Veg lighting options

I'm not too impressed with the lumigrows. A buddy has a couple of those and solar storms from california light works. I like the CLW units better. Though I'm not a big fan of the red blue monochromes. I think for the same wattage with a full spectrum LED they would be doing better like the apache techs. Those are pretty damn nice. You can get the AT600 for $2k using the $400 discount promo code.


Good brands with lights that seem to produce are.


Apache Tech


Area 51


California light works


illumitex(What you see rocky mountain high using in the high times danny danko LED video on youtube)


Blackdogs are also supposed to be good.


Then there is this other company that's been making reef lighting for a while that's starting to make LED grow lights called Onyx. They are using all white 2700K CREE XLM bulbs.


Know you said you aren't going to spend that money but just throwing it out there. Also probably the better of the cheap bargain panels would be the VIPAR panels. Can get 2-300W units that really consume 180W for $300.

 

That's getting close...


Well, if you want to go T5, forget the box stores. No fixtures, no bulbs. You can build a helluva T8 rig, but you wind up spending more to get the same watts in a less finished package.


I ordered these - http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/hydrofarm-envirogro-t5-4ft-8-tube-fixture-w-6400k-bulbs-p-4499.html

 

I don't really mind spending money as long as I can see for sure my investment will pay off. I was self employed for a long time and knew that investing was necessary to stay profitable. You can pinch pennies and end up losing dollars. But falling prey to the hype and marketing pressures can also be a recipe for failure.


I kinda get the impression that hype and marketing are a big part of LED grow products and a lot of companies are going to ride the initial wave. Too many times people are quick to want the coolest, latest innovations before the products are proven. I'm sure it's just a matter of time until the technology is refined and the companies with the track record will come to the front. Then product demand and mass production will bring the cost more inline and affordable. Until then I think I'll go with what I know works.


Be Cool, CG

 

FF, is that thing HO??

 

I thought HO was a qualifier for bulbs, so I could run HO bulbs in it if it doesn't come with them. But I quickly cancelled my order when I saw they wanted $207 to ship them to me! :LOL:


One of my local shops has two 8 bulb 4' t5 arrrays for $250 each. I'm heading there tomorrow. The dude at the shop (i know i know) tells me they come with HO bulbs...


So what - some of these rigs aren't meant to run HO?

 

the hydrofarm brand is a HO unit, I know that for sure, I have 2 of the 4bulb/4ft ones, things are awesome to keep moms or veg under! Let alone the cheapo price for the bulbs.


Try ordering one WITHOUT the bulbs and see what the price is, then go to the local shop n get the bulbs, they might have to super pack the unit IF the bulbs go with it, making it more $$$ to ship.....I dunno just a guess


Ive only and always bought Hydrofarm products, their return policy is badass and I get a new whatever right on the spot at my shops I go to. Just leave the broken item and take a new one. Cant beat that! Other product make you jump thru a zillion hoops.