Hey Scotty, Dude, and DGC… Again. I actually have a rare bit of time to get in a couple entries, so I’ll take advantage.
So, after considering advice I received about upgrading to 1000 watts under my basement stairs… Well, my wife has a rather compelling argument about the energy bill. Unless I’m growing into business, we can’t afford that.
So thanks to the almighty Amazon, I have a wonderful compromise. I hope so anyway. I’m only 4 days in with the new light, so time will tell. Meanwhile my eyes certainly appreciate the more natural appearance… That neon pink makes it difficult to assess trichome ripening. I thought y’all might be interested in what $180 can offer.
So, this is the 600W viparspectra full spectrum LED reflector. I picked this up over many other comparable (even 1000 W output lights) because of the higher number of infrared and UV diodes. Some of the other units only have one of each.
I don’t think this even close to a spectrum king or anything… Totally different league, but the Saint Lucie Mets hit a home run every now and again, right Scotty?
The light to the left is the new one, the smaller 300w galaxyhydro has moved to my 2×2 tent (with one stressed out, burned plant that I moved up too… I guess 65 degrees at 35%RH was preferable to 85 degrees at 65% and very little air movement).
Anyhow, $180, and 12 hours of daily 295 watt draw is hard to argue against… Unless I don’t effectively double my yield, and grow the hard nugs. Then I want my money back. But I’ve got a good feeling about this one guys. Hope the pics come through.
Thank you for the info! Ive considering what to spend my .money on for my first time, and. Knowing theres a decently priced LED option is great. . check in with the plants progress let us know how that treats you!?
I’ve looked closely at VIPARspectra in the past. It seems many people have been happy with their products and they seem to be on the higher end of the cheaper Chinese light companies. As long as it doesn’t break on you, then you will probably be pleased with your choice.
Based on what I could parse from Amazon listing, your light has 5W diodes ( 5W x 120 diodes = 600W (false) rating) that are being driven at ~46% (276W actual draw). This is good and bad news, depending on your situation. Its usually more efficient to drive the diodes at lower power and more efficient = less heat = longer diode life. The potential negative is the good 5W diodes have some serious punch behind them and need to be hung further away than 3W diodes.
5Ws have better penetration when the plant gets bushy, but early on be sure you’ve got the light high enough (24 inch min, 30 inch preferably) so you don’t burn or stunt your babies. Lower them when/if the plants exhibit stretching. You have the Veg and Bloom switches, so you can start them on the Veg lights for the first few weeks. You’ll want to get to the full spectrum by mid-Veg but then just watch for burn. The overall spectrum is weighted heavily towards the blue end so you may find you want a little boost of red for the end of bloom.
And of course, if the diodes are junk then all of the above may not apply. ;->
Definitely check in with how this light works out for you. Happy farming.
I saw a couple dudes rocking viparspectra on ig. They seem to like them, they def grow plants pretty well.
Thanks guys… Damn Frost Wrangler!
That’s some serious intel… I’ve actually done exactly what you said… Well pretty close anyhow.
Since the plants were already blooming and spaced for the 300w, I tied them back to around 18″ away (as far as the girls would bend easily).
They love it so far!!!
Beautiful deep purples developing on the leaves and buds and ruby stems, everything just looks so perky and responsive.
More pics soon to come… Anyone know an easy way to resize pictures on my phone for posting on the site?