All COB Users - Lettuce Grow Challenge!!

[PicklesRus]

these would probably work for lettuce. The 4 pack works out to 288 watts at the wall (so they say)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-108W-LED-Grow-Light-Bar-Strip-Fixture-Full-Spectrum-Red-Blue-For-Hydro-Plant-/131779851104?hash=item1eaeb0f360:g:bc4AAOSw4shX4jCn

I know this challenge is suppose to be growing lettuce under cobs, but I think it could be viewed as the most cost effective way to grow it. I think inexpensive light arrays in larger quantities might be a worth looking at, akin to a RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks). something like 20 - 22 watt lights at $6 dollars a light($120), vs 8 - 54 watt lights at $120 each ($960). if you scaled this up, you could get 160 cheap lights for the same price as 8 expensive lights. Basically making them disposable, like rockwool. I suppose, one could argue that better lights make for better lettuce, while probably true, is it a big differnce, or just a slight difference, and does it really matter when you toss it in ranch dressing?

I was thinking the same thing, should we be going cheap or quality.
I guess it's worth a test.

From what I've seen the philips production modules are running at good efficiency but are kind of pricey and deter people due to the cost.
If the cheap disposable as you refer to them work that's definitely an option for a hobby. I'm a big ran of trying the ultra cheap stuff as I think there's a lot of value there.
I sent off 10 or so email requests to alibaba sellers yesterday asking for spec sheets on their light bars. The newer light bars being sold out of china look nice - I don't know if looks equal good design but theres hope for the future I think.

As far as the ultra cheap ones though I think they might be not as efficient on electricity - not that it really matters I guess. I wonder what the lifespan is on them.

 

[PicklesRus]

these would probably work for lettuce. The 4 pack works out to 288 watts at the wall (so they say)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-108W-LED-Grow-Light-Bar-Strip-Fixture-Full-Spectrum-Red-Blue-For-Hydro-Plant-/131779851104?hash=item1eaeb0f360:g:bc4AAOSw4shX4jCn

I know this challenge is suppose to be growing lettuce under cobs, but I think it could be viewed as the most cost effective way to grow it. I think inexpensive light arrays in larger quantities might be a worth looking at, akin to a RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks). something like 20 - 22 watt lights at $6 dollars a light($120), vs 8 - 54 watt lights at $120 each ($960). if you scaled this up, you could get 160 cheap lights for the same price as 8 expensive lights. Basically making them disposable, like rockwool. I suppose, one could argue that better lights make for better lettuce, while probably true, is it a big differnce, or just a slight difference, and does it really matter when you toss it in ranch dressing?

It says Actural Power: 72W

 

[muleface]

I was thinking the same thing, should we be going cheap or quality.
I guess it's worth a test.

From what I've seen the philips production modules are running at good efficiency but are kind of pricey and deter people due to the cost.
If the cheap disposable as you refer to them work that's definitely an option for a hobby. I'm a big ran of trying the ultra cheap stuff as I think there's a lot of value there.
I sent off 10 or so email requests to alibaba sellers yesterday asking for spec sheets on their light bars. The newer light bars being sold out of china look nice - I don't know if looks equal good design but theres hope for the future I think.

As far as the ultra cheap ones though I think they might be not as efficient on electricity - not that it really matters I guess. I wonder what the lifespan is on them.

so my ultra cheap light bars are 22w and 6500k all white lights. I am interested to see how they do, or if i would be better served using some red/blue lights also, or maybe mixing some white 3000k range with the 6500k. or maybe doing all 4, 3000k, 6500k, red and blue. if i can get some really cheap, i would create another growing platform, and try them there.

Also, i am thinking maybe of getting some 2x6 boards and some heavy mil plastic and creating a flood table and raft system. then mixing all kinds of different lights in different quadrants of the table to see what performs best.

 

[PicklesRus]

so my ultra cheap light bars are 22w and 6500k all white lights. I am interested to see how they do, or if i would be better served using some red/blue lights also, or maybe mixing some white 3000k range with the 6500k. or maybe doing all 4, 3000k, 6500k, red and blue. if i can get some really cheap, i would create another growing platform, and try them there.

