Supplemental lighting and LEDs - LED Grow Lights - International Cannagraphic Magazine Forums

BlueBerryBaby · 06-23-2010, 01:10 AM

I'm planning on buying a 63w or 126w LED. But for better yield/higher temps I would like to add some supplemental lighting. I would like the supplemental lights and the LED to be at the same distance from the plants.

But what types of lights can get as close to plants as LEDs? CFLs?

BlueBerryBaby · 06-26-2010, 03:01 AM

Could LedGirl chime in

?

Ordinary Joe · 06-26-2010, 06:48 PM

She is in the process of moving her company but I'll add my coinage if you don't mind:

With either Hydro-grow panel, I don't believe you will have a NEED to use supplimental lighting. There are some really nice grows on this forum using those two wattages and Scrog. CFLs will only raise your heat levels with minimal gains in weight. Also CFLs would have to kept closer than LEDs and you would have a higher chance of burning your plants.

Do you really WANT to raise the temperature in your cabinet/grow area?

BlueBerryBaby · 06-27-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ordinary Joe

She is in the process of moving her company
Do you really WANT to raise the temperature in your cabinet/grow area?

Thanks for the first reply.

But yes I do want a higher temp. I read something LEDGirl said in some thread saying: you need to keep temps high(around 80) with leds.

generalgrievous · 06-27-2010, 01:57 AM

I use a 180w LED and a 250 w HPS... Symbiotic lighting rather than supplemental... My target leaf temp is 85, subtropical.... Growth rate is off the hook for 430 watts.... Now that I've started with hybrid lighting there's no looking back....

The whole is most definately greater than the sum of it's parts....the blue link in my signature will take you to my current grow with lots of pics...

LEDgirls lights look like they kick ass...

cannabi · 06-27-2010, 10:50 AM

What about using a pet habitat temperature controller like the Zilla 500w controller?

You could plug your CFL or PL-L or whatever into the Zilla, set the temperature for about 82 and then plug that into your timer so that it can only affect the temperatures during the light cycle. Then, when the temperature goes above what you set, it will switch off the supplemental lighting until temperatures normalize.

You'll maintain your temperature and do it with something useful, light

BlueBerryBaby · 06-27-2010, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by generalgrievous

I use a 180w LED and a 250 w HPS... Symbiotic lighting rather than supplemental... My target leaf temp is 85, subtropical.... Growth rate is off the hook for 430 watts.... Now that I've started with hybrid lighting there's no looking back....

The whole is most definately greater than the sum of it's parts....the blue link in my signature will take you to my current grow with lots of pics...

LEDgirls lights look like they kick ass...

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannabi

What about using a pet habitat temperature controller like the Zilla 500w controller?

You could plug your CFL or PL-L or whatever into the Zilla, set the temperature for about 82 and then plug that into your timer so that it can only affect the temperatures during the light cycle. Then, when the temperature goes above what you set, it will switch off the supplemental lighting until temperatures normalize.

You'll maintain your temperature and do it with something useful, light

+ rep to both of you. Thanks for the info. Cannabi, I think I'll take your advice and use that method

. But I'm debating on whether to use compact, or normal fluoros.

With normal fluoros I get more coverage and can get it as close as the led(I think). But CFL's are stronger.. I'm really not sure what to do here.

cannabi · 06-27-2010, 11:21 PM

Well, CFLs are certainly hotter, so I think it depends on how important attaining those temperatures are to you. If you get fluoros and they provide great lighting but not quite the temperature boost you were hoping for, you may have to switch to CFL. Remember, the Zilla will not force the lights to run hot, they'll only allow them to run until the temperatures exceed the position on the knob and switch them off. I just wouldn't use it with a HPS since it can kick on and off a few times per hour with that kind of heat. With CFLs it will only kick off once every couple hours or so during the light cycle -- even less for the fluoros.

BlueBerryBaby · 06-28-2010, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannabi

With CFLs it will only kick off once every couple hours or so during the light cycle -- even less for the fluoros.

That's what I was looking for right there. I was thinking the CFL's were going to be shut off around a couple times an hour. So, this is good, I will be using CFL's.

