Spider SF-4000 dimmer setting and seedlings.

[ravengreg]

Can someone please tell me where to set the dimmer at the begging of seeding and possibly height? Should I even use the dimmer? I have looked and looked and cannot find any info on SF 4000 dimmer and seedlings. Thanks.

 

[Aqua Man]

Light meter by my mobile tools dev.

5-10k lux.

 

[LittleDabbie]

with teh SF-1000 I have it set around 20% but its not the same light so i don't think that would help much.

 

[bigbudzzzz7]

Seedling don't need much, and it depends on how far away from them you are. I'd say 20% at 3' is fine until you get to the 3 set, then increase it. I have a 2000 and love it!

 

[Lp_jr]

The SF4000 is awesome. Mine is the 'old' model, so I have to take the damn driver off and adjust with a screwdriver :(

Here are their recommendations. I'm at ~80% output, but I'm higher in veg at 36". Also, I have a 2 week old seedling in the tent, with a clear plastic cup covering it. No issues yet, I think the cup diffuses the light.

 

[SpiderFarmerLED]

Hello, have you dimmered it successfully? hope it can help you have a great harvest

 

[Lp_jr]

Hello, have you dimmered it successfully? hope it can help you have a great harvest

@SpiderFarmerLED- When I received my light, I believe Vo was maxed and Io was at around 80%, does that sound correct? Also, I believe we should dim with only the Io pot. Just wanted to verify.

 

[ravengreg]

The SF4000 is awesome. Mine is the 'old' model, so I have to take the damn driver off and adjust with a screwdriver :(

Here are their recommendations. I'm at ~80% output, but I'm higher in veg at 36". Also, I have a 2 week old seedling in the tent, with a clear plastic cup covering it. No issues yet, I think the cup diffuses the light.
View attachment 1006472

I see in this picture it suggests 18hrs for flower. That's not right, is it? Should it be 12hrs? Is it at 18" at 90% for flower? This picture is the only thing I can find. I wish there were more detailed suggestions.

 

[Grownsince95]

Light meter by my mobile tools dev.

5-10k lux.

This is the only advice you need...forget the manufacturers instructions.
Science is your friend on this one. I run 2 SF-20000's and @Aqua Man recommended lux app for the phone is a great easy free way to peace of mind.

You want solid numbers, not anecdotal advice.

 

[Aqua Man]

This is the only advice you need...forget the manufacturers instructions.
Science is your friend on this one. I run 2 SF-20000's and @Aqua Man recommended lux app for the phone is a great easy free way to peace of mind.

You want solid numbers, not anecdotal advice.

5-10k would be for seedlings. Honestly i use it as a guide.

5k clones

5-10k seedlings/rooted clones

15-45k veg starting at 15 increasing 3-5k every few days to a week 18/6 light cycle plants usually somewhat grow into the increased intensity.

45-65k flower again starting at 45k and working up.

This is for non co2 rooms and do not use the app with blurples because it does not work for them.

 

[Grownsince95]

5-10k would be for seedlings. Honestly i use it as a guide.

5k clones

5-10k seedlings/rooted clones

15-45k veg starting at 15 increasing 3-5k every few days to a week 18/6 light cycle plants usually somewhat grow into the increased intensity.

45-65k flower again starting at 45k and working up.

This is for non co2 rooms and do not use the app with blurples because it does not work for them.

Just took a quick measurement around my tent and this is two SF-2000's from 32" away. I had to raise it from 24" because I was blasting them before I read what you posted in another thread.

 

[CF89]

This one? iPhone 8.

 

[Aqua Man]

This one? iPhone 8.

I'm not sure on iPhone. For android I use light meter by my mobile tools dev.

 

[ravengreg]

This is the only advice you need...forget the manufacturers instructions.
Science is your friend on this one. I run 2 SF-20000's and @Aqua Man recommended lux app for the phone is a great easy free way to peace of mind.

You want solid numbers, not anecdotal advice.

So you agree on 18hrs a day for flower?

 

[Grownsince95]

So you agree on 18hrs a day for flower?

for autos sure lol

 

[CF89]

wow, those numbers from the sf 2000s are impressive.

ive got a viparspectra va2000 with a 395w actual draw and the only time I can get 35,000 lux is right in the center, and about 12" away.

right now, the center at about 22" is only getting 10,000 lux, and the edges only 2000 or less. seems extremely low. my tent is only 3x3

for me to get 30-50,000 lux the plants would need to be right in the center, and only 6-10" from the light.

 

[Aqua Man]

wow, those numbers from the sf 2000s are impressive.

ive got a viparspectra va2000 with a 395w actual draw and the only time I can get 35,000 lux is right in the center, and about 12" away.

right now, the center at about 22" is only getting 10,000 lux, and the edges only 2000 or less. seems extremely low. my tent is only 3x3

for me to get 30-50,000 lux the plants would need to be right in the center, and only 6-10" from the light.

Is it blurple?

 

[Grownsince95]

5-10k would be for seedlings. Honestly i use it as a guide.

5k clones

5-10k seedlings/rooted clones

15-45k veg starting at 15 increasing 3-5k every few days to a week 18/6 light cycle plants usually somewhat grow into the increased intensity.

45-65k flower again starting at 45k and working up.

This is for non co2 rooms and do not use the app with blurples because it does not work for them.

What would you say the threshold is for needing CO2? At 12 inches away im getting a reading of 75k lux.

 

[CF89]

Is it blurple?

I believe so yes. It’s a led light and makes the tent purple

 

[BurnzYzBudZz]

So you agree on 18hrs a day for flower?

No, 12/12 or 11/13, classic Chinese misinformation. Happy grows.