Also, i am thinking maybe of getting some 2x6 boards and some heavy mil plastic and creating a flood table and raft system. then mixing all kinds of different lights in different quadrants of the table to see what performs best.

I bought a 2' x 4' wire shelving, the chrome ones you see in kitchen store rooms... then a 2' x 4' flood table. There was a lip on the edge that wouldn't let it fit on the shelf but I cut it down. They fit beautifully. I think plastic flood trays are awesome they dont require much for setup and maintenence and they're designed to limit standing water if you use them as a flood drain.

For my lettuce I'm using small rubbermaid bins, three heads per bin and with kratky I won't be replacing water or using pumps.

you've probably seen these at walmart for $5. they are 11L, pretty small but I think perfect for three heads.

I used to have a fodder gutter that i'd drain every week but it got kinda messy and ended up leaking.
These will work good for my lettuce system, 6 containers per 2x4 foot space fit perfectly and would be 18 plants per shelf, or 36 plants per 4x4 space.

I'm going to use my 2x4 flood tables to grow microgreens and wheatgrass.
I am so stoked after years of screwing around I think I'm finally zeroing in on an easy to maintain system that produces greens and microgreens including wheatgrass well.

if it can fit both trays plus two levels (36 heads) of lettuce on one shelf i'll be super happy.
I have one extra shelf so I think I can fit it all.

I only have lights for two levels though! t5ho sunblasters for one and philips greenpower leds for another.

Here's pics of what equipment I have already. Since I need lights for two levels I'm thinking of building a cob setup. I've always had a hard time figuring how how to build cobs for lettuce though, everyone here is using it for monster weed plants but thats not what lettuce needs right.

 

[muleface]

I missed the pricing on the phillips lights, aren't they like $400 dollars each?

Take some pictures of your finished product, would love to see it.

you should look into this as tops for your containers.

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/panel-products/specialty-panels/plastic/1-4-x-4-x-8-hdpe-panel/p-1444424094192-c-14048.htm?tid=-2085742350333691150

they cut like plywood, and don't let any light in

 

[muleface]

anyone have a link to hydroponic rafts? i can't seem to find anyone that supplies them

 

[PicklesRus]

I missed the pricing on the phillips lights, aren't they like $400 dollars each?

Take some pictures of your finished product, would love to see it.

you should look into this as tops for your containers.

https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/panel-products/specialty-panels/plastic/1-4-x-4-x-8-hdpe-panel/p-1444424094192-c-14048.htm?tid=-2085742350333691150

they cut like plywood, and don't let any light in

The Philips are 140cdn each
I have a feeling the independance leds will be more than 2x the light output as the Philips, and they are 170cdn.

The test I think I'll put three Philips on one level, and two of the independance bars on another level. The have a 90 day money back garuntee for the samples, so I can do a side by side grow and see if they will work out. If they do I think they will be much cheaper and provide good output.

The guy at independance says they are 54w per single 4' bar and are have good efficiency so we will see. He can make them into any number of bars per fixture but suspects single bars would be more useful for me.

Oh yes the Philips are only 35w (first gen) or 23w (second gen).. the independance is 54w.. so if the efficiencies are comparable with the independance it's probably around or more than twice the light as the Philips.

I should probably do a YouTube video comparison too for the good people on the internet.

I was hoping I could just use the lids as tops, that keeps the cost low as they are only 5$ per tub and I think will hold three plants.

 

[PicklesRus]

 

[PicklesRus]

anyone have a link to hydroponic rafts? i can't seem to find anyone that supplies them

USA or Canada?

 

[eyderbuddy]

I bought a 2' x 4' wire shelving, the chrome ones you see in kitchen store rooms... then a 2' x 4' flood table. There was a lip on the edge that wouldn't let it fit on the shelf but I cut it down. They fit beautifully. I think plastic flood trays are awesome they dont require much for setup and maintenence and they're designed to limit standing water if you use them as a flood drain.

For my lettuce I'm using small rubbermaid bins, three heads per bin and with kratky I won't be replacing water or using pumps.

you've probably seen these at walmart for $5. they are 11L, pretty small but I think perfect for three heads.

