DIY LED Grow light build | Build your own cheap simple and efficient LED grow light

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Hi, Shane here. Thanks for watching, Please hit the like button and subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@MIGROLIGHT?sub_confirmation=1 Buy my Grow Lights here: migrolight.com/ Follow us on: Instagram:instagram.com/migrolight/ Facebook: facebook.com/MIGROLIGHT/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@migrolight

[@Arcticpagan]

hey shane could you do a new diy video with the led tubes to replace flourescent tubes?

[@thomaskastenhuber6792]

Shane! People! This really deserves an update, there are new LED Bulbs out now, same socket E27 but crazy efficiency. Think the most efficient is Phlips 210lumen/watt. Theres also a 23W bulb that gives 3500 lumen, so 150 lumen per/watt. In any case a good chunk more than 120 lumen per watt. Id love to see what Shane can build with this bulbs, please like this post to make him see that if you share the excitement over this topic.

[@freedom_born]

Yeah, i think i remember some places had 28w bulbs too, I’m always looking for higher wattage CFLs cos i use them as UV/IR supplemental during flower.

[@timothykappel198]

He's going for budget tho how much more expensive are these bulbs. If there to expensive u might as buy a real grow light like a mars hydro or something for 70 bucks

[@freedom_born]

@Timothy Kappel Idk how he’s going for “budget” if this whole fixture already costs nearly close to $100 anyway. I think Shane brought the 6 bulbs which = 100w for $59. So… a 2pk of 23w CFLs are $10. $40 for four 2pks. A $20 saving for almost the same wattage, which is about the same as a Bloom Plus anyway - 85/90w*. Even Mars ts600 is only 90/95w. So it’s not “technically” a budget build - especially if there’s QB builds out there for the same price (like as you said, Mars or even Bloom Plus). This is a DIY project or for someone electrically savvy or for those who already have lamp fixtures lying around. Cos realistically, this setup will cost comparatively the same as just buying a Mars or SF or Vipar… or as mentioned a Bloom Plus - which are as good as the others for a little cheaper - AND they come with warranty’s and guarantees. Unlike this DIY fixture, which if it does fck up somewhere, you’ll have to repair and replace yourself.

[@timothykappel198]

@@freedom_born if u have the outlets and wire already u can build the light for $20 with the Walmart LEDs as stated in my previous reply. And once again cfl aren't nearly as efficient as a led when it comes to growing u need twice the wattage per SQ foot so there's no reason to use them. LEDs are the same price if not cheaper and use half the watts.

[@freedom_born]

@Timothy Kappel I know what you’re talking about, but, as per my original reply - I’m specifically referring to CFLs regarding their IR/UV output. I know the efficiency is better for LED, but CFL do better in the UV and Far Red spectrum than LED does,, it’s more efficiently better to run CFLs for supplemental IR/UV than LEDs. But as Shane himself stated in a MrGrowIt interview, supplemental far red and by extension even UV bulbs - aren’t “really” required nowadays if your fixture is good enough (as expected with mid tier brands like Mars, Vipar etc…). Because most lights come equipped with enough blue and far red to do a whole grow - if they don’t already have them included. Particularly the KS5000 from Viparspectra, which doesn’t have IR/UV diodes. For a light that big and expensive, the manufacturer must know they’re not absolutely necessary in excess amounts. Whereas with monster top tier brands, you can actually dial in separate IR/UV diodes/dimmers… whether those even make *much* of a difference determines whether you justify the [crazy] price(s) or not.

[@latotheleaf2223]

This is why you're such a legend Shane. You design and sell your own equipment, and still tell people how to build their own budget light. Top stuff my man!! 👍

[@chris432t6]

Thank you, you said it right.🌝

[@justinjude1999]

Qq 1

[@babyrob0t]

This is so ace, thanks for sharing. It’s a testament to your character that you’re willing to show your potential customers how to do it themselves on a budget. One love 💚

[@currentriver4951]

No doubt, great stuff!!!!

[@JohnSmith-ti3oy]

He should quit the LED game and go into teaching business ethics. The guy is a class act in every regard.

[@MrFabianPeq]

He’s one of the real ones

[@dernils2311]

i mean its low budget but to be honest its not that good.... Every "ready" LED will have more lumen and probably a better spectrum if u really dont have enough money then okay do it and upgrade/add after ur first grow but normally just buy a better LED directly.

[@laniec.f.2531]

@@dernils2311, can you elaborate on your comment that it is not that good and share specific suggestions for something you believe is better? Many of us are just beginning and this is somewhat complicated, but if you could be more specific on an upgrade, it would be appreciated. What if someone just wants to use this setup for growing salad greens and maybe other veggies? Opinions?

[@adrianrainbow4106]

Dude, I come back to you every time I'm thinking about lights. I'd like to say thanks for all the knowledge and research. No drama, no 'biggin up', just suitably studious videos.

