Recent content by az2000

I recently read a suggestion to use women's panty hose on the bottom of the container to keep fungus gnats from entering/exiting from the drain holes. I keep thinking I'll try it, but keep forgetting to buy panty hose.

My name is not Kyle, and I don't work for any light maker/seller. I'm generally very positive about your lights. As mentioned a few days ago, I don't like how the spectrum/ratio isn't published. But, I don't like that about Advanced either (which hopefully dispels your notion that I am them.)...

By definition, a light without reflectors will have more diffusion and less penetration. That doesn't mean it's "terrible." But, a tradeoff. Here is a comparison Advanced did between their Diamond 3w (with reflector) and a Mars II 5w (without reflector): DS 200 LED Grow Light vs TopLED...

It's probably a tradeoff. If they replace the veg and flower-specific Mars 2 models, they'd have less to drop ship to their regional warehouses. Reducing the cost of maintaining a variety of inventory could pay for the switch. I'm seeing TopLED's products lining up this way: Mars 1 = "Old...

What's "better" depends on each individual's priorities. Some would say Philipps Luxeon's longer lifespan is better. Others say less expensive LEDs (like Epistar) are better because the technology is changing so quickly, it may not make sense to invest in most expensive LEDs. Cree offers a...

Maybe it's just me, but when I read "Old model" I think of "deprecated, replaced, less desirable." I'm now understanding your products as a progression of power and features: Gen 1: Mars 1 - 3w, no reflector Gen 2: Mars 1R - 3w, reflector, selectable spectrum Gen 3: Mars 2 - 5w, no...

Yes, that's a good point. However, building allows for incremental entry. For example, smaller panels for better coverage after a few are built. (I'm thinking of Astir's philosophy.). Better components like Cree bulbs. Maybe a better design that comes from a "labor of love," like passive cooling...

Sara, I was thinking about last night's posts about the "Old Model." Is it the same spectrum/ratio as the Mars II full spectrum? I.e., is the only difference that it's 3w instead of 5w?

I hope others will chime in with advice. They still sell the "Mars I." I assume it's an effective light (in comparison to the reflector at full power). Maybe someone can say how reflector is better. Maybe there's a reason to buy it. I just know that autos are smaller. I'm doing good with UFOs...

To be honest, you don't even need switchable spectrum. If you're going to have a perpetual auto grow, you only need a veg and flower light (or two full spectrums). If you use switchable in veg, you'll be paying for LEDs you're not using. I grow 2 autos in a 2x4x4' tall tent. I use 2 135w (85w...

Have you considered building your own light? There are brands that publish details about their spectrum (Area-51, Astir, Grow Northern). If you have more time than money, that could be a good way to acquire a good light.

I can't speak to Mars, but I bought a Blackstar v2 180w (120w actual) "HO" light, which is their veg light. It was only my third grow. I didn't have much to compare to. But, holy cow! That plant was a monster. Leafy, deep green, bushy. I had to tie down stems because it was too large for my...

I grew photos and one auto as my first grow. Initially I wasn't enthused about the auto. I ended up loving it. Not trying to take away from your advice which I'm sure is more experienced. But, just wanted to add some context to why I suggested what I did. Cheers!

I think General Hydroponics Flora Series is great for new growers. It's ph buffered which helps hold your ph steady. I think ph is the biggest issue for new growers. Use Pro-Mix HP, add 20% Perlite and 1 Tbsp dolomite lime per gallon of medium. Pro-Mix has dolomite, but may not be enough. The...

If you look back a few posts you'll see user artthug said he didn't care for the results of the flower-specific spectrum.