are different and better then plain CFL and Fluorescent for plants as they are closer to "fake" sunlight. In the picture the room is Snow White and looks that way unless I photo it without adjusting the camera - The camera picks up the full spectrum better then the human eye...



Grimmy

 

[Giga]

if you want to go to the extreme you can go the DIY way and buy everything separate and build really powerful lights that are full spectrum like I do for my reefs and vivarium




This tank is 4 ft long and 150w of leds and pushing something like 35,000 lumens


small but power light


At night I'm surprise I have had cops raid my house thinking I'm growing something as they are so bright it's crazy

 

[JoeR]

Full Spectrum CFL and Fluorescent are different and better then plain CFL and Fluorescent for plants as they are closer to "fake" sunlight. In the picture the room is Snow White and looks that way unless I photo it without adjusting the camera - The camera picks up the full spectrum better then the human eye...

View attachment 86398 View attachment 86399

Grimmy

Are those lights under the shelves from Wal-Mart? I have two that look very similar that I am using now but they are 17 watt I think.

My tropical are pushing growth now finally after being moved inside so we shall see what how the nodes look soon.

 

[GrimLore]

if you want to go to the extreme

Wow 35k Lumens - yes a bit extreme! Our spare room for Winter Storage of deco plants I showed throws a total of 7k Lumens and I will probably add another 4 to 6 k if the Wife keeps buying things for the outside like Rubber trees, Papyrus, Cacti, Succulents and more that we keep outdoors all Summer. They do quite well and although not LED the total of all fixtures and bulbs still is well under 200 watts.

Grimmy

 

[GrimLore]

Are those lights under the shelves from Wal-Mart? I have two that look very similar that I am using now but they are 17 watt I think

They consume 17 watts(CHEAP) and toss 1093 Lumens each - yes simple and from Wal-Mart... We have been using them for several years. The bulbs last 2 6 month periods at 16 hours a day and still have some Full Spectrum left but I replace them at 5.80USD each. So every two years just need bulbs...

Grimmy

 

[BK Bonsai]

All I know.....

I got 4, 4ft bulbs from Wal-Mart.
In 2 double fixtures.


Sorce

How much did this run you? Do you know how much lumens your're running?

 

[coh]

They consume 17 watts(CHEAP) and toss 1093 Lumens each - yes simple and from Wal-Mart... We have been using them for several years. The bulbs last 2 6 month periods at 16 hours a day and still have some Full Spectrum left but I replace them at 5.80USD each. So every two years just need bulbs...

Grimmy

So, those fixtures in your photos are not the compact fluorescent (like the ones you linked to earlier) - you're using standard but short fluorescent fixtures with what kinds of tubes?

 

[sorce]

How much did this run you? Do you know how much lumens your're running?

I think you can figure it all online.

Officially. .....mad cheap!
Less than a ben?

Lights of America fixtures. 2x20ish
Bulbs 4x5ish

I used to use plant aquarium bulbs.
I will likely go back to them again.

Sorce

 

[GrimLore]

So, those fixtures in your photos are not the compact fluorescent (like the ones you linked to earlier) - you're using standard but short fluorescent fixtures with what kinds of tubes?

Correct on the CFL - Those we use in the Terrarium or other single plants she has in the house on that simple timer. The Fluorescent fixtures you see on the shelf unit and the home made PVC Cacti/Succulent setup are 24 inch Wal-Mart fixtures with a 20 inch F17/T18 fluorescent full spectrum tube they sell cheap and last real well. The Lumen rating is 1093 and in tight quarters as I showed they work well.

The light I bought a few of at Wal-Mart last week as I want to put in more shelf in that room was 10.97USD complete but I cannot find it on their site the whole thing is Lights OF America P/N720 GL like so http://www.amazon.com/Lights-America-7020GL-24-Inch-Undercabinet/dp/B008DGCKKG

The replacement bulbs I buy are the same full spectrum only 20 watt at 1100ish lumes at 5.90 each here - http://www.advancedgreenergysolutio...t-RB17T8GL?www.advancedgreenergysolutions.com

They are easy to work with at and are very energy friendly. The CFL full spectrum bulbs however toss a lot more lumens on a dime if you can use them with those hoods - downside - they use more power...

Grimmy

 

[GrimLore]

So, those fixtures in your photos are not the compact fluorescent (like the ones you linked to earlier)

I forgot to mention the OP mentioned he was using a box that was 3' x 3' and might be expanded. Not being a prefab(like my terrarium) I thought and still think they had no hood/reflector setup. Looking at that information I based my recommendations - just my two cents but I have gone through this enough times I feel I can give someone a "good" solution to what I see as not a huge problem.

Grimmy

 

[Nybonsai12]

I've been thinking of replacing my cheapo four foot single bulb fixture with a 4 foot 4 bulb fixture for my winter experiments. Are the units on eBay that range around $100 any good? Ho T5 bulbs alleging 6500 lumens? Is that sufficient? You guys are talking Chinese to me with LED soldering etc...

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/311135836621

 

[Redwood Ryan]

I've been thinking of replacing my cheapo four foot single bulb fixture with a 4 foot 4 bulb fixture for my winter experiments. Are the units on eBay that range around $100 any good? Ho T5 bulbs alleging 6500 lumens? Is that sufficient? You guys are talking Chinese to me with LED soldering etc...

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/311135836621

Try Amazon. Don't know if you have Prime or not, but you can get your light in two days if you do!

 

[Nybonsai12]

Try Amazon. Don't know if you have Prime or not, but you can get your light in two days if you do!

Thanks Ryan, so you think that kind of unit is decent for the money? I know you've had a bunch of different types of set ups. I'm not really interested in spending much money for some high end system and I know there were advancements since HO T5, but I thought they still get the job done.

 

[GrimLore]

I've been thinking of replacing my cheapo four foot single bulb fixture with a 4 foot 4 bulb fixture for my winter experiments. Are the units on eBay that range around $100 any good? Ho T5 bulbs alleging 6500 lumens? Is that sufficient? You guys are talking Chinese to me with LED soldering etc...

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/311135836621

That dealer is highly rated and the unit draws only 216 watts so you can use an inexpensive timer. 6500K is ample...

Grimmy

 

[Nybonsai12]

Thanks Grim!!