[@shaneintheworld]

Thank you for this, Shane you are a voice of clarity in the led world

[@DiegoMorales-jh1qi]

Man, i just wanted to THANK YOU for your service to the growing community all over the world. I just found this video, somehow I missed it before because it's been around 3 years now watching this channel, and living in a Third World country, this is a MUST WATCH for the vast majority of third world indoor growers all over the world... This is as DIY as it gets, and the best part is that it can be made to work 💪💪💪

[@brandonzahs126]

The community NEEDS information like this! Thank goodness for honest influencers like yall!

[@GDKLockout]

A met an old friend with this set up, kinda. He had a 203 blurple light and 3x 13w 2700k. Was getting 60g of hulkberry using only compost and a hint of bloom boost, from autoflower in 30cm x 70cm stealth chest of drawers. It works!

[@firecloud77]

I have an array of 12 of these light bulbs in a 3-foot by 4-foot grow closet in the basement for starting my vegetable seedlings every year. It works very well.

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Tops on or off? If tops are off have you had any issues with the LEDs getting damaged?

[@jamesolivier3192]

@@MIGROLIGHT I actually ran 20 of these (5000k version) in my mini greenhouse this spring without an issue. Now those fixtures are hanging in my garage for extra lighting, and so far no issues. Tops cut off on all of them.

[@tkermi]

Just remember to check the age and be clear that you have the consent before ripping the top off 😏.

[@firecloud77]

@@MIGROLIGHT I cut off the tops. No, I've had no issues with the LED's becoming damaged. I have, however, been replacing them with a brighter bulb (150-watt equivalent) that I buy off of Amazon: *SANSI 18W (150 Watt Equivalent) LED Light Bulbs* amazon.com/gp/product/B07G3TBT1G *SANSI 18W (150W Equivalent) LED Bulbs* amazon.co.uk/SANSI-Equivalent-Bright-Daylight-Non-Dimmable/dp/B082KM6Q9T

[@dt3204]

@@MIGROLIGHT Hi Shane, I have the tops off for 18 months now and no problems at all ;-) I use the Philips 12.5W 4000K ;-)

[@TacoTacoYum]

Excellent 3am-can't-sleep video

[@pinopiyatsi8058]

5am :P

[@georgeprout42]

Lol, 3 months later I found this at 3:30am 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@420_9R8R]

💯💯🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lese8234]

09/03/21 3:03 am 😆😆 REAL in Buenos Aires, Argentina 🍺

[@coolshirt]

It's 5am cheers lol

[@jblazer2492]

I have built an array of 36 core pro 2700k lights, I pulled the plastic cover off with a Swedish wrench rather than cutting them. All the lamps I have are like the one shown at 12:49 and not like the others with the screws. This did mean that many on the panels weren't properly inserted and caused the heat to pool in the panel rather than spread to the fixture reducing efficacy, so I jammed them all in properly xD. Keeping the panels around 60C seems to be the sweetspot. Instead of using a solid board I cut strips of wood 0.9cm wide, enough to screw on my porcelain e27 fittings, allowing full air circulation. I tried some other of stuff like drilling holes in the luminaire to increase airflow and applying thermal paste at the contact between the panel and the fixture, the holes actually made it hotter while the thermal paste seemed to have no effect xD. This video really put a smile on my face, thanks! edit: Oh God! I just saw the price you paid :-/ I got the 20 of the lights for 3.2euro each and the next 16 when there was a sale and they were 2.5euro a pop...

[@CrankCase08]

Even cheaper now on Amazon and eBay.

[@CrankCase08]

I bet you suffered with excessive stretching, caused by the lack of blue light. Having observed various spectra, I've come to the conclusion that 3000K is better than 2700K, while 4000K is better than 3000K - primarily due to the amount of blue that will help reduce stretching - they all have a similar amount of red.

[@steveod1]

The patron saint of indoor growers. Respect.

[@christsantilas5339]

Much respect man from Greece!!This test is truly the best and most honest I've ever seen,well done!!You are truly a honest guy..Noone from any other company has the balls to do it,you earn my respect even more!!

[@RIPPEDDRAGON40k]

Friends were looking at me crazy for building a veg setup this way with LEDs and CFLs from the hardware store. I learned this from Green Ninja youtube channel (they have not been active for years). If I needed to start up again on a budget or grow in a closet, this is how I would start. 10/10 video Shane along with every other video you do

[@adamiam7556]

I Vote Shane as earths morality guide. More respectable ethics than any guru. 💚

[@currentriver4951]

Glad I found his page!!!!

[@lolasnchz6094]

Look at the result of similar bulbs kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnepfIusg6aChJY

[@michaelpigneguy6864]

politicians should take a course led by Shane

[@glyn5385]

youre such a good man Shane, much respect to you for doing this when you make and sell your own lights, God Bless You, i hope your business expands x100

[@mail2ted]

I made a Light that has eight Bulbs about 20 watts each, Cool White for Veg and Warm White for Flower to cover a small area about 1.5 feet by 2.5 feet, it has reflector panels and three small PC fans to pull the warm air up and out. It pulls about 160 watts and works well for 3 small plants in 2 gallon pots. Using better brighter Bulbs makes a big difference but adds a lot to the build cost. Being able to swap out Bulbs is a good thing.