I used to have a fodder gutter that i'd drain every week but it got kinda messy and ended up leaking.
These will work good for my lettuce system, 6 containers per 2x4 foot space fit perfectly and would be 18 plants per shelf, or 36 plants per 4x4 space.

I'm going to use my 2x4 flood tables to grow microgreens and wheatgrass.
I am so stoked after years of screwing around I think I'm finally zeroing in on an easy to maintain system that produces greens and microgreens including wheatgrass well.

if it can fit both trays plus two levels (36 heads) of lettuce on one shelf i'll be super happy.
I have one extra shelf so I think I can fit it all.

I only have lights for two levels though! t5ho sunblasters for one and philips greenpower leds for another.

Here's pics of what equipment I have already. Since I need lights for two levels I'm thinking of building a cob setup. I've always had a hard time figuring how how to build cobs for lettuce though, everyone here is using it for monster weed plants but thats not what lettuce needs right.

Saw the picture of the shelf, can you post source please? it looks nice and spacey

 

[PicklesRus]

Saw the picture of the shelf, can you post source please? it looks nice and spacey

It's a Sandusky 72" x 48" x 24"

You can buy them from different places but I got mine at Home Depot.

U line sells them and you can get all sorts of add ons like extra shelves and wheels.

I bought the 2'x4' so it would fit 2'x4' flood trays

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.4-shelf-74-in-h-x-72-in-w-x-24-in-d-heavy-duty-nsf-certified-chrome-wire-shelving.1000753437.html

Google around though I'm in Canada so my supplier might be different from yours. Home Depot I think has it but you might need to order it online they might not stock that exact size in store

 

[OneHitDone]

It's a Sandusky 72" x 48" x 24"

You can buy them from different places but I got mine at Home Depot.

U line sells them and you can get all sorts of add ons like extra shelves and wheels.

I bought the 2'x4' so it would fit 2'x4' flood trays

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.4-shelf-74-in-h-x-72-in-w-x-24-in-d-heavy-duty-nsf-certified-chrome-wire-shelving.1000753437.html

Google around though I'm in Canada so my supplier might be different from yours. Home Depot I think has it but you might need to order it online they might not stock that exact size in store

Project is looking great - getting me all fired up!
After I finish up a few other things I need to get rolling on an indoor lettuce production system myself

 

[muleface]

got a general growing question. I have a 8 bulb t5 6500k light, that now isn't being used. would it be worth putting it in with my 3k and 4k cobs in my tomato growing area? or would the light throw off the tomatoes?

 

[PicklesRus]

got a general growing question. I have a 8 bulb t5 6500k light, that now isn't being used. would it be worth putting it in with my 3k and 4k cobs in my tomato growing area? or would the light throw off the tomatoes?

it will definitely change how the plants respond, it could affect taste, shape, nutrition and size.

It would be Nice if you could only put it over one of the. Plants for testing first

 

[pinner420]

 

[pinner420]

 

[PicklesRus]

Vertical farming is great, except your lights can't dissipate heat properly and will get really hot.
Most LED bars/fixtures are designed to be horizontal, running vertically will cause heat buildup.
I've thought about running tower gardens for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to run the lighting easily.

 

[OneHitDone]

Vertical farming is great, except your lights can't dissipate heat properly and will get really hot.
Most LED bars/fixtures are designed to be horizontal, running vertically will cause heat buildup.
I've thought about running tower gardens for a long time, but I couldn't figure out how to run the lighting easily.

It sounds all dandy but the gravitropic issue really turns me off.
If you were just eating for personal use or selling "salad mix" pre chopped that's one thing but I don't believe you can produce as nicely shaped heads of lettuce in vertical vs horizontal
Bright Agrotech has their water cooled bars out - get a second on your house and get growing!

 

[muleface]

yeah, I kicked around the idea of making a tower, but I couldn't think of a way to light it properly. If any of you can get a good method, please do post it.

also, I just stated mixing up coco bricks, wow, that stuff is a fricken disaster.

 

[OneHitDone]

yeah, I kicked around the idea of making a tower, but I couldn't think of a way to light it properly. If any of you can get a good method, please do post it.

also, I just stated mixing up coco bricks, wow, that stuff is a fricken disaster.

coco will blow your mind with root development.
Once you mix a few and get your water volume needed to hydrate the block it's not bad