Just bought My 1st grow tent

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HighRootz

HighRootz

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Good afternoon, my fellow farmers. Been doing a lot of research and just bought my 1st grow tent. It's a Grow Lab 120L (3'11"x3'11"x6'7" or 120cmx120cmx200cm). I will be setting up my tent in my garage here in sunny San Diego. My next step is getting a ventilation kit, either a Spider Farmer ventilation kit or a AC Infinity Cloudline kit(T6 plus filter). As for LED lights, I'm torn between a Crecer Panthrx Mini II, Volt- FL-1, Spider Farmer SE5000, a HLG 600 R and a Timber 4VS or 4VL. I was also thinking of getting a small Co2 tank with regulator as the final nail in the coffin before I bury myself deep into the indoor grow depths. As for media/nutes, and pot size, I have 1-3-and 5gal Smart Pots and use Fox Farm Cultivation Nation 70/30 Coco-Perlite. The nutrient line I am feeding my outdoor plants(Wedding Cake and SLS MAC) are Nectar For the Gods(Greek Regiment/feeding program). My questions are, will a Co2 tank be needed for such a small area or will Co2 bags be sufficient? Are those lights too big/strong or small/not strong enough? Will I need to filter my intake air since garage can get and is dusty? Has anyone had any success or know anyone using Crecer, Volt, or Timber LED grow lights? Thanks for all the info that comes my way and I look forward to sharing my 1st grow with you guys!!
 
MIGrampaUSA

MIGrampaUSA

3,732
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Good afternoon, my fellow farmers. Been doing a lot of research and just bought my 1st grow tent. It's a Grow Lab 120L (3'11"x3'11"x6'7" or 120cmx120cmx200cm). I will be setting up my tent in my garage here in sunny San Diego. My next step is getting a ventilation kit, either a Spider Farmer ventilation kit or a AC Infinity Cloudline kit(T6 plus filter). As for LED lights, I'm torn between a Crecer Panthrx Mini II, Volt- VL-1, Spider Farmer SE5000, a HLG 600 R and a Timber 4VS or 4VL. I was also thinking of getting a small Co2 tank with regulator as the final nail in the coffin before I bury myself deep into the indoor grow depths. As for media/nutes, and pot size, I have 1-3-and 5gal Smart Pots and use Fox Farm Cultivation Nation 70/30 Coco-Perlite. The nutrient line I am feeding my outdoor plants(Wedding Cake and SLS MAC) are Nectar For the Gods(Greek Regiment/feeding program). My questions are, will a Co2 tank be needed for such a small area or will Co2 bags be sufficient? Are those lights too big/strong or small/not strong enough? Will I need to filter my intake air since garage can get and is dusty? Has anyone had any success or know anyone using Crecer, Volt, or Timber LED grow lights? Thanks for all the info that comes my way and I look forward to sharing my 1st grow with you guys!!
It sounds as if you've done a pretty good job with your research. Of the lights you listed, I'm familiar with the HLG and Spider Farmer lights. That doesn't make the other choices bad. It only means I have experience with those lights and I think you'd be happy with them. As long as you're intending to provide a minimum of 480w of lighting (4' x 4' =16ft square x 30w per ft sq = 480w), you should be good.

CO2? You can do it, but I'm not sure how efficient it would be. Tents aren't air tight and are usually ventilated so the CO2 wouldn't stay where you want it. I'm routinely pulling 4-6 oz per plant in my basement without it.

There are people on this board who have used Timber lighting. Maybe someone will chime in.
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

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It sounds as if you've done a pretty good job with your research. Of the lights you listed, I'm familiar with the HLG and Spider Farmer lights. That doesn't make the other choices bad. It only means I have experience with those lights and I think you'd be happy with them. As long as you're intending to provide a minimum of 480w of lighting (4' x 4' =16ft square x 30w per ft sq = 480w), you should be good.

CO2? You can do it, but I'm not sure how efficient it would be. Tents aren't air tight and are usually ventilated so the CO2 wouldn't stay where you want it. I'm routinely pulling 4-6 oz per plant in my basement without it.

