LED's Vs MH Lighting Vs Plasma Lighting "Supplemental Light"

[paulycali]

Looking for feedback from experienced growers using supplimental lighting

What have you found best?

I personally just switch out my HPS bulbs for MH bulbs during late flowering that's it

Do you believe using supplemental lighting during vegging is a crutial and worthy step?

Any honest info from experienced growers and users would be greatly appreciated

Thanks everyone and i look forward to hearing some facts, experiences and opinions

Peace out :)

 

[619ster]

I grow with a 1000w hps supplemented by 600w of LEDs. I have found the plants to be hardier, as well as the buds being more reinous and potent. I also use cmh bulbs in another one of my spots. Haven't tried plasma induction but would love to. I'm really big into adding spectrums to the mix. I've also mixed cmh with LEDs, as well as LEDs with cfl's, and LEDs solo. All worked out really well. But the kind of LEDs you use is EXTREMELY important. I did LOTS of research before investing. If you need suggestions just holla!

 

[paulycali]

Thanks 619ster! Appreciate the info for sure :)

 

[Medusa]

I grow with a 1000w hps supplemented by 600w of LEDs. I have found the plants to be hardier, as well as the buds being more reinous and potent. I also use cmh bulbs in another one of my spots. Haven't tried plasma induction but would love to. I'm really big into adding spectrums to the mix. I've also mixed cmh with LEDs, as well as LEDs with cfl's, and LEDs solo. All worked out really well. But the kind of LEDs you use is EXTREMELY important. I did LOTS of research before investing. If you need suggestions just holla!

I am hollering! Are you using the led's in flower? I have 4 600 hps's in flower could you add led's to that?

 

[outwest]

I've got 2 600s with a 300w Plasma in between. Don't see why you could t do something similar.

outwest

 

[Medusa]

I've got 2 600s with a 300w Plasma in between. Don't see why you could t do something similar.

outwest

What kind of plasma ?

 

[outwest]

plasmalyte.com for a good deal.

outwest

 

[619ster]

I am hollering! Are you using the led's in flower? I have 4 600 hps's in flower could you add led's to that?

Yes I use two 300w LED panels on the sides of my 1000w HPS. Coverage area is expanded, more sun-like spectrum adds to the hardiness of my plants (HPS only provides so much PAR {photosynthetic active radiation}, where LEDs provide more of a full-course meal). Plus I think my buds are usually more stickkier this way. I've always had great results with LED's, but I've made sure to get the right tech. Things are much more advanced now, and I could only wish to add some of my ideas to the grow space at the moment. Just not within the current budget, but like before, if I had the money to invest (which I don't right now), I sure would. Only I'd aim more towards American-made and DIY tech nowadays;) Any deeper info needed just let me know! I know the LED's aren't really popular in the commercial/production world:cool:

 

[Medusa]

Yes I use two 300w LED panels on the sides of my 1000w HPS. Coverage area is expanded, more sun-like spectrum adds to the hardiness of my plants (HPS only provides so much PAR {photosynthetic active radiation}, where LEDs provide more of a full-course meal). Plus I think my buds are usually more stickkier this way. I've always had great results with LED's, but I've made sure to get the right tech. Things are much more advanced now, and I could only wish to add some of my ideas to the grow space at the moment. Just not within the current budget, but like before, if I had the money to invest (which I don't right now), I sure would. Only I'd aim more towards American-made and DIY tech nowadays;) Any deeper info needed just let me know! I know the LED's aren't really popular in the commercial/production world:cool:

There just so expensive!!

 

[DrBudACola]

Medusa, I have 1000 metal (stationary) + a Gavita 300 LEP on a mover in my veg room. This combination works really well, stems are stronger and overall health is improved. I use the LEP only for the first few weeks then kick on the 1000 metal. As for cost; the upfront is brutal but I save on power and and the bulb or puck lasts for over 5 years at 18hrs and is relativally inexpensive to replace. And I believe there is a boost to production as well. Hope this helps some.

 

[Medusa]

Medusa, I have 1000 metal (stationary) + a Gavita 300 LEP on a mover in my veg room. This combination works really well, stems are stronger and overall health is improved. I use the LEP only for the first few weeks then kick on the 1000 metal. As for cost; the upfront is brutal but I save on power and and the bulb or puck lasts for over 5 years at 18hrs and is relativally inexpensive to replace. And I believe there is a boost to production as well. Hope this helps some.

Good point power consumption and bulb replacement thank you

 

[NebulasINbloom]

I also recommend Gavita plasma. I own 8 of them.

 

[squiggly]

I use LED's as my main light source--and I supplement with a magnetic induction plasma lamp. The results between supplementing and not are definitely appreciable--however in my case it could be a result of me rounding out the spectrum (as LED's are more directed).

I prefer the pro-grow series of LEDs from hydroponicshut (but stay away from their MI plasma lamp--it is way overpriced, can get the same lamp for $40 sans reflector).

 

[DrBudACola]

I also recommend Gavita plasma. I own 8 of them.

Hey Neb, U using those with other lighting. Maybe U can provide some observations on how U use them?
thanks, Bro

 

[NebulasINbloom]

I've been experimenting over the past 6 months with them. I have 2 for moms, 3 for veg and the rest I use as supplemental lighting in flower. I'll post some pics here in a minute. The flower area I'm using is 3:1 HPS:Plasma. Gavita recommends 4:1, which I'm aiming for. Going all bare bulbs has been a challenge for me. The amount of heat is more complex to deal with than one would think. I've had to toss out quite a few different strains, because of the stress caused by the bare bulb DE 1000watt HPS Gavitas. I'll post some pics in a bit, bout to grub

Thanks
Neb

 

[NebulasINbloom]

This is my flower room @ 3:1, little Aptus plug there

 

[NebulasINbloom]

Here is some nug porn, this one is my Raskal's White Fire OG/NYC Diesel side.

 

[NebulasINbloom]

Tangerine, Colorado clone only strain. BC Cut of Grape Fruit x DJ Short's Flo

 

[NebulasINbloom]

Bubba Kush, all @ 45 days, by the way.

 

[NebulasINbloom]

This is the tester side of this grow. I have some new strains littered in throughout. All in 10 gal smart pots with Sanctuary Soils Big City mix... Great CoCo. Anyway, I went Gavita for a few reasons. Mainly the craftsmanship of their products. The ballast on the Plasma has a GorTex valve on it, this allows air to come and go, yet keeping it sealed. The lens filters harmful UVB light, and there is a referb kit for $200. In veg they perform very well and would be great if the benefits ended there. They don't, though. In flower the resign production is at least a 20% gain, potentially more, but this is based on my observation alone. I'm planning on always having at least 4:1 for all future grows. I have a 7k bare bulb Gavita HPS room that I'll be adding 2 plasmas to in the near future. Keep you guys posted.

Hope this helps
Neb