Lighting?

stet25 · Nov 12, 2017

Hello all. I am new to the site and experimenting with growing. I am currently considering getting my feet wet with just two plants. I use to grow vivarium plants. I have 3 50 watt LEDs that I'm considering using. Will these be ok for the full growth of the plants? Or, should I also use some supplemental light, how many of these led fixtures for 2 plants. All help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

Molenium · Nov 12, 2017

I've never tried LED's but good luck! Share some photos when they're going.

sixstring · Nov 12, 2017

I have seen a few grows with similar leds and they definitely do work.generally 25w per sq foot for veg and 35 to 50w for flowering.gl

Dunge · Nov 12, 2017

Your LED will get you started, and you can up-lamp as needed.
Genetics and environment are the other two parts of the endeavor.
As you well understand as a vivariumnist.
I predict that by the time your three plants have joined your life for a few weeks, you will do whatever they ask of you.
Welcome to the order of the happily enslaved. (symbiots, mutualists)

indoorhydro · Dec 13, 2017

The 50W should work fine in terms of the power, but I would take a closer look at the spectrum. These lamps are usually designed for outdoor floodlights so you will not get much red past 650 nanometers. Could be a problem for flowering.

stet25 · Jan 3, 2018

I decided to go with cfl for first grow.

CBDfutute4 · Jan 4, 2018

Make a diy cfl hood. Otherwise it will be weak lighting

Even a hood, still weak, but some what concentrated

DemonTrich · Jan 4, 2018

I' use a t8 or t5 vs a cfl.

CBDfutute4 · Jan 5, 2018

DemonTrich said:
I' use a t8 or t5 vs a cfl.

X2x. But cfl n dryer ducting can be cut up n make a lil 6/8 bulb hood that's maybe 10x14.

I made a couple before I got a real light. Worked much better then just spreading em out.

OP, use these now til u can afford a nice kight

diskokobaja · Jan 5, 2018

If you are in USA look at single cob leds (autocobs) it isn't mad cheap but its good..

sixstring · Jan 5, 2018

These will spank CFLs and 14 bucks for a 2 pack is a decent price
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips...ht-A19-LED-Light-Bulb-2-Pack-462002/206923041

brazel · Jan 6, 2018

CFL can grow excellent herb but if you have three 50watt LED already... why not use them?

tom29625 · Jan 8, 2019

sixstring said:
These will spank CFLs and 14 bucks for a 2 pack is a decent price
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Philips...ht-A19-LED-Light-Bulb-2-Pack-462002/206923041

I'm using the Walmart brand 100 watt equivalent daylight LED bulbs. Each with a clamp on reflector. I have 10 running. Germinated then put under the daylight led for 21-3 light cycle.
Cycled down the light cycle at 1 hr increments until I reached 12-12.
I will post pictures of my crude but so far happy girls !!