I would buy this LED if you have a 2x2 to a 3x3 space. Would work great and cost less then 100 bucks.
BLOOMSPECT SS1000 LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum with LM301B Diodes and MeanWell Driver, Dimmable 1000 Watt LED Plant Growing Lamps Veg Flower for Greenhouse 2x2 ft Grow Tent https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087GF3DFH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_X9JZYVK47DEVX72ESNY8?psc=1
I have two Mars lights and they do great, but they use cheap drivers and epistar diodes. Look for meanwell driver and Samsung diodes. I upgraded to this brand and have been really happy, especially for the price. https://www.amazon.com/BLOOMSPECT-Spectrum-Dimmable-MeanWell-Coverage/dp/B087GF3DFH/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2VKRYPGAKFX5H&keywords=bloomspect%2Bss2000&qid=1644183011&sprefix=bloomspect%2Bss%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-3&th=1&psc=1
They make several sizes and the build quality is pretty heavy duty.
Great 100w light for only $45!! I have 3x of these I use and they work great. Samsung diodes & Meanwell driver. Same technology as spiderfarmer and Mars hydro but a quarter of the price
Anything w lm301b diodes w meanwell driver r best. This ones a steal for $80 for 100 true watt.
As for recommendations. Read growweedeasy.com as it is very simple, but theres alotta bro science (hypothesis and theory instead of science backed up w facts).
Best video i saw that changed my entire grow was youtubing canucks organic. Now i dont have to mix nute or worry bout ph too much. And have switched to organic. Youtube thedudegrows for more advanced info
You need much better lights. This one is on Sale for $39.99. This will be the best money you've spent in your life.
The branches are all stretching because they aren't getting enough light.
These lights in a canopy are probably the same age as what you have now. You want to use LST (Low stress training) throughout your entire grow. You move your plants around to accommodate where your light is placed.
Look through /u/GrowerNotAShower11 posting historyand you can see progress shots of how to get HERE
This is the newer version of the one I have.
Bloomspect SS1000, with 20% coupon it's okay price wise. Their cheaper SL1000 series can be had as low as $40 for 100w at the wall.
I would not buy anything cheaper than the SL1000 from them. The SL600 is too weak to be useful.
To find how many watts you need, multiple the size of your room Length x Width x 30w -- That is how many watts you need, bare minimum. Maximum is Length x Width x 50w.
Here are the two grow lights I had:
BLOOMSPECT SS1000 LED Grow Light for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum with LM301B Diodes and MeanWell Driver, Dimmable 1000 Watt LED Plant Growing Lamps Veg Flower for Greenhouse 2x2 ft Grow Tent
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087GF3DFH/
LED Grow Lights, 1000W Full Spectrum Powerful Grow Light with Bloom and Veg Switches, Daisy Chain Available, Plant Lights for Greenhouse Indoor Plant Veg and Flower (2020 Upgraded)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083RXP2R2/
https://www.amazon.com/BLOOMSPECT-Spectrum-Growing-Compatible-MeanWell/dp/B087GF3DFH/
Great affordable LED for the price. Has the same diodes and driver as MarsHydro & Spiderfarmer. Good for 1 plant can possibly do 2. $70
If in closet, grab some flat white bathroom paint(not high gooss) and paint the closet. You'll get about 80% reflecting, but I suppose those car window liners could work. I just looked up paint prices and they've definitely jumped up since ive last bought some. I'm seeing $25/gallon
Fabric post(depending on size no more than $10)
Try to get Fox Farm Happy Frog soil, Roots organic, Sohum, anything beside Miracle Grow. Definitely dont cheap out on soil. 2cub ft about $25
Dr. Earth's Dry amendment (veg & tomato, and flower gurl) add this to your soil before planting and then top dress 5 weeks later and all you'll have to do is just water. No need to spend a bunch of money and hassle on nutes. Can get a 1lbs bag $5 or 5lbs $10 at walmart
I'd also highly suggest atleast dropping some money on a Ph pen. Other than your light this is another kinda costly(staying in your budget), but the yields and health and ease of your grow will speak for itself. $50 https://www.amazon.com/Apera-Instruments-AI209-Waterproof-Accuracy/dp/B01ENFOHN8/
Total cost(if you cut out the paint) $175 boom! I should do this as a job or something ;)
3.5ftx3.5ftx 8ft tent for $50
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B08BHVXX43?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image
100w LED samsung diodes and meanwell driver(same as Mars hydro & spiderfarmer) for $70
Boom!
per dollar? There are several on amazon with decent parts. Meanwell driver is a good thing. Samsung 300 or higher is this years (LM301B, LM301H., LM351H -- yes the H is for horticulture.
I have both LM281b+ and LM301b and it makes a difference you can tell by looking. Plus the 301's use 0.2W where the 281 used 0.5W. Basically, I'd get a two hundred watter or a 2 one hundred watter, on sale QB board with a good driver (other people can tell you good brands, I've only dealt with Meanwell and they have given no issues), same with LED's, there may be better than Samsung out there, I don't know.
Lights, Medium, Water Delivery and Genetics (most important) are the main keys to a good crop.
That being said, I thought I was doing patriotic duty (/s) by buying from HLG, but I got about the same board, meanwell driver, but no dimmer. It did have this years 300's LED's but cost twice as much as the no-name with good components.
That is my recommendation: This years LED's, good driver, QB board, 200-300W total for 2x4. You should be able to get a good light for $70, if you look around, find coupon codes. No ad, but if you have Capital One connected to Amazon as an extension to the browser, you get promo codes that work. So you could get a lamp for much less. I'll try right now. 305 am
312 https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B087GF3DFH is a light for $40. 100W so you need two. It has meanwell driver and LM301 diodes, and on sale.
These are a good deal $45 for 100 Watts.
https://www.amazon.com/BLOOMSPECT-Spectrum-Growing-Compatible-MeanWell/dp/B087GF3DFH
QB 100w w/ MeanWell driver ($100 US)
For your tent you need 4" fan and filter