Who's using LED reflectors indoors?

9 years ago

LED bulbs that output ~800 lumens are pretty cheap now, and I put them in reflector fixtures indoors, which works well for me so far. My basement enclosure is pretty crowded now, and there's 85% humidity, and temperature is probably in the high 70's. I think the light isn't quite intense enough to grow citrus, but I'm not sure.

Who else is using a similar setup? What problems or challenges have you run into?

Thanks,

--Rick Buell

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I am still using CFL's but I I am using the 1600 lumen bulbs. 800 is not enough for my citrus plants
Hardy Chicago fig in reflective bucket light with 23 watt daylight CFL

Meiwa kumquat next to light setup.

I have about 25 more CFL's to use up before going to LED's

6b Steve
tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
9 years ago
Steve, you have cool setup to trap the light. So one CFL per plant is enough?

I bought a 8-pack of GE stick led light (760 lumens each, consumes 8W although the package says 10W) for $16 on sale. I am experimenting with it. Removed the plastic covering and that increases the light quite a bit. In my limited comparison 2 of the leds (16W) put out about the same light than one 23W CFL. Measured with a light meter. Runs a bit hotter. Measure at the base of the bulb, it is about 140F for the led and 120F for the CFL.

Although, removing the cover on the led light improves the light a lot, I would advise against it. Depending on how the ballast is designed you could have full line voltage exposed somewhere on the circuit board.
Related Professionals
Albany Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Portland Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Logan Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Ocala Landscape Contractors · Manhattan Landscape Contractors · Middlesboro Landscape Contractors · Baltimore Landscape Contractors · Vineland Landscape Contractors · Lake Havasu City Landscape Contractors · Pueblo Landscape Contractors · Kennewick Landscape Contractors · Queens Landscape Contractors · Jonesboro Tile and Stone Contractors · Rochester Tile and Stone Contractors · Cheyenne Tile and Stone Contractors
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
If you spend 2 times as much on electricity for 2 times the light and your plants grow 3 times as fast then you are getting 1.5 times more plant for the dollar.

6b Steve