There are people on this board who have used Timber lighting. Maybe someone will chime in.
Thanks, bud. I went down deep into the LED rabbit hole and started with Spider Farmer then went on to HLG then "Made In America" lights all the way to local companies(Timber Led). Once I learned I'm gonna need a minimum of 30w/1ft2, I started looking into 400w-600w range even 1000w LEDs with the latter being only cuz I was stoned and was thinking big lol. My main goal is grow quality medicine, quantity will come with my experience gained from everyone here as well as 1st hand. As for the Co2 tank, I read somewhere that letting your plants sit in a high Co2 environment for short periods during the later stage of flowering(lights on, minimal exhaust helps produce more resin. I could be wrong tho cuz I was pretty baked lol
 
MIGrampaUSA

MIGrampaUSA

3,732
263
Thanks, bud. I went down deep into the LED rabbit hole and started with Spider Farmer then went on to HLG then "Made In America" lights all the way to local companies(Timber Led). Once I learned I'm gonna need a minimum of 30w/1ft2, I started looking into 400w-600w range even 1000w LEDs with the latter being only cuz I was stoned and was thinking big lol. My main goal is grow quality medicine, quantity will come with my experience gained from everyone here as well as 1st hand. As for the Co2 tank, I read somewhere that letting your plants sit in a high Co2 environment for short periods during the later stage of flowering(lights on, minimal exhaust helps produce more resin. I could be wrong tho cuz I was pretty baked lol
What I've found is quality genetics, attention to detail, and practice leads to great grows. There are many things you can do that might help some ... but most of your final product quality comes down to genetics, and how happy you kept your plants.
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

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What I've found is quality genetics, attention to detail, and practice leads to great grows. There are many things you can do that might help some ... but most of your final product quality comes down to genetics, and how happy you kept your plants.
I totally agree. I've learned to have happy plants and flowers from an early age growing veggies with my mom and grandmother. I still talk and sing to my plants, lol. I've decided that my 1st run will be some bag beans I got, Gushers, Cookies genetics supposedly, to get accustomed to a indoor photo bean while I learn every aspect of my grow space and how to utilize it to its fullest. Once I get fully accustomed to everything and how it works, l will pop off proper genetics and order some beans from reputable breeders.
 
MIGrampaUSA

MIGrampaUSA

3,732
263
I totally agree. I've learned to have happy plants and flowers from an early age growing veggies with my mom and grandmother. I still talk and sing to my plants, lol. I've decided that my 1st run will be some bag beans I got, Gushers, Cookies genetics supposedly, to get accustomed to a indoor photo bean while I learn every aspect of my grow space and how to utilize it to its fullest. Once I get fully accustomed to everything and how it works, l will pop off proper genetics and order some beans from reputable breeders.
Don't get me wrong ... there is nothing about CO2 that I think is bad. I simply don't feel it's necessary for my needs. I have two 5 x 5 tents but lately I haven't had plants in both. 4 - 5 well grown indoor plants satisfies me and several family members from 1 harvest to the next.
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

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Don't get me wrong ... there is nothing about CO2 that I think is bad. I simply don't feel it's necessary for my needs. I have two 5 x 5 tents but lately I haven't had plants in both. 4 - 5 well grown indoor plants satisfies me and several family members from 1 harvest to the next.
I see what you're saying. I read a few comments from @Aqua Man on the subject and from my understanding, I would need to up the Co2 in the garage for the intake fan to pull into the tent. I may just by a Co2 meter and get a proper reading of the air that's circulating in my garage and go from there. If Co2 levels are high enough then I figure no need for a Co2 supplement and just use the breath of Gaia herself
 
ImpulsiveGrower

ImpulsiveGrower

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Ppl are going to tell you not to run Co2 as a new grower and I would probably agree. I was able to pull it off my first run but only utilized it for the first 2 1/2 weeks of flower. The extra Co2 is not needed to grow quality plants and the environmental needs are different. With the 30% increased growth potentially also means more water and nutrient uptake and at a faster rate. I notice when a deficiency shows up it takes hold that much faster it seems. I’ve adapted to using higher temps and higher light intensities along with Minimizing air flow but it’s a little bit trickier is all I’m saying. I do really like the faster growth and stronger branches I’m getting tho. For LED I really like the Bar style over quantum boards I’m finding out but also have minimal grow space at the moment to have a bigger bar style fixture. Another good brand you haven’t mentioned is Mars hydro. I have the FC-E3000 (300 watt) bar style led and it’s running great in a 3x3. There’s many good brands check out MIGRO on YouTube or coco for cannabis. They both test so many LEDs and have the PAR maps available so you can dial in your light for veg and flower. Good luck and welcome to the farm!
 