Thanks alot, you've been extremely helpful.

cannabi · 06-29-2010, 11:09 PM

With your box closed up, you can plug the main power cable into an electrical usage monitor like the Kill-A-Watt and determine how much power it's pulling, and thus whether or not the supplemental lighting is being utilized effectively. More power drain means the CFLs are running, less means they've shut down. Depending on your temperatures you may have to adjust how many bulbs you end up being able to use. I'd run the lizard environment temperature sensor to the middle of the top of the canopy.

Be safe, have fun

06-23-2010, 01:10 AM	#1
BlueBerryBaby Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 334	Supplemental lighting and LEDs I'm planning on buying a 63w or 126w LED. But for better yield/higher temps I would like to add some supplemental lighting. I would like the supplemental lights and the LED to be at the same distance from the plants. But what types of lights can get as close to plants as LEDs? CFLs?
	Quote 2 members found this post helpful.

06-26-2010, 03:01 AM	#2
BlueBerryBaby Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 334	Could LedGirl chime in ?
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

06-26-2010, 06:48 PM	#3
Ordinary Joe 2 wrong don't make a right, but 3 rights do make a left! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Soaking up sun and drinking Saltwater. Posts: 169	She is in the process of moving her company but I'll add my coinage if you don't mind: With either Hydro-grow panel, I don't believe you will have a NEED to use supplimental lighting. There are some really nice grows on this forum using those two wattages and Scrog. CFLs will only raise your heat levels with minimal gains in weight. Also CFLs would have to kept closer than LEDs and you would have a higher chance of burning your plants. Do you really WANT to raise the temperature in your cabinet/grow area? __________________ Many receive advice, only the wise profit by it. "so......IF IT'S TO BE....IT'S UP TO ME!!!" - Stayhigh149 DIY - Emergency Pipe Repair Poorman's Herb Grinder DIY - Simple Exhaust System 3tOwN and Backcounty's Indoor Cabinet Introduction 3tOwN and Backcountry's Growbox Organic Run "They are beautiful in their peace, they are wise in their silence. They will stand until after we are dust. They teach us, and we tend them." - Caleainip Alteiem MacDunelmor
	Quote

06-27-2010, 01:57 AM	#5
generalgrievous collector of lightsabers.. and fine cannabis genetics Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 805	I use a 180w LED and a 250 w HPS... Symbiotic lighting rather than supplemental... My target leaf temp is 85, subtropical.... Growth rate is off the hook for 430 watts.... Now that I've started with hybrid lighting there's no looking back.... The whole is most definately greater than the sum of it's parts....the blue link in my signature will take you to my current grow with lots of pics... LEDgirls lights look like they kick ass... __________________ "........just to recap ..........i come in peace ...i mean you no harm ...and you all will die .......Galaxar out!"
	Quote

06-27-2010, 11:21 PM	#8
cannabi Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 97	Well, CFLs are certainly hotter, so I think it depends on how important attaining those temperatures are to you. If you get fluoros and they provide great lighting but not quite the temperature boost you were hoping for, you may have to switch to CFL. Remember, the Zilla will not force the lights to run hot, they'll only allow them to run until the temperatures exceed the position on the knob and switch them off. I just wouldn't use it with a HPS since it can kick on and off a few times per hour with that kind of heat. With CFLs it will only kick off once every couple hours or so during the light cycle -- even less for the fluoros.
	Quote 1 members found this post helpful.

06-27-2010, 10:50 AM	#6
cannabi Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 97	What about using a pet habitat temperature controller like the Zilla 500w controller? You could plug your CFL or PL-L or whatever into the Zilla, set the temperature for about 82 and then plug that into your timer so that it can only affect the temperatures during the light cycle. Then, when the temperature goes above what you set, it will switch off the supplemental lighting until temperatures normalize. You'll maintain your temperature and do it with something useful, light
	Quote

06-29-2010, 11:09 PM	#10
cannabi Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 97	With your box closed up, you can plug the main power cable into an electrical usage monitor like the Kill-A-Watt and determine how much power it's pulling, and thus whether or not the supplemental lighting is being utilized effectively. More power drain means the CFLs are running, less means they've shut down. Depending on your temperatures you may have to adjust how many bulbs you end up being able to use. I'd run the lizard environment temperature sensor to the middle of the top of the canopy. Be safe, have fun
	Quote