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Post by edwards7 on Aug 2, 2016 19:30:08 GMT -5
For anyone who grows under lights.. ( I feel like there's already something on this but I can't seem to find it ) what lights (size/brand/type/ other details?) do you use for your plants? I've been using those 3 ft sunblaster T5HO's, but recently I've seen some of those LED t8 bulbs that look very nice. I'm thinking of switching to those.. if they're any good? -Edward
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 2, 2016 22:30:44 GMT -5
I make my own LEDs. Just curious, would anyone be interested if I make some available to the community? Willy
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Post by Dennis Z on Aug 2, 2016 23:10:12 GMT -5
I make my own LEDs. Just curious, would anyone be interested if I make some available to the community? Willy I'm curious about the pricing and specifics. If it's reasonable, it may be cheaper in the long run to utilise LEDs. I use T8s at 6500 K.
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Post by keeper on Aug 2, 2016 23:36:42 GMT -5
8 X T8s 6500K and 2 6400K little T5 seedling lights
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 0:01:28 GMT -5
I make my own LEDs. Just curious, would anyone be interested if I make some available to the community? Willy I'm curious about the pricing and specifics. If it's reasonable, it may be cheaper in the long run to utilise LEDs. I use T8s at 6500 K. Good question, there's a lot to think for that and hard to answer without a specific design in mind... But how does $100 for a single chip 50w LED unit sound? (50w real power, so do not compare with those random products online, which often not true to the numbers) 6000k white color temperature, 5-10 years life expectancy. You can expect LED twice the light comparing to the same power consuming CFLs according to studies, so it'll save energy cost. I'm pretty flexible on the spec, for example if you want a fan speed controller, I can make one too. Just some ideas, suggestions or comments are welcomed Willy
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Post by flamingcarnivores on Aug 3, 2016 9:49:08 GMT -5
WillyCKH, I have a curious question about LEDs. I'm in the process of setting up 2 75 gallon terrariums for my plants and have considered switching to LEDS. I've done a lot of research and find it rather confusing. I understand that 2400 lumens per a square foot is ideal and most CPs will do well with 15,000 lux. From what I've read there has been a lot of success with CREE XM-L2's with an equal mixture of cool, warm and neutral. I was wondering how many I would need to provide sufficient lighting for a 75 gallon? From my calculation I think 24, but that may be overkill. The sides will be wrapped in mylar and the plants would be roughly 12-16" from the light source. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
If you make some available for the community, I'd definitely be interested.
Kind regards,
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 10:19:43 GMT -5
WillyCKH, I have a curious question about LEDs. I'm in the process of setting up 2 75 gallon terrariums for my plants and have considered switching to LEDS. I've done a lot of research and find it rather confusing. I understand that 2400 lumens per a square foot is ideal and most CPs will do well with 15,000 lux. From what I've read there has been a lot of success with CREE XM-L2's with an equal mixture of cool, warm and neutral. I was wondering how many I would need to provide sufficient lighting for a 75 gallon? From my calculation I think 24, but that may be overkill. The sides will be wrapped in mylar and the plants would be roughly 12-16" from the light source. Your input would be greatly appreciated. If you make some available for the community, I'd definitely be interested. Kind regards, Thank you for the interest. I'm planning to build some prototype units after I've moved in September and have them tested and maybe finalized if time allows. I currently have parts for 2 or 3, if members want them I'll source for more parts. May I have the size of your terrariums? if it is the standard, 48x19x22 inch, which has ground area of 7.34 ft2. 15,000lux =1393.55 lm/ft2 1393.55lm/ft2*7.34ft2=10228.657lm One 50w unit gives in average 4500lm, I'd say 3-4 50w units will able to cover one of the terrarium pretty nicely. Mixture of 6000k (cool) and 3000k (warm) gives really good result base on what I have tested, very pleasing to eyes too if you have multiple chips. But as a high power unit, I'd suggest sticking with one color temperature unless you have a huge setup that utilizes 6 or more. Otherwise, for example if you have one side cool white and one side warm white, the colors of your plants will look different (unless you want that effect, sure). best regards, Willy
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Post by flamingcarnivores on Aug 3, 2016 11:29:34 GMT -5
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 13:40:57 GMT -5
That's impressive results on that thread! I wouldn't be surprised by it because CREE chips are great, but much costly. Based on the data sheet, the two u2 (cool and nature) give 728lm at 2 Amp current. The T4 gives 582lm at 2 Amp. Since the chips can take up to maximum of 3 Amp current, they can be pushed to (base on the graph): U2: 728*325%/250%=946.4lm T4: 582*325%/250%=756.6lm Assuming you want a ratio of 1:1:1, the average output is 883.13lm. Assuming you want 15000lm, you will need 17 chips, or 18 for 6 sets of 1:1:1 Hope that helps, Willy
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Post by kdawg on Aug 3, 2016 13:51:08 GMT -5
I make my own LEDs. Just curious, would anyone be interested if I make some available to the community? Willy Hey Willy, I would love to try out a LED system in the Seed Asylum this year. I 'm presently using T5 Sunblasters. They work great but being located in my house, I am all for the safety aspects of LED's (as long as they perform). This year a reflector melted on a bulb in my grow area and it freaked me out. What would be required to cover the lighting requirements for a 2ft X 4ft shelf consisting of three flats with domes? Price? If feasible, I would be game to purchase and experiment with your LED's on multi CP species under exact conditions (aside from light of course) to see how they perform compared to T5's.
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 14:03:44 GMT -5
I make my own LEDs. Just curious, would anyone be interested if I make some available to the community? Willy Hey Willy, I would love to try out a LED system in the Seed Asylum this year. I 'm presently using T5 Sunblasters. They work great but being located in my house, I am all for the safety aspects of LED's (as long as they perform). This year a reflector melted on a bulb in my grow area and it freaked me out. What would be required to cover the lighting requirements for a 2ft X 4ft shelf consisting of three flats with domes? Price? If feasible, I would be game to purchase and experiment with your LED's on multi CP species under exact conditions (aside from light of course) to see how they perform compared to T5's.
Thanks for the interest! It would be great if you can run the comparison experiment. One big advantage of using LEDs is that instead of burning down or even exploding like florescents, LEDs will disconnect should it overlord/overheat because it is part of line of the circuit. For a 2*4 ft2 area, using the given 15000lux suggestion, it is equals to 1393.55*8=11148.4lm, if you're using the 50w units I'm building, it will take 3 units, $300 in total. Best regards, Willy
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Post by edwards7 on Aug 3, 2016 14:40:11 GMT -5
Thanks guys for all the input!
Willy, I might be interested in your LED's as well. Just wondering, are you able to switch out the lights in pre-made LED replacement tubes to better suit plant growth?
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 15:22:00 GMT -5
Thanks guys for all the input! Willy, I might be interested in your LED's as well. Just wondering, are you able to switch out the lights in pre-made LED replacement tubes to better suit plant growth? Sorry for hijacking the thread :eek:
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Post by edwards7 on Aug 3, 2016 15:44:58 GMT -5
Thanks guys for all the input! Willy, I might be interested in your LED's as well. Just wondering, are you able to switch out the lights in pre-made LED replacement tubes to better suit plant growth? Sorry for hijacking the thread :eek: Don't be sorry, this was the type of info i was hoping to find! Thanks!
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Post by WillyCKH on Aug 3, 2016 15:47:47 GMT -5
Sorry for hijacking the thread :eek: Don't be sorry, this was the type of info i was hoping to find! Thanks! That's good to hear, I could replace premade led units, but I have to know what are we talking about exactly first.
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