Shayne010944

Shayne010944

1,002
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Ppl are going to tell you not to run Co2 as a new grower and I would probably agree. I was able to pull it off my first run but only utilized it for the first 2 1/2 weeks of flower. The extra Co2 is not needed to grow quality plants and the environmental needs are different. With the 30% increased growth potentially also means more water and nutrient uptake and at a faster rate. I notice when a deficiency shows up it takes hold that much faster it seems. I’ve adapted to using higher temps and higher light intensities along with Minimizing air flow but it’s a little bit trickier is all I’m saying. I do really like the faster growth and stronger branches I’m getting tho. For LED I really like the Bar style over quantum boards I’m finding out but also have minimal grow space at the moment to have a bigger bar style fixture. Another good brand you haven’t mentioned is Mars hydro. I have the FC-E3000 (300 watt) bar style led and it’s running great in a 3x3. There’s many good brands check out MIGRO on YouTube or coco for cannabis. They both test so many LEDs and have the PAR maps available so you can dial in your light for veg and flower. Good luck and welcome to the farm!
i run a spider farmer 2000 in a 4x4 tent is that not enough power for my plants ? do i really need 2 of them ?
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

254
63
Ppl are going to tell you not to run Co2 as a new grower and I would probably agree. I was able to pull it off my first run but only utilized it for the first 2 1/2 weeks of flower. The extra Co2 is not needed to grow quality plants and the environmental needs are different. With the 30% increased growth potentially also means more water and nutrient uptake and at a faster rate. I notice when a deficiency shows up it takes hold that much faster it seems. I’ve adapted to using higher temps and higher light intensities along with Minimizing air flow but it’s a little bit trickier is all I’m saying. I do really like the faster growth and stronger branches I’m getting tho. For LED I really like the Bar style over quantum boards I’m finding out but also have minimal grow space at the moment to have a bigger bar style fixture. Another good brand you haven’t mentioned is Mars hydro. I have the FC-E3000 (300 watt) bar style led and it’s running great in a 3x3. There’s many good brands check out MIGRO on YouTube or coco for cannabis. They both test so many LEDs and have the PAR maps available so you can dial in your light for veg and flower. Good luck and welcome to the farm!
Thanks, bud. My 2 year goal is to eventually move up to a 6x6 and use the 4x4 as my drying tent. I did look at Mars Hydro and I've seen some great reviews on them but those 2 negative reviews made me dive deeper into the rabbit hole and started looking up LED that are made in America. From there I went looking for one of the biggest factors that kept getting mentioned and that was Samsung and Osram diodes. It didn't matter what country of origin as long as they used those diodes was the repeated answer. I've watched a few Migros reviews on LEDS and still have much to learn before I upgrade to a higher wattage LED. I've been leaning towards this light, https://www.crecerlighting.com/products/led-grow-light-panthrx-mini

It says it's equivalent to a 600w hps and for the price, I think it's a steal. I'm sure there are better deals, just haven't found them yet
 
MIGrampaUSA

MIGrampaUSA

3,732
263
Thanks, bud. My 2 year goal is to eventually move up to a 6x6 and use the 4x4 as my drying tent. I did look at Mars Hydro and I've seen some great reviews on them but those 2 negative reviews made me dive deeper into the rabbit hole and started looking up LED that are made in America. From there I went looking for one of the biggest factors that kept getting mentioned and that was Samsung and Osram diodes. It didn't matter what country of origin as long as they used those diodes was the repeated answer. I've watched a few Migros reviews on LEDS and still have much to learn before I upgrade to a higher wattage LED. I've been leaning towards this light, https://www.crecerlighting.com/products/led-grow-light-panthrx-mini

It says it's equivalent to a 600w hps and for the price, I think it's a steal. I'm sure there are better deals, just haven't found them yet
I'm not sure I believe the comparison between a 600w HPS and the 320W light in your link above. In my honest opinion, I believe you would be better served with something like this: https://www.growgeneration.com/prod...680-led-horticurltual-lighting-fixture-1.html or this https://www.growgeneration.com/prod...ing-group-hlg-600-rspec-led-grow-light-1.html

I have both quantum board lighting and bar lighting (Grower's Choice ROI - E720) and I prefer my E720 over the others.

Edit: I did find this https://www.crecerlighting.com/products/led-grow-light-vertx-600 on the crecer website. It looks like a pretty good choice based on the specs. I don't have any experience with the manufacturer though.
 
