I am about to transplant my 2nd grow into 7 gal fabric pots and move into a 4x8 tent.
My first grow (which is flowering now) is using 3 RECORDCENT “1000w” LEDs off Amazon; the small white cased ones. They are getting the job done in my 2x4 tent.
On this next run I want to maximize yields. I have read several threads on here. I guess I want a customized response to my needs.
I don’t want to break the bank but I want efficiency and high yields.
I want to learn and I am willing to DIY (assuming parts aren’t sold out) if I have good instructions.
I also want to be able to apply this lighting, in the future, at a larger scale.
I currently have my MMcard and eventually I want to get my growers license.
@dbrn32
@WickedAle
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There aren’t any commercial led lights available for a 4x8, but you could buy two fixtures designed for 4x4. Or replicate just about any of them. Doing full diy usually starts around $600 per 4x4, but can easily go couple hundred more if you want latest leds or there’s stock issues. Going with 260xl kits is about $700 per 4x4, that’s less work than a full DIY but still pretty good savings.
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@dbrn32
If I want to use the 260xl kits I would need to buy 4 total?
I am putting 5 plants in now and will add 3 more in the near future.
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Is it because there just in such high demand right now that the price isn’t going down…?
I’ve seen your guy’s build out on them and it really doesn’t seem like there’s much there…
Just trying to understand where that money is going…
Is it the hype or the product that costs so much…?
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4 total would be really good setup in 4x8.
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The good leds are just expensive. When new better models come out they are more expensive, and the previous models are only manufactured and stocked for limited times afterwards. The deals that are available are also currently offset by tariffs on most of the equipment used. So unless going with a lot of lights there’s usually not enough savings to justify the older tech. First gen qb’s are $15 per board cheaper right now, but everything else for build is same or slightly more expensive than 2 years ago. So its roughly $60 difference in a 4x4 to give up the latest and greatest boards. What’s $60 when you’re spending $600ish right?
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Sounds good thank you @dbrn32
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Hi, I’m new and this is my first post. I am not an experienced I door grower, so I won’t try to start by sounding line one! What I am is a good researcher, and after buying a fixture by Fluence engineering, I can say for certain that you will pay a lot for off the shelf fixtures. That being said, I did look into buying moulded aluminum stock that accepts fasteners and of course power supplies and led light strips! A considerable amount of mo eye can be saved going this route. You will need to do the construction and wiring though. I am not affiliated in any way with Fluence just to be up front, but they do seem to build a fine product. I successfully grew lettuce, tomatoes and peppers all last winter with this fixture and also all my starts for outdoors last spring.
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Yes, fluence has great products and they are expensive.
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@GreenGoddess On the aluminum panel of the 260xl, you can add a 3rd QB to it. With two aluminum panels and with 3 QB’s HLG says it’s good for a 5x5 tent.
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This isn’t a 5x5 tent. And it would be more cost effective to just buy 320 lots if that was your end goal.
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I’m often tempted, but for that kind of money I truly believe I can build something that good for much less.
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I know it’s not a 5x5. I was pointing out about the 260xl can have 3 QB. If you look above he asked about the 260xl. 
Well he or she asked.
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There’s just not really an application for that light in a 4x8, maybe if you were only using a portion of it. Also would be silly to buy a 260 kit for $370, additional board fir $75, and driver neccessary to run all 3 boards for another $100. When you can buy 320 kit for $110 more.
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I did the pricing off fleabay to see what his/her grow lights would cost for that big square footing. Ouch is all I can say. I have $1250 in lights.
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Ebay usually isn’t cheapest place to buy if you’re looking for top bin authentic leds.
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I haven’t used EBay in many years. I mainly used it for collecting Gillette Safety Razors. I even have one from WW I.
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I have around $1500 in lights hanging in my 4’x8’ flowering tent. Probably another $300+ in my veg tents. Then there are the blurple panels collecting dust…
Great lighting isn’t cheap, but it’s so essential for growing.
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@Drinkslinger I only have $1250 in lights because I didn’t join a growing forum when I get my setup put together. Otherwise I would only be in for $799 in lights.
I’m giving my 2 Viparspectra PAR600 lights to a buddy of mine. Since they will be collecting dust.
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I actually gave a blurple panel to a friend. It burned out in a month. I had it replaced under warranty, then it burned out in about 4 months. Once again it was replaced under warranty. Never had them ask for the original, or to send it back. They just instantly sent another.
This makes me question the build quality, as well as how cheap they have to be in order for them to just instantly send another. OTOH, I’m impressed with their customer service.
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