Hello DGC, thanks for the wealth of knowledge everyone brings to the table. It makes it so much easier for amateur enthusiast, like myself have a easier time in the garden. My question is this. I am starting another 2×4 tent, with flowering in mind. I have narrowed it down to 2 lights. Both are at my price point and each have awesome specs. Just one excelling in a certain area more than the other, and visa versa. The light are the Chilled Growcraft X2 and the HLG 350R Diablo. Both appear to be 300+ true watts. The Growcraft has a bigger dimensions 42.5X19.5, so I assume a bigger footprint. You can also add another bar in the middle to upgrade the light for future. The HLG comes stacked as well. Plus being a member I get the discount. The dimensions are a little smaller though 34.5X10. But the spectrum looks off the charts. Please help me O wise ones of the DGC.
With all light emission numbers on those lights being so close to equal, I’d start using geometry to determine which one would suit me best, and uniform coverage from the top would become my primary focus and what ultimately drives my choice. Had that same problem about ten days ago, very similar lights and prices made it hard to decide. You have a 24×48 inch space and one of those lights is 19.5×42.5.
400 watt dimmable Viparspectra 2020 P4000 is what I went with based on #1 geometry/price per diode ($315 shipped 1200 diodes @ $0.26 per diode) #2 having a large heat-sink on the back (it runs cooler than the roof of your car in summer, you could leave your hand on it a long time) #3 2.7 umol and really heavy on IR.
What brand of diodes and driver?
Thats what is making it so hard to decide. I feel like technically the Chilled 3x is better for my exact space. But the HLG has its high points as well.
I’m in a similar decision making crossroads …I am decided on the light bar style of fixture…but I also want the ability to produce as much spectrum and spectrum control as possible. For my 2×4 I’m looking at the ChilLed X3 or the Optic Slim320H. I’m also considering running 3 RapidLed Core 85 bars and then getting supplemental spectrum lights. I like that the X3 and 320H have or will have UV/IR light bars that fit within the substrate. I just wish it could all work with one controller too.
You don’t think the X3 is overkill on a 24×48. I figured the 2x would be sufficient.
Both of those are great lights that will give you great results, either way you’ll have a nice setup. 👍
Another option I would consider is the HLG diy kits. They take a small amount of assembly but it’s not difficult if you can handle some basic wiring. Doing the assembly yourself saves a lot of money too.
The HLG 260w XL kit is awesome for a 2×4. It’s similar to the 350r but much cheaper. The XL sized heat sink makes it a perfect fit for a 2×4 tent.
The 320w kit is a good option too. It’s basically the same design as the 260w kit but with a third quantum board added to the middle of the light for even more power.