Last edited:
HighRootz

HighRootz

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63
I'm not sure I believe the comparison between a 600w HPS and the 320W light in your link above. In my honest opinion, I believe you would be better served with something like this: https://www.growgeneration.com/prod...680-led-horticurltual-lighting-fixture-1.html or this https://www.growgeneration.com/prod...ing-group-hlg-600-rspec-led-grow-light-1.html

I have both quantum board lighting and bar lighting (Grower's Choice ROI - E720) and I prefer my E720 over the others.

Edit: I did find this https://www.crecerlighting.com/products/led-grow-light-vertx-600 on the crecer website. It looks like a pretty good choice based on the specs. I don't have any experience with the manufacturer though.
Thanks a bunch, bud. I was just at Grow Generation on Wednesday inquiring about the Ion 720w. I like the specs of the e680 and it would fit in my tent with some room. I'm trying to shoot for at least a average PPFD between 900-1000 for optimal flower growth. The one thing I am trying to avoid is getting a higher wattage that will be too snug in the tent or pressed up against it. A buddy mentioned a Fluence Spyder or Phantom Pheno, I'll have a good look at their websites. I talked with the light company, Volt and inquired about their Volt VL-1 and Fl-1 LED lights. I asked them what separates the VL-1 from the Panthrx Mini and here is their reply:
Hi Al,



I’ve attached PPFD maps for our VL-1. For ideal growth most cultivators target a PPFD around 500 µmol/m^2/s for veg and 1000 µmol/m^2/s for flowering. I wouldn’t recommend using it for flowering an area larger than 4’x4’. Dude to it’s shape (33.5” long, 16.75” wide) it is ideal for smaller tents that are 3’x3’ or 2’x4’ where it can reach extremely high light densities.



In terms of HPS equivalents, it has a higher PPF (useable light output) than the standard 600W HPS grow light and produces a PFF of 1220 µmol/s.



Here’s how our VL-1 compares to the Crecer PanthrX Mini II

  • PPF
    • VL-1: 1220 µmol/s
    • Panthrx: 800 µmol/s
  • Efficacy
    • VL-1: 2.8 µmol/J
    • Panthrx: 2.51 µmol/J
  • Warranty
    • VL-1: 5 years
    • Panthrx: 3 years

Our light is >50% more powerful, more efficient, has longer warranty support, ships out the same day the order is placed (as long as it’s placed before 5pm) and will be delivered within 3 business days. Both lights have the basic features such as built-in dimming control, but our light has rotatable panels so you can spread or concentrate the light it produces based on the configuration of your grow area. Additionally, our light is DLC listed meaning the product has been independently tested to verify output and efficiency claims making it eligible for rebates from local utility companies, theirs has not been. We use higher grade Samsung diodes (LM301 vs LM561) which is one of the reasons our efficacy is so much higher.
Our also sells for the exact same price from what I can see ($350).


I might contact Growers Choice and HLG and ask them how they compare with each other
 
hillbil

hillbil

255
63
I have 3 boards, 2 Budgetled 130w Boards at Elevated Lighting and a HLG 135w. Very happy with all. Quality parts on both, less assembling on Budgetled. Sale on now at Elevated Lighting.
 
MIGrampaUSA

MIGrampaUSA

3,732
263
Thanks a bunch, bud. I was just at Grow Generation on Wednesday inquiring about the Ion 720w. I like the specs of the e680 and it would fit in my tent with some room. I'm trying to shoot for at least a average PPFD between 900-1000 for optimal flower growth. The one thing I am trying to avoid is getting a higher wattage that will be too snug in the tent or pressed up against it. A buddy mentioned a Fluence Spyder or Phantom Pheno, I'll have a good look at their websites. I talked with the light company, Volt and inquired about their Volt VL-1 and Fl-1 LED lights. I asked them what separates the VL-1 from the Panthrx Mini and here is their reply:
Hi Al,



I’ve attached PPFD maps for our VL-1. For ideal growth most cultivators target a PPFD around 500 µmol/m^2/s for veg and 1000 µmol/m^2/s for flowering. I wouldn’t recommend using it for flowering an area larger than 4’x4’. Dude to it’s shape (33.5” long, 16.75” wide) it is ideal for smaller tents that are 3’x3’ or 2’x4’ where it can reach extremely high light densities.