[@alonsoarambulovidal2942]

The tree fans were enough to deal w the heat?? Do you have any pic of the setup?? Im doing basically the same but the heat goes crazy

[@CrankCase08]

You could get more watts/lumens per area by using GU10 LED bulbs mounted in a tight array. GU10 bulbs are available at >100l/watt, and the ceramic sockets can be bought in large quantities at a much lower cost than even E27 screw fixtures.

[@dertythegrower]

I have been using these and the spiral CFL bulbs in many colors for vegging perfect plants for years.. I try to tell people online in chat for years and they dont listen ha. Even better is the cheap LED flood lights, as all light is directed down and they are perfect strength

[@dertythegrower]

Also, I want to add there is a very simple thing people can use that turns 1 spcket into 7 bulbs! Look up 7 in 1 light bulb adapter.. it looks like a christmas tree star in a way, and you simply screw it in the light bulb socket, and youre done

[@eshabooboo100]

tell me more please

[@ivanlagrossemoule]

I'm looking for a new and cheaper setup for my carnivorous plants and saw quite a few people claim that consumer lightbulbs simply don't cover the required light spectrum, despite companies like Philips giving you the entire spectrum graph. It's like they want others to waste their money on overpriced equipment. I'm definitely trying this next. I use usual lights to hold the bulbs, so I don't even need to mess around with the wires.

[@loonyloony6550]

Got 300watts of globes setup, about $80 worth lol. Some of those phillips ones and osram. 1st run was alright but had to be cut short. It really is this simple, keep it safe electrically and your good to go.

[@loonyloony6550]

Ended up melting the tops off because of all the plastic flying everywhere when I used the hacksaw. Went all over the leds, cleaner to melt.

[@loonyloony6550]

Bloody cold though, cuoboard barely gets 6c above ambient without heating.

[@matdread974]

It's been 5 years i'm telling that you Can Do what you show here. But i thought about what we call in France ''lampeco'' wich means something like ''ecolight'' and that's a kind of cfl lamp. Your Idea about cutting plastic from LEDs is really nice, bravo!

[@layton7430]

Not many good honest people like him around anymore, great video

[@donkee]

Haha I read it so wrong! I thought "well I think many honest people might like him around since he seem to be quite honest himself" :D

[@Bloomcycle]

I've been doing this for years. It's great for veging my cannabis plants before I put them outside for the season . The dollar store one's with the red/blue are the best 😎🇨🇦

[@eddiew9328]

I respect this chap so much. I’ve seen people make them before and I giggled. But the numbers don’t lie.

[@timturk1899]

They sell a 5-7 mogul socket, "star shaped" adapter(so the 5-7 sockets are in a circle, about an 8" diameter all around, which screws into 1 mogul socket). Cheap on Amazon! I've used the 100W equivalent lights also, but was able to "snap" the glass like cover(it was plastic, no glue, so I used a knife to pry it off easily. I started to saw it off, lol, and said "F it!", I think these will pry off..?). Easy! Great job Shane! Very nice to see the actual 3K spectrum, etc. Your a great guy Shane!!!

[@barrybrum]

Your concern for your fellow man in kindly offering this useful info is why I will be buying your MIGRO Array system. Your MIGRO products appear to be of excellent quality and your professionalism is remarkable.

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Thanks.

[@olafbig]

I started growing three years ago with a few Philips bulbs as they had the highest efficiency at the time, I dismantled the units and mounted the LED pucks and mini transformers to a heat sync and called it a day, I still grow with my first boards which are 100w and now 3 years old. Keep it simple is what I always say.

[@bumboclat]

Want to do the same. Do you have any pictures anywhere on the web?

[@olafbig]

@@bumboclat unfortunately not, but a google for screw in bulb diy grow lights show bring some old forum posts up. I tried to keep it simple and had 15+ sockets on a plate or board and just put the bulbs in. Something to note, if you go for the lower quality bulbs know they put out the extra list energy to heat as the leds make less light but consume the same electricity.

[@bumboclat]

@@olafbig did you dismantle the bulbs to use the led disc only, with external driver, or each disc with the original driver?

[@levoyeurmonkey9649]

Thanks for being such an humble and nice human being, sharing killer knowledge even while running a company selling pro stuff. I'm working on a extremely low budget+scrap yard 2x3 project based off 5 quite big e27 bulbs (and 2 cheap 50w cobs), the par measurements here makes me hopeful :) JUST A REMINDER: especially for bigger bulbs pay attention to the exposed contacts on the board!!! This 23.5w 2700k Lexman bulb I have here is quite hot, runs at >300Volts!!! Other brand, 18w 3000k: 260v. You don't want to touch that. I thought my multimeter was broken at first. For my build I will cover the naked contacts in resin or something.

