First time grower:
I have been researching LEDs. I have a small 2x2x5 flowering space and same size separate veg space. I will be vegging under two 24w t5s to get started from seed. I plan on using the t5s for clones and small veg plants .. I will be growing small plants. I will be working towards a small SOG. I know LEDs out perform CFLs even on a small scale, so that is why I am here….Please help ...after about 2 wks strait research..I am losing my mind!!

I do not want a CHEAP light just an affordable and effective one. Ideally in the $150 to $250.00, but willing to go higher.

I have found a Dorm Grow G8-90RR ufo 120 degree lens for $150 ( BridgeLux). However, it only uses the red spectrum 630nm & 660nm. I will only be using the light for flowering. Do I need to have the blue spectrum???? It has 90 1watt lights, & from what I have found this not necessarily a bad thing for small grow show.

I have found the Diamond DS100 11 band for $300.I believe Cree.

GoBlue has a 144 watt ufo for $250 and a 225 watt ufo for $350( Epistar)
with Blue 430nm,460nm, Red 630nm, 660nm,
& 6000k.....60 & 90 degree lens

The CWL Solarflare 100w Bloom Booster 20 5watt for $250

Of course there are the Blackstar and ToeTronics in the $150 range, but most info says stay away from them despite "some" good reviews.

I can afford a little higher price ranges for a bloom, if it will get good yield, and as long as I should be good with the t5s for vegg.

I am not sure... Please help with suggestions or information on products..

It really seems like the Dorm Grow is the best deal( if it will yield ), but it is missing the blue spectrum..Do I need it to maximize yield in small grow show???? and remember guys this is a small grow show just for my personal use...Thanks

Welcome to the forums!

None of those lights will adequately cover a 2x2 area in flower if you want top-shelf results. Even the SolarFlare200w (165w actual draw) would be too small. To properly flower cannabis you'll want over 50w/sqft actual draw despite the marketing claims of most manufacturers.

Do you plan on a high density SOG or low density?

Avoid 1w diodes for anything more than seedlings or rooting clones. 3w diodes might be OK for veg or early flower. 3w diodes are outdated now.

If you don't use all of the 2x2 (say 1.75x1.75) then the SF200w (full cycle imho) would be your best option due to the higher powered diodes. That will be more expensive though.

LED grow lights should work well for SOG grows but they are expensive, startup cost-wise, to get good lights. If you skimp on lighting your plants and results will suffer.


SME

Well 2x2x5 is what I was planning on. I really do not have more room than that. If I were to use a one light system. From start to finsh. I could go 3x3x5. I would have to get a yield that would last through my next cycle, say four months , and at least 5 oz...What would be my best option?

I'm suggesting using LESS than 2x2 if you want to use a smaller light like the SF200w.

If you want to go bigger, a SolarStorm 400w will properly cover about a 3x2 area but that light is more expensive. It can, however, yield well over 5oz/cycle and is a much better flowering light since it also has the UVB option.

Thank you , so much . I will probably stick with the 1.75 x 1.75 space and the sf200 . I can get it down the street from my place. I will have a less dense SOG. I was wanting to veg to about a foot with the t5s then flower...like I said I just need about 1 oz a month ..You think i should be ok

Yeah, 1 plant/sqft is what I would call a low density SOG. If you want to try 5 plants (in a #5 dice pattern) you might only veg to 8-10" imho. I think you'll do better with the Full Cycle rather than the bloom booster which I think is designed as supplemental lighting. You can call CLW to be sure, they're good at answering pre-sales questions.

jdm wrote:Thank you , so much . I will probably stick with the 1.75 x 1.75 space and the sf200 . I can get it down the street from my place. I will have a less dense SOG. I was wanting to veg to about a foot with the t5s then flower...like I said I just need about 1 oz a month ..You think i should be ok

Hello JDM I see you have a similar set as I have in a house. the solar Flare in my opinion is top of the market in the 150/200 w range well built and the warranty is the best I have found.
That being said in the light, I believe they should have started a micro grow forum here as I see several lights in the category being referenced. If you are going for a grow the things I would consider would be genetics' this is more important than light in my view. "Seed Finder" a data on cannabis strains is the best to target what kind of grow you are going for. growth after initiation of flower, Idea of sativas to mix with indica's or hybrids that fit your grow schedule. you don't want a 60 day and 90 in the same grow tent as the nutrients change on time of growth. this is how I would approach a 2x2x'5 tent grow assuming you have your exhaust power source all ready to go watering system if any fans PH meter I use a Bluelab truncheon for PPM's great tool.

good luck with your grow best of wishes for the turn out.

JDM I will applaud you for the effort

There is no political forum here...intentionally. If the owner wants one, there will be one.

That said, more people use MJ to get high so there will always be more THC strains than CBD strains and not all states and dispensaries are the same. Many, here, carry both but not all strains are grown everywhere.

This topic is about picking a grow light. Let's not start political discussions until there is a political forum. If it continues I'll start deleting posts...