PJ--I have a couple of questions. I may want to get a 2 x 4 tent rather than always using the 32" x 32" as it is not very tall. And I am hoping to put my place up for sale late this summer or early fall and will have to find another place to grow. I would think that the single 700W would not be a good choice if I go with a 2 x 4? I was talking to Rosebud the other day and she is very happy with her Reflector series lights, so I went to read up on them. I noticed that the Reflector series 96 x 3 has the same power draw as the Mars II 80 x 5--170W-200W. I was wondering the reason for this? And what do you think of the Reflector series? What would be your choice for a 2 x 4 space?
Same power however the reflector series claims to cover more space, or does it?
The fact is the one Mars light only really covers a 2x2, [I think they claim 3x3 but I'd argue that] so by using two of those in a tent you'll have twice the power of the reflector series which is also going to equal better yield.
I found the reflector to be under powered however they will grow a plant to the end. I still feel like the quality will still be improved over an HPS system as far as the overall quality so that is a plus.
I will say because I have tested the specs on both lights now that the MarsII does offer about 30 more actual watts over the 96.3, which you wouldn't think would make much of a difference except that the reflector claims to cover about twice the space which is where the issue is.
Also while we are on the topic of LED's and these lights, they are a decent light for the money at about a buck a watt. There are certainly worse lights out there at the same time there are also far better lights, but as said many times Cheap LED's are not good, and good LED's are not cheap.
Just keep in mind that you'll want to make sure your tent has plenty of height. The reflector I can run at about 12" above the plants and have seen no issues. That said I only use it for weeks 2 through 3 and by then we really aren't seeing enough flower to bleach out, but I highly doubt most strains will.
I just go the Mars lights yesterday, so I have no real hands on with this one just yet, but that will be changing soon.
I think it may be best to decide on which tent, then we can see what may or may not work in it. Chances are we move to an entirely new light all together.
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