[@roberthart9886]

I did this back when a Red/Blue crap led light was $350+. I bought

[@GMCLabs]

It's basically exactly what I did for my first grow light It worked great.

[@icametopray1072]

What were you able to grow using this method?

[@kkrollingskkrollings3173]

You can cut the ends off the bulbs and achieve more par/light it will simply remove the outer layer which is stopping some Par/light, it will expose the diodes, you would just want to be careful when watering or folar feeding. You would for sure have gotten better numbers if you had cut the bottoms off the bulbs. Many videos on KZbin with this done, i did try this myself 4 or 5 years ago. Edit i commented to soon watching you cut the ends right now see if i was right i know i am has to be better. Thanks Shane great video. Edit again just saw new numbers wow crazy you will now have many people on a budget making this set up better numbers than the older model mars, meizhi, viparspectra all the oder models with the old epistar leds. Even good for to add for some extra par to fill out a area on the sides or ends were someone could use some extra light but dont have another grow light this one be a great solution to help fatten the colas that were not getting enough light.

[@MandoMax360]

Hey Shane, did the same two years ago, because Philips has some datasheets online with the spectrum curve of their light bulbs. But i bought 2 of those you've bought, and a 2500lm 4000K Bulb. I did some calculations ( don't have a PAR meter) but this bulb should give a bit better PAR-Reading per Watt then the 2700K 1521lm ones. So happy to see something like my build on your channel. Greetings, Max :)

[@CrankCase08]

I've come to this conclusion, not only agreeing with your suggestion, but also that while 4000K bulbs (and even 5000K) produce a similar quantity of red light as 2700K, they also produce a higher quantity of blue, which reduces undesirable stretching. Unfortunately, 2700K will produce excessive stretching.

[@JesseDahirKanehl]

what about the floodlight LEDs? those reflectors seem to aim the light down much better. Also there's varying wattages all the way up to 350W (equivalent) per bulb

[@ruirocha4352]

Just bought 3 packs of 3 lamps ( 9 lamps total ) for 3,75 eur each pack. Gonna try to cut the tops without damaging it. Edit: used it in 2 plants at a time, for vegging i use T5 lamps, for flowering I've made 5 crops now with this setup. Works great.

[@repentxbelieve]

Explain more

[@ruirocha4352]

Sorry I'm late. What do you need to know? For a tent with 90cm wide, 40 on the sides, works great. Two plants at a time. Now, it's in a 1m² tent and still works out for maybe 4 plants, with additional huge vegging and flowering CFL bulbs i bought for 2eur each.

[@sashcsgo]

Bro i was just about to head to the hardware store. THANK YOU for the input

[@rockitMiC]

Van Helsing great info! Thanks!

[@douglas9607]

Shane is a good guy. Thank you for this good vid for beginners.

[@AllAroundFlight]

I have build my own aquaponic system and right now the plants are not looking too great. As far as i see it they are not getting enough light. Right now i am looking into different grow lights for my (40cmx60cm) growbed that does not flood my electric bill. Seeing all these 200watt lamps makes my wallet go really sad. That is a lot of money every month. I was looking a different lights on amazon now found this diy method. As far as an amateur reads this this seems to be more efficient then most of the lights i find on amazon correct?

[@walrasian]

That is awesome. I plan to upgrade from my screw in LEDs but it is nice to see they weren’t half bad all these years. Thanks for this. Also you making videos like this is why I will be upgrading to a migro array for my tent. It really shows the confidence you have in your product that you are willing to show information like this.

[@dragongaming4993]

Cool but I'm not sure 2700k would be suitable for veg? Wouldn't working in a couple higher k lights create a more suitable spectrum? Also I think covering that wood in foil or painting it white would help a little.

[@paulie6446]

Good one Shane.this film gives hope to all amateur guerillas who don't have the cash to buy into growing.I was there once and this would've been such a help.✌️🌱👏👏

[@chris432t6]

Thank you Shane for tuning me in to Mr. Bugbee and Coco for Cannabis and for the quality videos covering every lighting technology known for growing plants with comparisons that are as professional as it gets imo? Cheers!🌞

[@ralphmcmahan2139]

My neighbor lady grows greens for herself. She told me she was saving for some led's. I gave a similar set up. I used aluminum angle iron instead of plywood. Told her use this while your saving. See if you keep growing and and replace the homemade unit. She sees no need to upgrade. Now I get free spring char and kale.

[@marksmith-cg7wl]

The results from led bulbs are amazing, you can make some very powerful led lights, cut the diffuser at 25mm and leave it on the bulb and you will get about 10% more light, reflects some unused light back on the canopy, you can make a reflector by wrapping the inside of the diffuser with foil tape, but attention to detail is very important, once the foil tape is stuck(good quality thick tape), and it warms up its not coming off, it becomes over 30% more effective, some bulbs have parallel resistors, you can remove one and it drop the watts, can be reduced by 50% and the bulb runs cool, 40c instead of 85c in some cases, when bulbs run less watts they become more effective per watt, when bulbs run cooler they last longer, years longer and they put out more light.

