[Bionic]

What is a good distance from the canopy? Reflector or no? Thanks in advance!

[Tardigrade]

I love threads like this that bring out the uber nerd in us all!

[Green_science]

Thank you for the heads up @Pepe le skunk it was ignorant of me not to research bulb quality and performance, I guess because someone specialize in a particular product you just presume that said product should be of a high quality, ANYWAY, it seems you are correct and the Exo Terra range UVB output diminishes with distance dramatically, I did account for this and although perhaps suitable, it seems they are by far not the best option.

After some quick research it seems, "Arcadia D3+ T5" lamps are the best available, I am just about to order 2 of the 54w 46" models after I finish this post, again thank you for the heads up, ill send the Exo Terra's back, also you never gave you're conclusion on UVB supplementation.

[Pepe le skunk]

Originally Posted by Bionic

What is a good distance from the canopy? Reflector or no? Thanks in advance!

As close as possible. 2-5 inches for maximum effect. 1 foot with UVB 10 is max for effectiveness and 1.5 feet for the arcadia D3+. Only because they are HO. MV lamps can be a little more. They have MV that are even higher output (Zoo Quality) and would work even better if you could get them.

Originally Posted by Tardigrade

I love threads like this that bring out the uber nerd in us all!

UVB Nerd? Eye protection on. lol

Originally Posted by Green_science

Thank you for the heads up @Pepe le skunk

After some quick research it seems, "Arcadia D3+ T5" lamps are the best available, I am just about to order 2 of the 54w 46" models

You will really like the Arcadia's. Good output but seriously turn them off if your in room for more than 10 min. Or wear sunglasses. The ability to move the fixtures or if you can get them within 2-5 inches or 6 to 12 inches is key. As close to the tops and sides and rotate plants for exposure. The video is a great guide to light intensity coverage close in for the higher levels. It's like being on top of a tall mountain. More UVB.

also you never gave you're conclusion on UVB supplementation.

I will say that it does something. Been fimiliar with UVB from way back in 96 when Zoo Med spoke about UVB for reptiles and Vitiman D. Also Vitalite research showed that their lights helped prevent Winter depression.
It is an important wavelenght of light and HPS has almost 0. Also it helps with a more balanced spectrum of light. Back in 06 and 07 their was beginning research into the benefits of UVB and the work I did with Sensi star and G13 X blueberry had positive results. It definatly plays a roll in flower especially weeks 3 and up. Anytime before doesn't have the desired effect unless your smoking veg leaves. The flower clusters and the point of light fueling resin glands is where it's roll is best served.

Just try it with the more intense lights with the higher % UVB. Your plants will coat themselves in suntan lotion called raised trich's full of resin. It is a natural defense for the plant. Your just helping it along.

This guy goes into a little more detail in this video. In case you've never seen it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfiI78uN3Ks

[Yesca73]

GS
thanks for starting this thread . I just received a CLW SolarStorm 4oow LEd w/ UVb
They are T 8 . I will be watching with interest . I have not used or heard of Uvb before so thanks for the info guys . I will be starting a grow soon and hoping for good results with light . CLW must have done some research into Uvb in order for them to incorporate it into their LEDs. Anyways good luck

[HUGE]

Tag

[Boffin]

I've wondered about this for a long time. Great to see a well tought out experiment I'm very interested in the results. People often say outdoor seems to have a bit of a different cannabinoid/terpene profile compared to HPS lighting and I always wondered what role UVB might play in this.

[Bionic]

Thanks PLS!

[Benjamin Check]

props....nothing advances fields more than the independent scientist messing around in his own garage/basement.

[budelight]

should be an interesting sho4sho