Indoor grow light setup help

[DK!]

Hello all,

So I have 2x 600 watt LED lights that ingot for relatively cheap on amazon setup in a big walk in closet. The lights are placed approximately 12-14 inches above the trees. My scheffleras look like they've grown a couple inches and look to be stretching after approximately 10 days. My brother, who is an expert farmer said that can happen with cheaper LED lights and ultimately recommended some t5 lights. I'm curious what yall think about this. Right now the trees are setup on a 30x60 table but I was thinking about building a 8'x16" shelf and possibly adding the t5 lights.

Should I reposition the LEDs or go with some t5 lights. If I went with t5 lights over an 8' shelf, do you think 3 or 4 of these would work ok or would I need more?

Any input would be appreciated!

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lithonia-Lighting-1-25-in-2-Light-White-14-Watt-T5-Fluorescent-Grow-Light/1000757280

 

[sorce]

Is there information about the area the cone covers?
It seems LED wouldn't reach so far to cover the entirety of the collection.
It is also possible they are a bit too high.

I always try to advocate side lighting, so I would keep the LEDS for that, or to accentuate important lower parts, and add the T5's.

Cold from the window is also a concern.

Nice roots!

Sorce

 

[coltranem]

600 W or 60 W?

You said the key word "cheap". If they are cheap LED they probably don't perform well. I have a 110 W LED (solar flares) that covers a 3' x 3' area at 18". I don't keep it that high though. I also surround my grow are with reflective material. I am growing to p. Afra and jaboticaba. Plus tomatoes when the time is right.

 

[atlarsenal]

What you have is fine but I would lower the lights as close as possible to the plants and still have coverage.

 

[DK!]

Sorry for the delay, I work nights and had to get a little sleep. I say cheap because they cost $70 as opposed to the several hundred dollar LEDs. I couldn't find any info on the cone but heres the link... they are 600 watt, not 60. I think the side lighting or at least reflective material is a good idea. I definitely think I'll do that.

Robot Check

 

[DK!]

Is there information about the area the cone covers?
It seems LED wouldn't reach so far to cover the entirety of the collection.
It is also possible they are a bit too high.

I always try to advocate side lighting, so I would keep the LEDS for that, or to accentuate important lower parts, and add the T5's.

Cold from the window is also a concern.

Nice roots!

Sorce

Source, you said to maybe keep the LEDs and possibly some t5s... can I use both led and t5 at the same time?

 

[cmeg1]

Stretching could be from exessive heat.
Really do not want to be above 80f without co2.
Vent door daily ti replenish co2.
Here is a ppfd chart.
Contact elaine and find out their par rating at 12” 18” 24”
Unless you by a $500 light sensor.
Reputable companies test theirs and supply their findings.
Here is my par chart for the hlg lights I bought.

its good toknow your spectrum too!

 

[cmeg1]

Good blue enhanced light between 75-80f
Will build stocky growth.

 

[sorce]

Source, you said to maybe keep the LEDs and possibly some t5s... can I use both led and t5 at the same time?

Can you?

With today's technology it is possible to have LED pads hovering directly over your tree pads to provide exactly the light each section needs.
As to avoid the typical heavy top growth, which leads to larger branches on top, which goes against design regulations, brought on by top lighting only.

As close as we care to get to that will bring us the best results.

How close do you care to get to that?

Sorce

 

[amcoffeegirl]

With today's technology it is possible to have LED pads hovering directly over your tree pads to provide exactly the light each section needs.
As to avoid the typical heavy top growth, which leads to larger branches on top, which goes against design regulations, brought on by top lighting only.

Sorce

Thanks for the reminder.
I will move mine closer too.

 

[cmeg1]

Your lights have par ratings on amazon.I mean they will get you through this first season I’d imagine.Spectrum don’t look that bad....some reds will help root growth.
They probably penetrate further intensly than t5
Although t5 is very good blue6400k.
Maybe get a couple for side lighting.
Side lighting is handy because blue will keep stomata open in under canopy leaves as shade produces a green light that tends to close stomata.

Amazon.com : Sunblaster 904297 NanoTech T5 High Output Fixture Reflector Combo, 3-Feet : Plant Growing Lamps : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Sunblaster 904297 NanoTech T5 High Output Fixture Reflector Combo, 3-Feet : Plant Growing Lamps : Garden & Outdoor

www.amazon.com

 

[coltranem]

So it is only 130 W it just claims to be equivalent to 600 W HPS bulbs. The Amazon link shows the par vs height. The specs are slightly better than what I have been running for tomatoes, p. Afra, and jaboticaba. Bring them a little close to the foliage and see what happens.

 

[DK!]

Sorry for the delay in response, I work nights and sometimes feel lile all I do is work and sleep!

Thanks for the replies everyone. Temporarily, I moved the lights closer to the trees. I consulted with some local bonsai guys and looked at their setup. I'm in the process of building a new setup. I'm going with the 8 foot by 15inch shelf, 2x 4', 4 bulb t5 lights, a handful of e26 bulbs for side lighting, some mylar film and a fan. I should be done by the weekend and I'll post some pics.

I wanted to get the trees away from the window (thanks source) and also I really wanted to be able to see the trees better. I felt like the current location was set up in a way that I couldn't see the trees well, couldn't enjoy them or see potential problems. I felt like where they were was kind of just throwing them in a corner and just getting by till the spring time.

 

[cmeg1]

Sorry for the delay in response, I work nights and sometimes feel lile all I do is work and sleep!

Thanks for the replies everyone. Temporarily, I moved the lights closer to the trees. I consulted with some local bonsai guys and looked at their setup. I'm in the process of building a new setup. I'm going with the 8 foot by 15inch shelf, 2x 4', 4 bulb t5 lights, a handful of e26 bulbs for side lighting, some mylar film and a fan. I should be done by the weekend and I'll post some pics.

I wanted to get the trees away from the window (thanks source) and also I really wanted to be able to see the trees better. I felt like the current location was set up in a way that I couldn't see the trees well, couldn't enjoy them or see potential problems. I felt like where they were was kind of just throwing them in a corner and just getting by till the spring time.

T fives are great light 6400 K I believe is blue spectrum and it’s really good keeps stomata open and short growth and also side lighting too should work great....right on top of canopy with those

 

[kyle8734]

Check out lights from a place called HLG. Many different options including kits you can build yourself. I am using one of the 100w 4000k models-$150 and everything I have under It- Bougainvillea, Ficus, Dwarf pomegranite,etc are all doing well. Not just maintaining but pushing new growth pretty hard. I plan on getting something else from this place when funds allow. Probably will build my next ones