[@emaildude99]

Sounds like a house fire waiting to happen honestly

[@CrankCase08]

The diffusers are very difficult to cut accurately. A lathe with the bulb mounted in the chuck would do it, but that's an expensive extra. Even if you can manage to leave about 25mm attached, rather than applying tape (which would fall off), a better idea would be to paint the inside of the remaining diffuser with matte white paint, which has better light-reflecting properties than a shiny surface.

[@marksmith-cg7wl]

@@CrankCase08 its not difficult to cut accurately, hang a budget Dremel tool upside down, fix it in place, adjust the high and rotate diffusers in a circle, perfect cut every time, make the hole just large enough to pinch the corners of the led, use a small amount of silicone sealant to hold it in place, I sprayed each reflector with a base coat and chrome effect spray, (thin coats), the results are really good, white paint did improve the results vs not using any spray but it was not great. kzbin.infobLQJK_4pFvk I used to grow with hps and then started to use led bulbs, led bulbs feels a lot safer.

[@CrankCase08]

@@marksmith-cg7wl Shiny reflector surfaces tend to produce hot spots. This is why manufactured reflectors always have a matte surface, whether it be matte aluminium or matte white.

[@raynofranken5350]

Shane you are always open and honest. What a great tip for budget growers!

[@ducksakeenglandwakeup5872]

How nice a fella this man is .thank you for all the advice and tips .

[@LUNATIK125]

In Russia, because of the dollar exchange rate, this is the only thing we can afford: D

[@sofianleleu2561]

Buy in Bitcoin then

[@sofianleleu2561]

@MrJre4491 if he had bought some 2 months ago he could probably afford the light now 😂

[@fiatlux4058]

Мне кажется плоские поудобнее если высота бокса ограничена, в леруа есть хорошие где-то по 100р.

[@eloimumford5247]

Suggestion : shoot a heat gun at the junction dome/body , use gloves , turn slowly , when reached proper temp the dome will pull off easily . Did you test 2700k versus 5000k ?

[@loungelizard836]

You can usually remove the tops by pinching them with a large pliers (slip-joint works great). The tops will probably crack before you get them off but it's easier to remove and you don't have a bunch of plastic dust in your "tanning booth".

[@freedom_born]

Lol tanning booth. When i first got my 4x4 and set it up. My sister came in and says… “Awesome, a tanning booth” I didn’t know that she was talking about so she told me. People stand in there and get sprayed. Lol i freaked, a 48yo just learning what a tanning booth was.

[@freedom_born]

Beautiful work Shane. My setup uses splitter adapters. I’ve got a few lamps already, so i just ordered splitters and bought 23w (CW & WW) CFLs. 2 lamps, 4 splitters each. During veg I’ll use 4 of each, 2 on each splitter, 4 Cool White & 4 Warm White. During flower i change them all to WW. Since my light doesn’t have IR/UV and CFLs do, it’s perfect. I’m not worried about how much extra wattage I’m getting, it’s rather for the IR and UV.

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

[@Jellyf0x]

You can't get much easier than that! Thank you Shane, love the channel!

[@perenti666]

you can , just get 3 or 4 floodlights with 30 or 50 watts ... you dont need to cut em open , and i bet they have more output , or just get a high bay light

[@Jellyf0x]

@@perenti666 This is more about taking advantage of the efficiency. These beat Mars ts series.

[@Jellyf0x]

@@OG_VeniVidiVici Okay it can get easier! Only £7. I might add some lights to supplement the lower canopy.👍

[@perenti666]

@@Jellyf0x i use those floods as lower canopy light from the sides with an moddet spider farmer sf2000 from the top , but for veg i use a different setup made from flood lights only 3x30w... it works awesome , you should give it a try just to see.. shame i cant measure it with an par meter, i only got a cheap lux meter , that yellow one shane has shown in one of his videos

[@Jellyf0x]

@@perenti666 You've just reminded me I have 2 50w floods I'd bought for the garden and never used. I do like to experiment, I'm hoping to pick up one of the UV bulbs Shane developed.

[@GigaVids]

ive actually done this years ago worked great

[@GigaVids]

@SEEK ONE light deps are the way nowadays

[@PenultimaGamrAKAhank]

@@GigaVids whats a "light dep"?

[@GigaVids]

@@PenultimaGamrAKAhank EZPZ your black out green house here in cali we do "hoop houses" pvc hoops with plastic blackout early 12/12 while you have over 12/ light you get 2-3 pulls instead of 1 , its called light depravation. nuyt you can add CFL bulb ot door to supplement light to get you 12. my "outdoor season" deps in NORCAL is 3 pulls starting at the last frost march/april a 20x60 dep pulls 50lbs ezpz 3 times

[@GigaVids]

@@PenultimaGamrAKAhank back in 2008 ish they'd sell it as indoor to plebs LOL cats out the bag ........... i can teach you the way YT and grow plebs will hate me

[@victorsupreme214]

Let's be honest everyone has thought about this the first time they think about a small stealth tomatoe plant grow

[@fairvlad]

@ewrecc420 I doubt they were actually better than the ones presented in this clip - that is the sad part. I too have done that mistake (I got the ikea ones - probably around 1.3 PPFD best case scenario - RIP money).

