I've been meaning to post this thread for about 2 months; but I've been super busy. So after all the research I've already done, I still wanted some feedback from people I know (you guys).

I have found some brands that I've never heard of, and I guess there's a reason for that. I said I was interested in "top shelf" lights, but I'm not paying $1,100-$1,400 for any light. (Black Dog anyone?)

For starter's, I went with a mid-range King Plus 1800 Watt w/ 10W double chips. It use's 340W; compared to the 582W (min./ setup) I'm using now. I've cut everything down to a bare minimum, but I'm still using 1,164 Watts 16-18 hours a day.

So I'd still like to hear from other L.E.D. users, because like I said, this is just a start. It'll also give me an idea of how much it will impact my bill.

Rob

1800W with 10W double chips? Are you lighting up a two-car garage? ;-) I'm wondering if the 1800W is the actual drawpower?

I recently just started with them by making my own. It gives you a lot of customization options if you're into DIY. I can't say how any of my plants have done since they've only been under them for a few weeks. If you have an existing T5 fixture you could also look into the high output replacement tubes that are LED.

I'm fairly new to adenium, but have been researching old threads of Martin's and Tracy's. Based off of the results that they were getting I was intrigued to buy a tent and led lights also. I went with a Viparspectra 300w and I love it. I've only had it around a month but have seen a difference within the first week. I'm using it on the bottom shelf of my plant rack 18 inches above my seedlings. On the top shelf of my rack I went with retrofit led tubes in my shop lights. Those are another option, they produce more light on less watts than t5/8/12 bulbs.

One reason you might find plants stretching towards even a very bright light is that in an outdoors full sun location the plant gets light from 360 degrees all around the plant.

Todd, I grow my adeniums in a heated highly reflective grow tent. The past 2.5 years, I have done some testing, moving plants around in the tent and paying attention to how the plants react to different light leves. Some plants even at the perimeter don't stretch out, while others directly beneath the LED unit do (somewhat). There are no certainties. This points to the conclusion that genetics plays a major role here.

I use two MarsHydro 600W fixtures in a room dedicated to my plants. Temp in room is currently 79F and as soon as I brought them in under the light this fall, they started blooming like crazy.

Still, I don't think I have the distance right for these lights/plants. Some leaves roll up, and all new leaves are much smaller indicating to me that the light is strong.

Thank you all for your comments. On top of being super busy w/ everyday stuff, I'm also battling the worst spider mite problem I've ever had.

Aside from that, my light arrived yesterday, and I unboxed it today. And yes Martin, it's extremely bright! I'm glad I didn't opt for the 2000W model lol.

My Mom was over, and before I plugged it in, She said "Are you sure that's big enough for what you need?", then I flipped the switch, and we were both blown away.

Here's a couple of pics, one w/ a flash, and one w/o.

jedoba - I've had different plants that have developed curled leaves under a variety of light types.

I took these pics just for this post, it just happens to be a graft.

Does anyone own, or know of a reasonably priced light meter to measure L.E.D.'s with?

Rob

(Agave colorata under my new L.E.D.)

(Same photo/cropped)

Do a search for quantum meters. They aren't very cheap though.

I use a free phone app. It may not be perfect, but close enough for me.

Ahh, never thought of that.

Rob

Ok then i also downloaded the app what is a good growing range of lux just curious to see what i have in winter..:×)

I have had two types of LED; one was small and low power, and the ones I have now are really strong. The first, I could touch my plants. These now will burn them at 2 feet.

I checked both lights with the meter before, and I place the plants at around 4-6000 at their tops. You could get higher with conditioning I am sure, but they keep growing at this number.

Some taller plants get as much as 10,000 or so, but I limit it past that because I get leaf burn.

Thanks mate i will write this down i will forget before winter

Hi guys,

Through continuing research, I was directed to this website last night; which has a tremendous amount of information about light, and so much more.

I highly recommend reading this entire page (maybe twice), and then explore all the other links at the bottom of the page.

https://chilledgrowlights.com/education/understanding-led-grow-light-specs

Home Page - https://chilledgrowlights.com/

Another company I'm considering; for my next purchase...

http://timbergrowlights.com/model-1cl/

Rob