BudgetLED Series 2+ or Series 3?

[Cwmoore577]

So I’m looking to upgrade my lighting for a 2x4 tent and I’ve narrowed it down to 2 likely choices and wanted any opinions before purchasing either. I’ll be using this light for seed to harvest. Both are from BudgetLED I just didn’t know which light would better suit my needs in the tent as I don’t know much about them.


One is the Series 2+ Red Spec 250 watt
Has the 3000k or 3500k options as well as standard or XL heat sink.
It has the Samsung LM301b diodes as well as the Osram Deep Red and Osram Far Red.
PPFD is 500@24”, 800@18” and 1400@12”.
Originally looked at the Series 2+ Full Spec but it was sold out.
Link here



The 2nd light is the Series 3 250 watt.
Has the 3000k and 3500k options and uses the LM301h diodes from Samsung.
Didn’t find any PPFD numbers but I’d assume comparable to the other one.
Link here




I also considered the HLG lights but unsure of which one would be best.

 

[Barristan Whitebeard]

So I’m looking to upgrade my lighting for a 2x4 tent and I’ve narrowed it down to 2 likely choices and wanted any opinions before purchasing either. I’ll be using this light for seed to harvest. Both are from BudgetLED I just didn’t know which light would better suit my needs in the tent as I don’t know much about them.


One is the Series 2+ Red Spec 250 watt
Has the 3000k or 3500k options as well as standard or XL heat sink.
It has the Samsung LM301b diodes as well as the Osram Deep Red and Osram Far Red.
PPFD is 500@24”, 800@18” and 1400@12”.
Originally looked at the Series 2+ Full Spec but it was sold out.
Link here



The 2nd light is the Series 3 250 watt.
Has the 3000k and 3500k options and uses the LM301h diodes from Samsung.
Didn’t find any PPFD numbers but I’d assume comparable to the other one.
Link here




I also considered the HLG lights but unsure of which one would be best.

Either of those look like nice lights. If you prefer the enhanced spectrum with the Lm301B and the mono- color diodes, that will work well in your 2x4. If you go with the larger heatsink also, that will give you better spread and heat dissipation. It looks like the LM301H light doesn't currently have that option, although you could definitely inquire.

Personally, I have experience with Horticulture Lighting Group, they have great products and a strong track record.

The 3 year warranty on the BudgetLED Is attractive. Although a company still has to be in business to honor that warranty.
After seeing what happened to Niemi, I would advise shopping carefully. However BudgetLED does appear to be a more reputable company than NiemiLED did.

 

[Cwmoore577]

Either of those look like nice lights. If you prefer the enhanced spectrum with the Lm301B and the mono- color diodes, that will work well in your 2x4. If you go with the larger heatsink also, that will give you better spread and heat dissipation. It looks like the LM301H light doesn't currently have that option, although you could definitely inquire.

Personally, I have experience with Horticulture Lighting Group, they have great products and a strong track record.

The 3 year warranty on the BudgetLED Is attractive. Although a company still has to be in business to honor that warranty.
After seeing what happened to Niemi, I would advise shopping carefully. However BudgetLED does appear to be a more reputable company than NiemiLED did.

The only issue with HLG is that the 260w kits don’t seem to have a 3500k option, only 3000k and 4000k.
I’m not well informed enough to know how that would impact using it for seed to harvest.

 

[Barristan Whitebeard]

The only issue with HLG is that the 260w kits don’t seem to have a 3500k option, only 3000k and 4000k.
I’m not well informed enough to know how that would impact using it for seed to harvest.

IDK if you would be up for putting together your own light, but the QB 96 Elite V2 is a very good full cycle light(and a better flowering light). The QB 96 has close to a 3500k CCT. HLG has the boards in stock but unfortunately they just sold out of the QB 96 Elite V2/heatsink combos. You could ask @Stephenj37826 (or I can ask!) when they will be back in stock.

Pair two or three QB96 engines with a Mean Well HLG-320H-54 (A,B, or AB) driver, a power cord and AC connector, wire for DC connections and connectors(example:wire nuts or Wagos), and you will have a very solid all-around light. Having highly reflective walls around your space(as with a quality grow tent) will increase your photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) significantly.

If you build with these lights you can either hang them by their heatsinks individually or you can fashion a frame for them