[@OrinLinwe]

@@fairvlad Some of those lamps have borderline unethical (in terms of being fair to the consumer) pricing. I've seen several brands that cost 30-60 euro for what's essentially one 20 watt lamp. I've definitely seen at least one 30 euro bulb that was 14 or 15 watt. Even if your pitch is that they're only for keeping one, small houseplant alive (they aren't sold with that messaging) it's still a really bad deal that takes advantage of peoples unfamiliarity with the subject.

[@shawtop]

Stealth tomatoes ay hehe hehe.

[@chrisscott6417]

I don't mind tomatoes, but I prefer lemon skunk.

[@ericdube836]

Gotta keep them tomatoes away from the neighbors 😉

[@Ohyeahcoolaid69]

They sell string lights that take 10 or 12 regular size bulbs at lowes and amazon. 23 watt high efficiency led GE lights in 5000k and 2700k for a good mix of spectrum. For 100 or so bucks on a 12 socket string, 23 watt lights will give you a 276 watt grow light thatll illuminate a 3x3 like a boss. This guy has some great ideas. I dig it

[@american7169]

I built a variation of this 10 years ago and still use it. I used 3x 12 outlet power strips and plug to socket adapters, bulbs are 4 inches apart. Between the power strips I ran fluorescent bulbs to get some uv. Wish I could test them, but they produce better flower than actual grow lights.

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Thanks for sharing.

[@dennismac3466]

I have bought several LED flood lights, waterproof, with 100-200 watts per fixture(actual draw about 85% of that) for $8-12 US watching the Amazon site and sorting through dozens of lights. Just ordered one today for $12.20, 20,000 lumens, 2800-3200k. This eliminates the fuss of wiring. I had a couple fixtures using many single bulbs like this video. Bulbs of ~9 watts cost about $1, but the based are about the same, so for $12.20, to get as many watts as the single 200 watt flood light, I would need to spend at least $20 using cheap parts. With the complete outdoor rated flood light, they are no exposed wires, and the cover is clear, non- diffusing. The only issue would be the need to hang a little higher to even out the coverage because the LEDs are mounted pretty tightly in a maybe 4 x 7 inch area. And it is non=dimmable, where you can take and add single bulbs in the array of many bulbs. I pretty much assume that 2700k, or 3000k will be the same whether mounted in the single large fixture or spread over 9 or 14 individual bulbs. I want to say that I have learned a whole lot by watching your videos, and by far, this is my favorite because it hits home. I live on a very limited budget, and could never afford a real quality grow light, or even the cheaper Chinese models flooding the market. I do say that you need to read the fine print on any light you buy, at least in the US. A light, or grow light labelled as 2000w may be anywhere from 175 watts used to maybe 600 watts. One brand's 100w may have more power than another brand's 1800W and be lower priced. Again, thank you for your service.

[@housepandacrew581]

Nice! This is almost exactly one of my setups, just with 8 bulbs. Always thought the efficiency would be terrible, although i got great results. So nice to see it's actually decent. Thanks a lot Shane. Next light will be a Migro for sure.

[@scoddiboi]

Love the slight choke up before “reasonably safe”

[@allanjoyce5265]

I love those ones you never know some people may not have any money I need to show them somewhere they can get by my first growers it with lightbulbs years ago that was fun thanks

[@djpickle68]

Would love to see you switch out to 3500k and 4000k snd 5500k. Love that this setup outperformed many budget lights

[@TheBigern22]

i have a setup of 14 5000k bulbs topps removed in two 7 way splitters from amazon..im averaging about 800-900 ppfd depending on height i set them at. at least if i calculated correctly..shane from migrow has a video on converting lux to ppfd and if i calculated correctly thats what i came up with.

[@stephenjohnson1579]

Thanks for this great contribution to the public good. A local shop is closing out 10w, 1100 Lumen bulbs for a buck in 2700 and. 5000K. I see you used 2700, which I understand would provide better photosynthesis. Should I throw in a couple 5000’s to provide more blue?

[@stephenjohnson1579]

I modified a bunch of bulbs and experimented with this. Please be careful. The ones I used have exposed terminals on the board that have 120v on them. I’ve been using epoxy or liquid tape to insulate the terminals.

[@kirkmcintyre5745]

I've been using these to top up the light around the edge of my grow tent. My main lights are 1000W LED with the VEG Bloom switches but they hang in the center of the tent so I use these around the outside. I was amazed at how bright they are when the top's come off. I was actually using the bulbs after they burnt out around the house. I would remove the LED that burnt, put a bead of solder over the space, and the rest of the lights light right up. Today though I purchased "Daylight bulbs" and took the tops off. I am amazed at how insanely bright these lights are. Will these work or are they the wrong kind of light. All the lights I've used in the past are like the ones in your video. They have that yellowish tint to them. Daylight bulbs are bright white and even though they are only 60W I'm betting they are dangerous to look at once the plastic bulb is taken off.

