Switching to LED on a budget?

Redishx

Well-Known Member
Greetings all,
I've been searching the web for an answer but keep getting different results. I'm currently in the beginning stages of my first DWC indoor grow using 2 5 gallon buckets. Right now i have a few 100w equivalent CFL bulbs shining on my 2 seedlings, which seems to be working fine. But once they are ready to move into the buckets i'd love to switch to an LED system. I have a 2'X4'X5' Grow tent coming in the mail any day now.

My question is with a 2 plant grow and a tent of those dimensions- What is the Cheapest yet effective LED lights i should look into? I see a bunch on Ebay for 10 bucks a piece. 4.5W 60 led's on a screw in bulb with the red/blue/orange spectrum. and i have several brooder lamps i plan on positioning around the tent. Will those lights work? or is there something i'm missing?

This forum has provided me with excellent information so far and i would really appreciate some input!

Thank you!
 

jcmjrt

Well-Known Member
I recommend you don't waste your money on e-bay LEDs. If you do purchase them, please don't say you tried LEDs and they don't work. Good LEDs do work but they are money up front so you can save money in the long run. There is a sticky up top for people wanting info on buying LEDs. You might try there...but an actual budget would help someone to give recommendations.
 

blowincherrypie

Well-Known Member
Ya the sticky should be able to help you out. Post your question there probably get more response. Let this thread go to the wayside. Good luck!
 

Bubbagineer

Well-Known Member
HTG sells a 240W 7-band LED for $270. Two of these lights should work for your space, but 3 would be better. That's about as cheap as you will find and still have any reliability IMO.
 

PetFlora

Well-Known Member
I use a combination of household led screw bulbs NW (5000K) + WW (3000K). I could hae staid the course with them when I flipped, but since I am using a new breeder's seed (BrandX) I supplemented with my 3yo+ ufo 90, which is only R/B. I bought a few extenders so I can use the WWs as side lighting

You could buy 2 pretty decent UFOs from ledwholesalers @ $135

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Gerry Lane

Active Member
for what its worth I bought a 320 watt 3w Led Chinese knockoff and its been working great. I didn't know you have to kind of slowly trade up to the LED from say CFL's. I had six real healthy girls that I moved from my lower seedling area and when I put them under the led full time they almost died from the brightness. I moved them back to the cfl's for two weeks to bounce back.
 
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