In terms of HPS equivalents, it has a higher PPF (useable light output) than the standard 600W HPS grow light and produces a PFF of 1220 µmol/s.



Here’s how our VL-1 compares to the Crecer PanthrX Mini II

  • PPF
    • VL-1: 1220 µmol/s
    • Panthrx: 800 µmol/s
  • Efficacy
    • VL-1: 2.8 µmol/J
    • Panthrx: 2.51 µmol/J
  • Warranty
    • VL-1: 5 years
    • Panthrx: 3 years

Our light is >50% more powerful, more efficient, has longer warranty support, ships out the same day the order is placed (as long as it’s placed before 5pm) and will be delivered within 3 business days. Both lights have the basic features such as built-in dimming control, but our light has rotatable panels so you can spread or concentrate the light it produces based on the configuration of your grow area. Additionally, our light is DLC listed meaning the product has been independently tested to verify output and efficiency claims making it eligible for rebates from local utility companies, theirs has not been. We use higher grade Samsung diodes (LM301 vs LM561) which is one of the reasons our efficacy is so much higher.
Our also sells for the exact same price from what I can see ($350).


I might contact Growers Choice and HLG and ask them how they compare with each other
Fit is important. My e720 is very snug in a 4' x 4.' I had it in a 4' x 5' and it was snug up against the 4' wall. Fortunately, the light doesn't get real hot ... I also upgraded the tent to another 5' x 5.' What I like about the bar light is how evenly it lights up the whole space. If you're sold on the 320w light from Crecer, you might want to consider buying 2. Otherwise, you'll find a hot spot right under the light and the further to the edges of your tent, you'll have lower intensity lighting.

Fluence is worth considering. Gavita and Ion too. If cost is a factor, Kingbrite Lighting on Alibaba has some good choices as well.
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

254
63
Fit is important. My e720 is very snug in a 4' x 4.' I had it in a 4' x 5' and it was snug up against the 4' wall. Fortunately, the light doesn't get real hot ... I also upgraded the tent to another 5' x 5.' What I like about the bar light is how evenly it lights up the whole space. If you're sold on the 320w light from Crecer, you might want to consider buying 2. Otherwise, you'll find a hot spot right under the light and the further to the edges of your tent, you'll have lower intensity lighting.

Fluence is worth considering. Gavita and Ion too. If cost is a factor, Kingbrite Lighting on Alibaba has some good choices as well.
That was my fear, the light heating up and causing something bad to happen while I'm at work(graveyard shifts). I've settled on the fact that the Panthrx Mini may not be the size I need for optimal flower growth, if anything I would just get the VertX from Crecer. I've been looking at the HLG 600 rspec, Optic 6 Gen 6, and Optic 600 Slim. Cost won't be too bad, I'm willing to spend up to $1,000, but if I can find a quality light for a decent price then that's ok. One thing I don't want to do is rush into buying a grow light, I want to make sure the one I get is fully researched.
 
HighRootz

HighRootz

254
63
I have 3 boards, 2 Budgetled 130w Boards at Elevated Lighting and a HLG 135w. Very happy with all. Quality parts on both, less assembling on Budgetled. Sale on now at Elevated Lighting.
I was looking at the HLG 350 and was thinking about supplementing it with a budget 150-200w. How does it look in your set up?
 
hillbil

hillbil

255
63
I was looking at the HLG 350 and was thinking about supplementing it with a budget 150-200w. How does it look in your set up?
Budgetled uses Mean Well x series which is a step below the HLG but good. Assembly is easier than HLG kits. They are very close in quality and performance. The board lights do a better job of coverage, generally, than most COBs based lights. Got 2 Rspec boards in 3000k.
 
F

frogyrogy

64
18
I was looking at the HLG 350
I'd recommend looking at the HLG Scorpion lights. I wasn't familiar with these forums, or much of anything else online beyond email, Amazon or Netflix when I first bought LED. I believed a few companies false wattage/coverage claims, tried a few different LED fixtures and finally did some actual research and bought an HLG Scorpion RSpec lamp. I run it in a 4x4 and I can say it's corner to corner coverage is better and it runs a lot cooler than anything I've ever had. I keep a small thermometer setting on top of the driver and it stays at 84-85F with the light dimmed to 80% . . . which is the highest I ever run it since I don't add Co2. I can't say that it's a better light than the others you are looking at, just the best fixture I've personally used in my limited experience.
 

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