[@billallen275]

BIG Thumbs up! Excellent use of consumer stuff, which is all around. While I sit about to figure out the direct power supply for COB arrays at the optimum drive level for efficiency, these are easy to plug and play!

[@seanmurray1148]

When removing diffuser.. Just squeeze with a pipe grips and pull off. No need for sawing!

[@MegaStevenk]

I'm gona build a super closet.. I'm waiting couple more weeks for argos to deliver it🤣🤣.. It's gona be beautiful with atleast 2 things I've not seen a single room with👍...just recently found this channel it's wicked👊✌.

[@worshipall3018]

this setup works even for the blooming?

[@Kyusoath]

i've been waiting for this one, many people asked for this and i'm glad you finally did it.

[@mehranashkanian2747]

I always see your videos and learn a lot. I suggest you prepare a table for PAR and LUX REQUIREMENTS OF various types of indoor foliage plants like indoor palms, various types of Foicus, low light plants like ZZ plant and other exotic plants like LICUALA and Kentia palm. Something your viewers can take a screen shot and use it as the reference. Thanks 👍👍

[@skepticalgenious]

Hahaha when I removed the plastic filter from mine. Why didn't I think of a saw. No I used a screwdriver as a spear. Then man handled it off. Great video. I've done some of my own builds. But now I have more respect for professionally made high quality lights.

[@yo52038]

He says I’m not gonna teach you wiring lol then shows you exactly how to wire it Lmfaoo

[@marct7905]

I had same idea.Dollar Tree has 9w bulbs for $1 both cool and warm. I had the idea of cuttingtops offbulbs too.But if you are handy cut the bases off and wire everything together to save money on receptacles.

[@stevoc123]

Great idea demo but for the same money or less you can buy a budget LED fixture like a Vander. I think I paid under £60 for one which is, and has been working well so far. Happy to drop it off to you if you want to test it as a comparison 👍🏻

[@stevoc123]

@@emissary_of_aldebaran I’m not knocking the idea at all. During lockdown I was going to build something similar but after buying bulbs, holders, wire etc it wasn’t far off the cost of a cheap LED panel.

[@barry_g8443]

Brilliant and informative investigation into cost effective grow lights. Thank you for taking the time to put this out there.

[@BonnersMonsters]

Please do more of these. Do a strip build with a real driver next, also use aluminum to mount to, it saves on weight and heat. Make it a mid range budget build!

[@themaharishi8160]

Back at university. My friend made a ramp with 7 tubes. It looked well sketchy and his shower was his grow room ^^

[@andyh7537]

Fantastic video. Many commercial fixtures are advertised with a full system efficiency of around 3 μmole/J. This easy setup is about 60% of that. What do you suppose the main difference is to get that extra 40%? Is the 2700K color temperature a large influence (vs. 3500K) or does it just come down to higher efficiency LED chips in those commercial fixtures?

[@michaelcarey9359]

This reminds me of being a teen back in the late 80s.... next week I'll be rummaging through a dumpster, getting some old fluorescent shoplights...

[@Convolutedtubules]

If you are able to solder them, I highly recommend it. It is a lot more secure, compact, and cheaper when you skip the bulb holders. In my opinion it also improves cooling.

[@DV8TA2]

So just solder right onto the bulb? How do you hold the bulb in place?

[@flukesl8615]

Always helping people. Seriously! You are a decent human being as you could just promote your own products non stop. Thank you, always...

[@stoshbeast1]

I did this two years ago and it worked great!

[@dollartreegrower3969]

LED grow light from light fixtures

[@timpage5021]

Shane you can get a mogul that has 8 mogul for the bulbs to screw in. And Fiet Electric grow bubs works great. I use em for seedling propagating chamber. And Fiet Electric has likeable 2 tune fixtures perfect for rack lighting and side lighting.

[@blackpromist]

A lot of thanks for this work. Hello from Russia)

[@TheMisanthrope.]

Privet dude! Kak dela? Ever try Moscow Blueberry from Kalashnikov Seeds?

