I’m running a blurple Viparspectra R300, a little over a $100 new but you could find one second hand or on sale since they are discontinued, stores gonna wanna get rid of their stock.
The fan is fairly loud tho but it works well.
Edit:
Here’s a new more efficient one for $99
Viparspectra xs1000 for the win
You could try bloom plus on eBay, they do alright. It’s a bit more though, like $130cdn or so
I’ve been looking at this one wonder how much heat if gives off
Check Facebook sales for
Lights
For a small grow anything with high PAR per watt over a certain grow area with UV and IR preferably, meanwell driver, dimmer, brick outside tent is a plus.
Don’t waste time with T5 tubes.
Samsung and Osram LEDs for budget.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08JD4GFBB?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title&th=1
Or
2 if these https://www.amazon.com/Uoiuxc-Samsung-Driver-Spectrum-Sunlike/dp/B08B841G7W?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1
Mine lasted 2 years now and the unitfarm a year and working fine.
Compare the coverage, par, and uv/ir features to other non led tech for a good laugh especially considering price.
You can do well with a bunch off the shelf screw in LED bulbs on a budget.
For a single plant I’d recommend the HLG 135w kit or a Grow Light Science Grow 200; I’m currently using the Grow 300 in a 2x4 and LOVING it.
This light is working great for me. Samsung leds, 100 watt draw…
Viparspectra latest XS versions in general and the XS1500 in particular! Top shelf LEDs and Meanwell driver. They run cool temps. I have one of these and it is perfect for a single plant. The XS4000 is a beast.
I’ve seen them on AMZ for under $100 USD, look for a coupon code button on top or down in the comments.
I have 2 like this.
Or if you have some time, you can make your own custom light: Cheap LED Strips : A Viable Alternative
$100 Canuck Bucks!!! Go to Crappytire grab 4 of these cheap 4ft led work lamp mounted horizontal during veg and vertically surrounding the plant maybe an inch away from the plant during bloom you should do alright.
This is 120 unless you’re in Canada but it’s got 3000k, 5000k, 660 far red and 730 IR, about as full spectrum as you’ll find on LEDs and with 120° lenses on each diode. I love em, run two in my 2x4x5 veg tent
You should check out the grows @Seamonkey84 is doing under diy lights made from LED bulbs and recycled bathroom vanity socket strips. It seems like screw in bulbs are finally cheap and efficient enough for it to be practical and it works
I’d highly recommend this setup for getting started. https://www.amazon.com/iPower-Digital-Dimmable-System-Reflector/dp/B005DO30MI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2R7R9RMQY4KIM&keywords=400w+hps+grow+light&qid=1640367109&sprefix=400w+hps+%2Caps%2C221&sr=8-3
I just ordered 3 of these for a 2x4 $50ea 150w
DAKASON LED Grow Light 1500, Full Spectrum LED Growing Lamp for Indoor Plant, Commercial Grow Light LED with Dimming Knob for Green House All Stage from Seeding to Veg & Bloom (DAKS-150W-L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092PMWMGN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B81DWYB0RB8TSXMNBJM4
That was my startup, 400w in a 3x3. They’re solid just make sure to keep the ballast dusted.
Was looking at these the other day ,want to get some new lights for by 3+3 tent
Mine will be here tomorrow, 2x4 the next day gonna run the Photone app and see how they measure irl I’ll update you with the results.
I know par apps on the phone generally suck, not the case with the new iPhone this mf got some serious sensors in the camera.
