Who Am I?
Hey Folks,
Mathew here, though some of you may know me as Hydroman. I am the owner of this site and, while I do have a few assistants for my grow rooms (my three boys, aged 5, 4, and 2), this is pretty much a one man show.
This site started a couple years back just as a hobby site because I think hydroponic gardening indoors is interesting. It's kind of like giving a big ol' middle finger to mother nature - which makes me feel better as I live in the north east where we have optimum growing conditions approximately 4 days of the year. Over the years it has morphed into a near full-time job thanks to all you readers out there. The focus has centered around LED grow light technology for some time now. As the industry matures, the quality of the lights produced is increasing though there are still quite a few low quality lights out there, as well as shady companies.
After getting tons of questions on whether Brand X is good or if Brand Z will do well in flowering, I though that it would be a great service to my readers if I did testing on my own and published it on this site. Since the end of 2010, I have been putting together some grows and reviews of several lights which I am now just starting to publish. Over time, this site will become a repository of information about every LED grow light I can get my hands on.
Why Am I Doing This?
Well, first, because it is really fun! I strongly believe that your chosen profession need not be a chore . . . it shouldn't be called "work." Second, I really enjoy the research and spreading the information for everyone. Third, this industry needs more transparency and results driven marketing - not hype-driven marketing. Which brings me to the next question . . .
What Do I Get Out Of It
This is not charity . . . as much as I would like to be independently wealthy and just offer my time and dedication for free, I can't. While I am not an affiliate with any LED company, just about any other product that I recommend on this site, it is possible (likely) that I will make a few bucks off of it if you buy. That being said, I ONLY recommend products that I have tested, use myself, and provide RESULTS. I am not into making a couple bucks off of someone only to alienate them . . . check out the comments on my articles and reviews, you will see that there is quite a growing community here!
I support growers of all types . . . hobby growers, commercial growers, those growing fruits and veggies, flowers, herbs, orchids, even cannabis . . . are all welcome here. While I am happy to share my knowledge with you all, I really like when it becomes a discussion and we all learn something along the way so don't be afraid to leave comments.
Right now there are several led grow light reviews on this site - all of which are based on me using the product and seeing results in line with what the manufacturer says. Soon, I will begin posting grow journals, documenting my grow tests for these lights so you can see for yourself how each light performs. While there are only a few reviews right now, more are coming. There are several lights that I have tested that did not make it onto this site as they just didn't live up to their claims. If you are an LED Grow Light Company that wishes to have your product included on this site, contact me.
I Am Fully Independent
This site is 100% owned and operated by me. I am not a member of or employed by ANY led grow light company nor am I beholden to any of them. The reviews posted here are based on my own findings done under controlled growing conditions.
When I am not fiddling with hydroponic systems and LED grow lights, you can probably find me fishing for largemouth in the big lake, Stripers off the coast or hiking the mountains!
Thanks for taking the time to read this - hopefully you have a better idea of what me and this site are all about.
Cheers!
Mathew
{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
very en lighting thank you for your time
haces envíos a Colombia? sur américa, cual es el coste total? y por que medio seria el envió,
me sirve para arboles de frutas y orquídeas??gracias por tu tiempo, saludos desde Colombia. espero pronta respuesta
Juan –
You would want to contact the LED company directly to see if they would ship to Colombia – I am not sure if any of them will.
Thank you,
Mathew
Hi Matthew,
Hoping you can give me some advice…..I am intereted in purchasing a 600w led…was looking at spectrabox pro II. I have seen item on various sites and am finding it difficult to figure out what sites are selling real spectras as opposed to imitations. LFG spectrabox and also dutch green websites lists a company called grow grow international as reputable supplier, I attempted to purchase on this site but they only accept bank transfer and I wanted to pay with credit card so I didnt order item from them. I have since seen on led growlight site that grow grow is selling imitation spectrabox lights so I am finding it difficult to figure out who is selling the original product. I have also read a post that states that dutch green no longer supply LFG Spectrabox as they were also selling imitations. From what I can gather at the moment dutch green is a relaible source, however they only list suppliers, they dont seem to deliver internationally themselves. The light retails at 1000 euro so I obviously dont want to throw my money away by ordering a dud item or by not recieving goods at all if I pay by bank transfer. Ordering from the U.S. is not an option for me…Mainland Europe suits me better so any help/ info you can give me on how best to proceed would be most appreciated. I like the spectrabox as being able to switch from various spectrums appeals to me…..Thanks for your time Matthew….. would appreciate any advice/info you could give me on this issue….
Looking forward to hearing from you….
Regards,
Nesta
Nesta –
To be honest, I am not familiar with the quality or capabilities of the Spectrabox lights nor can I speak for their distribution channels. I think it is pretty clear as per LFGs site that GrowGrow is not a reputable supplier. It looks like you would have to call Dutch Green to order . . . but their whole website is rather confusing, bouncing from one domain to another . . .
Personally, I would not order from them. As per LFGs site, Norfolklights.com carries their products – UK based. Can’t seem to located any on their site though – might be worth a call.