[@actionjksn]

I did the same thing yesterday but I used standard screw in lightbulb bases and got real LED grow light bulbs with the full spectrum color. I didn't have to drill holes in the board. I used my Dremel with a cutoff wheel and notched out two spots in the base, to run the wires through. So my wire is on the same side of the plywood as the lights. The LED lights run cool enough that it's safe. I then mounted a box with a light switch on top. Using regular non grow light bulbs is fine, but your 2,700K is too low. Plants grow better with 5,000K to 6,500K. I built a simple wooden frame, sort of like a miniature table and eyelets in each corner and also on each corner of the plywood. Then suspended it with bailing wire. This allows me to easily raise or lower the lights. If you wire your lights like this, you are supposed to do it with the correct polarity. What you do is install the black hot wires onto the gold colored brass screws. Then you install the white - neutral wires onto the silver color screws. On your plug one of the blades is wider than the other one. The wide blade is the neutral and the more narrow blade is the hot or black wire. Most of these light bases do not have a ground wire so just snip that off, it's not needed unless the base you have has a ground screw. I'm a professional and have been doing electrical work for almost 30 years so I'm not just guessing on this. The whole contraption is probably not technically up to code but it's perfectly safe if you do a good job on it and don't have children messing with it. Also my description for wiring is for the American electrical grid. I don't know anything about European electrical systems except that it is about double the voltage and lower 50hz frequency.

[@nickallowatt5128]

First time on your channel, pretty awsome of you to provide people with that knowledge when you could have tried to sell them on your own lights, youve gained a sub

[@bananas7479]

They let you in without a mask 😱. Thank you very much for a video on this.

[@RichardKeysoftware]

Only slaves wear masks for a fake plandemic

[@bananas7479]

@@RichardKeysoftware Lol tinfoil hat

[@RichardKeysoftware]

@@bananas7479 lol your a sheep 7 months a slave but for your its life

[@bananas7479]

@@RichardKeysoftware slave lol if only you knew. I think you're smoking to much of the devil's lettuce 😂

[@RichardKeysoftware]

@@bananas7479 enjoy your rDNA vax genius, gov loves people like you who DONT think for themselves.

[@soeren0404]

Are these Philips 13W 1521 lumen 2700K still the best cheap option for a DIY setup a year after the video release? I need lights for a one time shelve rack setup, I'm growing 60 citrus seedlings on three 100x60cm shelves, and I'm hoping I can get by with a cheap DIY soulution.

[@alfalfaomega9290]

Shane you are a star. reminds me of one of my own early lights.

[@jessicalee1172]

This is amazing. Can we use a lamp instead if we don't know anything about electrical.

[@JoyfulWAVE]

Nice one. Years ago that was a cheap way to build a good light. But these days where you get a Mars Hydro TS 600 for about 75€...which generates good results in a 2x2...not the non plus ultra idea anymore. But thx for showing us your build. 👍

[@jonnflores8345]

I've done something similar with a premade socket splitter. Got it off Amazon for like $9.00 US. 7 socket version. It doesnt quite have the same spread but its super easy and covers a plant quite well!

[@shawtop]

If there's an apocalypse, i wanna be in this guys crew. Great video as always migro. 🔥🔥💯 Edit - you should whack these on amazon 👌🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@MaideNGrowN]

Hell yeah Shane. Killer vid for DIYers to get growing on a low budget. Very cool. Take care man and be well.

[@mosesluis4448]

I'm using 4 x 100w 1600 lumen Philip's led that is capable of 6000 Kelvin each bulb... is that too much Kelvin? For any grow? Thx you

[@timothykappel198]

They sell 7 way bulb splitters. Alot less work maybe not as big of a footprint but more intense light. Perfect for a single plant especially if you use different bulbs for veg and flower. I'd use 6 bulbs for veg and 7 bulbs for flower.

[@Rosomic97]

Should I keep the 8-11cm distance between my leds and plants?

[@fairvlad]

Hey Shane - thank you for doing such tests ! That is actually pretty impressive considering no (proper) driver ! It is worth mentioning that filament LEDs are more efficient (from the lumen perspective - I am curious if that is true from a PAR perspective) but you probably need a reflector as they are '360'. Would also mention that since we do not know what the power source in the base of the bulb looks like we should treat the low voltage side as live.

[@MIGROLIGHT]

Hi, There is a little digital driver underneath the led board supplying only DC to the LED board. As you say the filament LEDs would not be a great solution as you would need reflectors etc.

[@brihan24]

@@MIGROLIGHT filaments are more efficient but do not have the intensity as the smd boards inside bulbs do, the drives will give out do to heat build up but way long after your have used these for a couple rounds.

[@jsmith3966]

Ive seen a few others do this. You made it fun and interesting for sure man! I appreciate the video.. we all do. Thank you Shane 😊

[@jorgestride2752]

Send me links, please.. I haven't found much else

[@bruceholinight7978]

People don't realize how cheaply you can put together a wicked veg light , I've used two 55 watt CFLs @3800 lumens each , 6500k and four 23watt CFLs 6500k 800 lumens each for a total of around 10k lumens + $60 total , plants have stalks the size of a pencil in two weeks ! Never seen any light that can match it , plants are so bushy it's unbelievable but the curly CFLs are getting scarce !

[@juliankirby9880]

I did something similar with cfls and y splitters like 12 years ago! It worked awesome! I could do 3 splitters w/4 bulbs per fixture.

[@sports872]

Had a search for the y splitters. Can't see them in the UK. We're did you get them?

[@doggfriendly]

Could a person get nearly the same efficacy using 5500 k spectrum lights instead of 2700 k