Like that thought process, makes sense. And am thinking based off alot of responses that QP is probably a more likely outcome from the 4 Autos
2 Likes
Iâm talking about that specific light. If you get to 1000 par (for example) across the entire canopy, the real questions are what will the capital investment and operating costs be, assuming the spectrums are similar. The spectrum matters, but wouldnât you agree that to a degree that metric is qualitative (in well-engineered grow lights), since subtle variations tend to influence phenotypical expression? Do you agree that all other factors being equal, one light spectrum might bring out different gene expressions or higher levels of particular cannabinoids, but the Mars v HTG decision is otherwise about efficiency?
My suggestion has issues, but my point was that 4 Mars lights will be more than adequate, and will cost $1000. Thatâs no less empirical than âHTG is the best.â
I donât own the Mars lights. Iâll probably buy HTG when I buy another light. I hope you werenât impugning my credibility or implying bias.
1 Like
Google rightbud if you havenât purchased a light yet. You can buy HLG 260xl for $370 thatâll cover a 4x4 area. It is much more effecient and youâll recoop your money in yield. Also for autos I wouldnât recommend a kind soil unless itâs mild. The experience Iâve had with autos is hot soils like FFOF are too strong out of the gate for autos.
Iâm trying autos again with Coco/vermiculite with GH trio.
1 Like
It will take 2 of those for a 4âx4â flowering space.
3 Likes
Extended to the 6.5x6.5â area, how many 260XLs at $370 is that? 4 or 5?
1 Like
The others have you covered. Iâm just here to say welcome to ILGM! 
1 Like
Ideally yes. I was thinking one 260 is better than most Mars hydro, even two of them. I run a 135 now which says itâs 3x3 veg 2x2 flower in a 32"x32" and it does great.
2 Likes
I didnât really read it that way, but if thatâs what you meant I suppose there value to look at cost vs what youâre getting. Itâs still wouldnât be limited to cost of watt though. The more appropriate measure would be cost of umol. Mars doesnât give you the total flux to make that calculation, if they did it would be more clear as to why a qb 260 is $100 more. Can someone grow weed with the Mars light, absolutely. But they shouldnât confuse that with getting the same amount of performance for less money. Especially because one uses more power than the other.
Itâs well documented that different light wavelengths trigger different plant responses. Thatâs not limited to genotypical or phenotypical expressions though. If you change enough you could see differences under clones from same mother. Most of the people I follow suggest light intensity to be more important than spectral distribution though. From there you have to fully understand what a spectral distribution chart indicates, which is just the relationship of each wavelength in comparison to the rest of them.
The light spectrum between the two lights you mentioned is indeed similar. And yes the biggest difference in one from the other is efficiency. However the efficiency also correlates into how much light youâre actually getting into your space. So itâs more than just a random number youâre paying more or less for.
2 Likes
I think there are places for each. If you were to call your whole 7x7 room a grow room something like four air cooled 600 watt hps rigs would be a great fit, for both cost and the rooms ability to produce. Once you start playing with the size of grow space that can change pretty quickly. A good led light is going to cost you up front, but is pretty much maintenance free for 8 or more years, and can provide more light per watt. In some cases may allow you to run without ac or a separate cooling circuit that an hid light may require. If you fall into that category, leaves you buying extra equipment and paying to operate it, which will quickly eat up any savings on up front cost of fixtures.
I think you should look at all of your options for running your space and decide which may be best for you. I do believe that a 4x4 tent is plenty if your target is a pound dry per harvest, and itâs a common space that should be pretty cut and dry to setup. Maybe you donât hit your goal on first grow, but with experience you can easily surpass a pound per run. Also helps that 4 medium sized plants fit a 4x4 pretty well, so it works into your plan as well. From there, putting something like a 3x3 next to it so you could start plants maybe 5-6 prior to harvest will fix your need to solely run those fast flowering autos to have the quicker turnaround. And, Iâd bet you could build the two smaller spaces for about the same cost as the one larger space. Using same quality of components anyway.
5 Likes
These are all really solid points, @PremiumBudzBlondie
If you donât mind variety and a little bit more uncertainty, then autos (or starting every plant from seed) may be perfect for you. The only way to insure (almost) perfect genetic predictability and uniformity is to grow a photoperiod mom and take clones to supply your flowering needs. You may want to consider this option, although there are drawbacks that I or others can speak to.
2 Likes
I did. I mustâve had spelling error and autocorrect got me or something. Thanks!
2 Likes
Had to wait 24hours cause I was at max replies. Thank you for the input and advice. Based off more research and advice from all of you this is what I have decided to do. I am going to run a 4x4 tent setup and bring it up into my bedroom so that the humidity and temperature control is easier then down in the basement. I will stick to growing 2-4 plants at once. My next grow I will go with photo verse auto to maximize the grow. I love the idea of having a seperate germ/veg tent but dont have the space available to run two seperate tents and to properly control the environment in the basement I would have to make major changes to the space, if I owned the home then sure but not going that route with renting the home. This list is a major change from original plan but I believe it will produce better quality buds and more yields verse my original plan. Let me know what you think.
@KeystoneCops @dbrn32 @Drinkslinger
Sorry I know I changed it up but using research and advice to make a successful grow setup.
1 Like
Iâd make a spreadsheet to compare lights if youâre spending that much. I know for a fact you can get a fully assembled HLG light thatâs perfect for a 4x4â for less than half that price.
@dbrn32 thoughts?
Iâd also look at the gorilla tents and secret jardin tents.
I donât think youâll need two complete ducted filter/fan combos. That price is a bit high too. Iâd compare to an AC Infinity CloudNine. People seem to like lots of filter brands. Thereâs a thread on favorites.
3 Likes
Was suppose to be only one not 2 lol. Ty for catching that, saves me another $230
1 Like
Yeah i agree for that price id shop around more id go with an hlg rig and a gorilla grow tent the rest looks great
1 Like
Just found an HLG 600-H QB for $700, itâs a bit much for germ/veg in a 4x4, but will just dim it down. Perfect for a 4x4 flowering! And I know @MattyBear had amazing results with his QB. Excited to get it in the mail
5 Likes
And a lot less expensive than the Black Dog light.
1 Like
AC Infinity T6 is 351 CFM $150 without filter
Grow bright is 424 CFM $229 with filter
AC Infinity seems to be made out of plastic where as the GrowBright is made of metal
Thoughts?
The hgl lights are about Lego difficult to assemble.
1 Like
Thatâs true, however we shouldnât push someone to tackle something that makes them uncomfortable in the interest of saving a small amount of money. The pre-assembled lights are a very good value. I donât know how much they charge for assembly across the entire line, but I know the assembly fee is ~$30 for some kits.
Iâd like to note that one other reason I think the HLG quantum boards (and similar PCB lights from other brands) are superior to actively-cooled lights is that the fanless design has one less failure mode.
@PremiumBudzBlondie that BlueLabs pen comes highly recommended.
1 Like