keith1975
Well-Known Member
I bought the typical Apollo 8 chinese led lights. I didnt know they were chinese at the time, as they are sold by reputable supplier. But somehow these lights arent half bad. Or so I think. I had a super cheap Chinese light in there as well, and it seemed like the plants under it grew slower. My lumen meter also said it was under 1000 lumens. When I use the Apollo's, I get over 2000. But according to this, I need this:
> 1. Minimum amount of lighting needed is around 2000 lumens per square foot.
> (Two – 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
> 2. Mid range is around 5000 lumens per square foot.
> (Three - 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
> 3. Optimal is 7000-7500, or higher, lumens per square foot.
> (Five – 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
This is the reason I brought the lights closer and burnt them to a crisp. I thought I should try and get lumens in the 5000 range. But that killed my plants. (along with other factors)
I asked the manufacturer and they said 30cm to 60cm away from the plant. But that doesn't help me really. Isn't there some sort of mathematical way, or device other than a lumen meter that can somehow tell you exactly how far to place the lights?
My concern is that I have now placed them fairly far away, and the plants are growing well, but what if my buds are weak because I'm not giving them enough light? I dont want to only find that out at the very end.
> 1. Minimum amount of lighting needed is around 2000 lumens per square foot.
> (Two – 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
> 2. Mid range is around 5000 lumens per square foot.
> (Three - 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
> 3. Optimal is 7000-7500, or higher, lumens per square foot.
> (Five – 23 watt CFL’s, per square foot*)
This is the reason I brought the lights closer and burnt them to a crisp. I thought I should try and get lumens in the 5000 range. But that killed my plants. (along with other factors)
I asked the manufacturer and they said 30cm to 60cm away from the plant. But that doesn't help me really. Isn't there some sort of mathematical way, or device other than a lumen meter that can somehow tell you exactly how far to place the lights?
My concern is that I have now placed them fairly far away, and the plants are growing well, but what if my buds are weak because I'm not giving them enough light? I dont want to only find that out at the very end.