brown_thumb
Active member
Has anyone considered adding a few old style incandescent bulbs for the far red light? I realize they're inefficient and hot but they make so much red, far red and IR that it might be worth their efficiency shortcomings.
If you are that keen on adding these wavelengths then HPS is your answer. HPS make those wavelengths in abundance and are very efficient.Has anyone considered adding a few old style incandescent bulbs for the far red light? I realize they're inefficient and hot but they make so much red, far red and IR that it might be worth their efficiency shortcomings.
Incandescent bulbs output 90% of their energy in the infra red range.
The overwhelming majority of this infra red is 1000 nm and longer, good for heat but not enough energy in the photons for chemical reactions.
The 750 to 900 nm light stimulates tip growth in the roots and branch ends. This is not a benefit on an otherwise healthy plant. Spindly and weak if the spectrum is not balanced.
Low energy ornamental plants are often grown with residential fluorescent bulbs mixed with incandescent bulbs to good effect.
These are not the plants we grow.