LED advice for 1.0x1.0

[MyMateDave]

Hi I’m new to this doing a couple autos just into week 1 and only have space for a 1mx1m x2m tent
I can do some electronics and soldering etc, good diy knollage
Running diy led array 5000K 4x 25w bars chips probably not designed to be used for grow or full spectrum.
My lighting question is do I stick with what I have and just make do? I can supplement a bit with extra bars at 5kK and 3kK later in the grow or do I shell out now for a decent LED full spectrum light and if so which would be recommended for my space without breaking the bank?
Is it worth looking at used units on eBay?
Brands to avoid? I see invisible sun are sponsors so I’m guessing they’re trusted good brand but not sure what would work for just a few plants in a smallish area.

Dave

[Marcus]

Hi Dave's mate.

In a 1x1m I've run a 240w Led. That seems to be the size most go for. I'd say grab whatever brand suits your budget really.
I've seen loads of damn fine grows with cheap blurples if budget is a problem.

Myself I prefer to run a 315w CMH, so am a little out of the loop with LEDs but I'm sure someone will be along shortly to help answer your questions.

[seymore_budz]

Hi I’m new to this doing a couple autos just into week 1 and only have space for a 1mx1m x2m tent
I can do some electronics and soldering etc, good diy knollage
Running diy led array 5000K 4x 25w bars chips probably not designed to be used for grow or full spectrum.
My lighting question is do I stick with what I have and just make do? I can supplement a bit with extra bars at 5kK and 3kK later in the grow or do I shell out now for a decent LED full spectrum light and if so which would be recommended for my space without breaking the bank?
Is it worth looking at used units on eBay?
Brands to avoid? I see invisible sun are sponsors so I’m guessing they’re trusted good brand but not sure what would work for just a few plants in a smallish area.

Dave

Hey Dave,

Personally I would just buy a new LED. There have been several jumps in quality and efficiency over the last two years. I'm as tight as they come and also have knocked up my own units but, the latest iteration of diodes are far superior to the old so I'm currently retiring mine one at a time.

For a 1m2 tent, I'd be looking at the 300-400w range. Here's some suggestions.

https://viparspectra.co.uk/products/vip ... grow-light

https://lumatek-lighting.com/ats300w-pro/

https://spiderfarmer.co.uk/products/se3 ... row-light/

You may find a unit second hand on eBay. I find a lot of bargains on FB marketplace too. Lots of people doing one grow then sell the bits on. Saying that, 200-300 quid for a new one that will last you 5-6 years ain't a bad investment IMHO.

[2-Scoops]

You can get some decent Chinese brands at fair prices, just make sure it has a minimum lm301b chipset or even better the lm301h or evo chip i think is newer one all 3 rate high with umol ratings and all 3 are Samsung chips that perform very well for LED`s. I think Mars Hydro still use the older Samsung lm301b so you may find a bargain with theirs. Make sure you look at at true power draw for real wattage not the "600w or 1000w equivalent" etc etc that lots of Chinese makers add to sell their products, its just sales spiel. Ive seen a good few decent grows done with DIY LED jobbies in past too but yes if you buy a light you can use the DIY jobby to veg and get plants ready for next grow whilst you got one flowering = more crops per year.

[Labs Dexter]

What they all said ^^

[MyMateDave]

Thank you everyone, I’ve decided to go with a full spectrum light and get rid of my diy strips, maybe I can reuse it for seedlings in the future.
Im picking up a used lumatek ats300 pro 2.7, hopefully that’ll be about right for the space, give good results and economy.





Dave

[2-Scoops]

Thank you everyone, I’ve decided to go with a full spectrum light and get rid of my diy strips, maybe I can reuse it for seedlings in the future.
Im picking up a used lumatek ats300 pro 2.7, hopefully that’ll be about right for the space, give good results and economy.





Dave

My mate uses Lumatek they are decent lights.

[Marcus]

Thank you everyone, I’ve decided to go with a full spectrum light and get rid of my diy strips, maybe I can reuse it for seedlings in the future.
Im picking up a used lumatek ats300 pro 2.7, hopefully that’ll be about right for the space, give good results and economy.





Dave

Looks like a half decent light on paper!