The 357 Magnum has dual switches for blue/red as well and I know they ship directly from the manufacturer in China. They are based in BC Canada . . . perhaps that is an option for you? Here is a coupon code worth $100 off every light you purchase from Magnum : MAGDEAL100.
Let me know if you need more info!
Mathew
Your web site lists a “who am I” drop down yet the information provided tells me little of who you are or what your qualifications are. You’ve got a great thing going but why don’t you tell us the whole storyof your background and qualifications. The LED growlight industry need’s credibility and you can help. Who are you????
Ed –
Good point – perhaps I should elaborate a bit . . .
I could tell you I am a Ph D in botany and did my thesis on The Effect of LED Light on Photosynthesis in Higher Plants but the reality is that I am just your everyday gardener with a passion for what I do.
This site just started as a means to let off some creative steam and pursue something that interested me but it has evolved into nearly a full-time effort between the testing, emails, and comments the site gets. I know a lot about LEDs and growing plants with them but make no mistake, I do not know it all and all I do know comes from trial and error . . . experience. No formal training. In reality, I have no qualifications I guess . . . I just report what I have seen based on experience, not from a book or degree.
Cheers!
Mathew
Been researching led’s 4 close 2 a year now,have settled on hydrofarm penetratorxpro336
336. Would like 2 buy 2 of them,do u know of any deals on them? Thought i’d ask anyway.thanx
Jo -
Hit the contact button and I might be able to help you out.
Mathew
Hey Mathew,
Thanks for this site it has been invaluable in helping me make a decision on a) going LED and b) how to get started. I had a few questions if you have a spare minute.
I’m a medical cannabis cardholder and will be starting a basic grow this month. I will be using a 2×2, 3×3 or 4×4 tent. I’m going to most likely go with the Illuminator 90w with 3w bulbs. Does that sound right to you?
Any recommendations on suppliers for LED? Also, any recommendations on the tents themselves?
Thanks in advance and no worries if you can’t get back asap. I’m sure you are a busy man!
Cheers,
Colin
Hey Colin –
First, the 90W Illuminators have 1w diodes, not 3w . . . but it is still a solid producer in a 2×2 area. Just add another 90W for each 2×2 area you plant to grow in – keep your plant under 3ft tall and you will do well.
Check out these recommended suppliers . ..
LED Grow Light Reviews
Keep the tent cheap to start out with and put your money into quality nutrients and supplies. You can build one for $30-40 with pvc and mylar.
Cheers.
Mathew
Hi Mathew ,
Very interesting work that you are doing .
Let me introduce what i do , we are in to producing led lights fixture for lighting applications and at the same time also in some alternative health care applications and promoting organic products in India
Want to experiment with this method , to see what vegetables and fruits can be grown . can you throw some light on this
Sanjog –
LED can be used to grow any plant – I have experience growing lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, beans, peppers, flowers . . . etc. Let me know if you need some specific information, I will be happy to help.
Mathew
Hey Matthew, I’m a licensed cannabis grower on canada’s east coast. I’ve been looking at adding led’s to my garden. I have an academic background in physics and I’m excited by the possibilities that led’s offer to the energy concious grower. I have been in contact with a couple suppliers (1 in china, 1 states based). I’m repelled by sales pitches and all I am looking for is a light that provides 2 things for me:
1) That the light has spectral peaks that correpond to the peak requirements of chlorophyl and carotene
2) Most critically, that the lights can demonstrate better yields than HID alternatives when considering heat exhaust etc.
I’m really encouraged to have found your resource and I appreciate any kind of help u may provide,
Steve
Hey Steve –
Right now, I know of 2 companies that are on the right track . . . ProSource and Magnum . . . Magnum publishes their bandwidths while ProSource does not (though I have tested them and have a rough idea of their spectral output). Both lights get you good results but two things I don’t like about Magnum is their reliance on white LEDs and no return policy.
Cheers!
Mathew
Hey Mathew,
I’m currently running three Lumatek 1000watt ballasts inside my 10′x14′ medical grow room. I would like to eliminate this system and switch to all LED’s, however, I’m undecisive as some of these are extremely expensive. Bottom line is I don’t want to risk spending all that money on something that doesn’t perform. After checking out your site, It sounds like your just the person I’ve been waiting to talk to for advice. What I’m really looking for is optimum spectrum, great penetration for “bushes”, and the overall ability to grow vibrant high yielding plants (12 plants to be specific). Your recommendation would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Ben
Hey Ben –
The best results I have seen for larger rooms like yours have been using these LED Grow Lights.
Later!
Mathew
Hello Hydroman,
I am contemplating a micro operation in an indoor area 2 1/2′ by 2 1/2′ area height is about a feet. Its basically like a shower and has a frosted glass door. I will use soil and round pots. My questions are; can I grow 2 plants in the area? Should I insulate the glass door so the light doesn’t escape? And finally, can I get away with one 90w led?
Oh, I just noticed a typo in my comment. Space is 2 1/2′ by 2 1/2′ and height is about 8′. looking forward to your response thank you.
Gubner –
You could get away with a 90W light here in a SOG/SCROG set up or opt for the 180W for really good results.
Later!
Mathew