Lighting Help Me Pick My Light for $200

[BigSm0]

I hesitate to jump into this one. People take lighting choices seriously, and there's a lot of strong opinions. So here's my opinion, for what it's worth. (not much compared to some of these guys)

I really like my cheap Viparspectra 450 for a 2x3 tent. I also like the small Mars Hydro 300's. I use them together and love it. I have used HPS/MH lights, and think they are the best choice in cold environments.

That being said, I will be making a cob or two when I am able to have a larger grow area. The cost of filling up a room with off the shelf lights is equal or more than DIY. COB's are clearly superior, but your gonna have to either pay a ton, or build one yourself.

to conclude:
HPS/MH -- low efficiency, low cost, high heat, high electrical usage, great canopy penetration
LED off the shelf -- medium efficiency, low cost, low heat, poor canopy penetration
COB/DIY -- high efficiency, medium cost, low heat,

There are a few grows going here where guys are at 1/3 the hps wattage and doing much better with cobs. The options available now are much easier and a lot more cost affective. Unless you get free electricity like the guy above I would go the route that performs the best that costs less to operate.

 

[Rev. Green Genes]

There are a few grows going here where guys are at 1/3 the hps wattage and doing much better with cobs. The options available now are much easier and a lot more cost affective. Unless you get free electricity like the guy above I would go the route that performs the best that costs less to operate.

Totally agree with you. COB's are superior in every way. There are still a few good reasons to go off the shelf however. In my situation, I only have a very small grow area, and the off the shelf was less than $300 for more than I need. This gives me medicine, while I plan and save for a better situation. I am especially confined by height, before I build a COB I will need to convert my tent to a room.

But as to the original post,

"
I was planning on getting 2 Mars Hydro 300 LED on ebay (137.99) But would like to see what you guys think would be the best for 2 plants.

Thanks!
"

The Mars will work fine, they have a 1.5 sq ft coverage during budding though, two would be required. The Viparspectra has a higher percentage of blue light, and a wider coverage. It also has veg and bloom switches. The Vipar is starting to run a bit hotter after a few months though. The mars seems better constructed to me, but the vipar has better light spectrum.

edit: @MarshydroTina probably has a AFN discount code if you go that route.

 

[NugNoob]

If you can swing it, it seems like for 2 plants you could start off with 2 COBs (just my noob opinion). Wouldn't break the bank and would give you a lot of starting power. When you're ready you can add in some more. Won't kill the electric bill either. The best part, you are guaranteed to be happy with the results, reliability, efficiency...etc.

Again, just a noob opinion...
-Your friendly neighborhood NugNoob

 

[Eyes on Fire]

yeah man, COB;s or even a spectrum king. but COB are prolly the way to go but 4 plants can be done under one closet case. 2 bills. love my COB's

 

[Eyes on Fire]

yeah I know the dude was full of shit LOL! @pop22

 

[White Punk on Dope]

If you can swing it, it seems like for 2 plants you could start off with 2 COBs (just my noob opinion). Wouldn't break the bank and would give you a lot of starting power. When you're ready you can add in some more. Won't kill the electric bill either. The best part, you are guaranteed to be happy with the results, reliability, efficiency...etc.

Again, just a noob opinion...
-Your friendly neighborhood NugNoob

What he said.......AutoCobs rock and are individually adjustable.