Sun System® LEC™ 315 Light Emitting Ceramic Fixture

[Coir]

Does this light not conform to the usual 50W/ft² rule? I plan on using one in a small space but it probably won't work if these run at a lower density...

These will veg a 5x5 area just fine if you're not growing trees. For flowering an area that size, 2 would be ideal as long as you can get them up high enough above the canopy.

 

[Greeninthumb]

Does this light not conform to the usual 50W/ft² rule? I plan on using one in a small space but it probably won't work if these run at a lower density...

Just depends on the size and quality of product you want. Ever grown tomatoes in the shade outdoors? Don't get as good of production as with full sun.

 

[hyzerflip]

These will veg a 5x5 area just fine if you're not growing trees. For flowering an area that size, 2 would be ideal as long as you can get them up high enough above the canopy.

I think you might be misunderstanding me - I plan on using 315W to bloom in a small cabinet at appx. 70W/ft² - That's a bit higher than most recommend, but my ventilation is on point so I'm not worried. However, if these CDLs are meant to operate at a lower light density (a 315W covering 5x5 is just over 12.5W/ft²), then in my proposed application it's too much.

I guess my question is - Is it ok to flower under CDLs at the standard 50W/ft², or is that too much light?

 

[MidniteGardener]

I've never heard of a light being "meant to operate at a lower light density". You use as much light as you need for the application, depending on veg/flower and whatever other constraints or preferences you have. If you're using this light for veg, then it can cover around 3x3 or 4x4 max. If using for flower, I would use it to cover 3x3 max, and preferably 2x3 if you want 50w/ft^2. Just make sure your ventilation is on point like you said, because these babies throw down heat. If you're in a cabinet then I think a cool tube would do much better.

 

[Coir]

I think you might be misunderstanding me - I plan on using 315W to bloom in a small cabinet at appx. 70W/ft² - That's a bit higher than most recommend, but my ventilation is on point so I'm not worried. However, if these CDLs are meant to operate at a lower light density (a 315W covering 5x5 is just over 12.5W/ft²), then in my proposed application it's too much.

I guess my question is - Is it ok to flower under CDLs at the standard 50W/ft², or is that too much light?

These put out a lot less heat than a 400W MH or HPS so I don't see any problem using one in a small space although I have not personally tried it. 2 of them in 5x5 area works incredibly well. If you can keep your plants far enough from the bulb and keep temps where they need to be then I wouldn't worry about having too much light from one of these.

 

[hyzerflip]

I've never heard of a light being "meant to operate at a lower light density". You use as much light as you need for the application, depending on veg/flower and whatever other constraints or preferences you have. If you're using this light for veg, then it can cover around 3x3 or 4x4 max. If using for flower, I would use it to cover 3x3 max, and preferably 2x3 if you want 50w/ft^2.

It just seemed to me that quite a few people are blooming with these in 3x3 or 4x4 tents.

Just make sure your ventilation is on point like you said, because these babies throw down heat. If you're in a cabinet then I think a cool tube would do much better.

I'm planning on dual-stage cooling with a cool tube, still trying to decide between vertical and horizontal. Do these throw more heat than a 315W HPS would? I've run 400W CMHs in the past and they seemed to run cooler than their HPS counterparts.

 

[MidniteGardener]

Unless you buy a separate ballast and socket for this light, I don't think you'll be able to run it in a cool tube. The LEC 315 from sunlight supply comes as a complete fixture with a vertical mounted bulb. I had it hanging next to both an air cooled 400w HPS and a 324w 6 bulb T5, and the 315 cmh absolutely put down more heat. Part of it is probably the design of the hood, having no air cooling and being very highly reflective. But the plants got stressed if they got to within a foot of the light, where they can grow right up and almost touch the T5 without any problem. The only thing this light does better than an HPS is spectrum, but if you're growing in a cabinet you have more to worry about, and the spectrum of an HPS will be perfectly fine as it is with the majority of growers. I think a 400w HPS will put off a little more light than the 315 as well. If you can make it work, then more power to you. This bulb would be awesome in a cool tube.

 

[hyzerflip]

Unless you buy a separate ballast and socket for this light, I don't think you'll be able to run it in a cool tube. The LEC 315 from sunlight supply comes as a complete fixture with a vertical mounted bulb. I had it hanging next to both an air cooled 400w HPS and a 324w 6 bulb T5, and the 315 cmh absolutely put down more heat. Part of it is probably the design of the hood, having no air cooling and being very highly reflective. But the plants got stressed if they got to within a foot of the light, where they can grow right up and almost touch the T5 without any problem. The only thing this light does better than an HPS is spectrum, but if you're growing in a cabinet you have more to worry about, and the spectrum of an HPS will be perfectly fine as it is with the majority of growers. I think a 400w HPS will put off a little more light than the 315 as well. If you can make it work, then more power to you. This bulb would be awesome in a cool tube.

I plan on purchasing a Phillips ballast, bulb, and socket individually and wiring them myself. :D

 

[MidniteGardener]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I'm sure you'll get great results with this lamp in your space.

 

[hyzerflip]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I'm sure you'll get great results with this lamp in your space.

That's the hope - Thanks for your help and input!

 

[DAT]

Im going to take a couple of these to full flower under my light and see how this bad boy really performs.

 

[MidniteGardener]

Nice. Is that a 3x3 tent? I see that Pink Querkle there. Querkle is one of my all time favorite strains. I've got a mom that's 2 years old and turns a nice purple with bright orange hairs. The frost is out of this world and she smells like musty grapes after a good cure. Link to your journal if you've already got it going.

 

[DAT]

Thanks MidniteGardener.
Yes that is a Pink Querkle, The pollen came from a Lost Purple Diesel male and a Gods OG male, so they will be some very interesting crosses!
That is a 4 x 4 tent. I have never had Querkle before so im looking forward to it.
Im just going to show my grow in this thread .I don't want to really start another journal, but thanks for the interest.

 

[DAT]

I have to say Im quite impressed with the light. :D
Look what It can do..
I am growing this Bodhi Blueberry Hills under this light.(first 3 pix) shes fully flowering and still some to go, but is getting nice and chunky.
and my OG kushes under her as well (the last and final picture)
PEACE Out DAT:D

 

[DAT]

I grew this here PINK QUERKLE under the light, she turned out real nice! harvested her today :Dsuper stinky my eyes burned and teared like mad while trimming her up and down.:eek:

 

[stonestacker]

OH look at all that sun shine and green grass. The Pink Querkle looks good to. If you don't mind let us know on the yield.

peace

 

[urban1026835]

looks like you made that light do work DAT.

 

[DAT]

yeah ill let you know what the yield is stoneslacker.

I harvested the Blueberry Hills today. I think this light works pretty darn good with this strain.

 

[Prime C]

Looks good Dat! That Blueberry put out some Donkers!

 

[DAT]

haha, your not kidding :p I know, I know. VERY IMPRESSIVE! wanna run this girl again waterfarm scrog. The Yeild would be INSANE! ;)