Anyone happen to have a link to some reliable places to order either QB or cree diy kits? Helping build out a setup for a buddy and thinking of sticking LEDs in rather than traditional hps...and i dont know a whole lot about leds other than they are finally competitive. Just looking to light up a 4x4 or 5x5 so nothing crazy and trying to keep costs down for him.
Rapidled is maybe the easiest place I know to order from since they will also help you with questions. I bought all my stuff off of digikey, which is probably a little cheaper but you need to know what you want when you go that way.
Rapidled.com
Digikey.com
I believe arrow.com also but the same applies like at digi key (you'll need to know what you want.)
I've done minimal research in the past 3 months. But PLC (pacificlightconcepts) makes fantastic booster strips but are out of stock alot of the time. They make a cob light that isnt outrageously priced either with good quality LEDs.
Also horticulture lighting group makes semi pre assembled lights that are pretty plug and play.
aren't LED strips kind-of-expensive -- Know
KIND LED makes them; they are hundreds of dollars - can get cheap strips on amazon - have you heard of "under Canpoy" lighting - something new - any6 way then say in increases yields by 16%% - I do know that side lighting increases yields by at least 15 -20% ( use led panels 12by12)
For a 44" long strip I believe mine were $15 or $20 a piece for 20 strips that if I ran a little harder could cover a 4x8 but I'm using it in a 4x4 with a little over a inch gap between strips.
One thing is dont buy into hype.
Kind led, well maybe they've change in 3 months but for years prior were absolute over priced junk. Not all LEDs were created equal :)