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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: keo on January 31, 2011, 10:36:56

Title: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: keo on January 31, 2011, 10:36:56

Hi,

Due to my chilli plants going leggy I'm looking into getting some grow lights. 

I was wondering if LED grow lights are any good?  And also if anyone has grown anything using them?   [Given the price of LED lights I'm guessing you could even buy some LED's and make your own for a fraction of the cost?]


keo
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: Nigel B on January 31, 2011, 11:17:59
In my opinion you'd do better getting a hold of a couple of clf (flourescent) bulbs to hang above them. Use the 'daylight' variety if you can get them.
A couple of those fixed to a board or reflector and kept close to them should solve the problem. Keep them on for roughly 18 hours a day if you have a timer..
Perfect! :)
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: pumkinlover on January 31, 2011, 11:38:56
Only had my LED's for just over a week so no results yet, have never used grow lights so will be unalbe to compare but will post again.
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: tonybloke on January 31, 2011, 12:30:29
Quote from: keo on January 31, 2011, 10:36:56

Hi,

Due to my chilli plants going leggy I'm looking into getting some grow lights. 

I was wondering if LED grow lights are any good?  And also if anyone has grown anything using them?   [Given the price of LED lights I'm guessing you could even buy some LED's and make your own for a fraction of the cost?]


keo


if you can space the LED's about 1" apart, and get a few hundred of them, you're in with a chance, but to be honest, if they were any good, the commercial folk would use 'em ( which they don't)

use these, plenty of light for your needs

http://www.allthingsgreen.net/marketplace/plug-and-grow-horticultural-light-envirolite-p-9349.html?_$ja=tsid:3154|kw:9349|cgn:The%20Recycle%20Works
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: djbrenton on January 31, 2011, 12:35:51
One other tip. I use my grow light in the dining room and was stuck for how to mount it. I bought one of those cheap adjustable clothes hanging rails and suspended it from there.
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: Nigel B on January 31, 2011, 13:46:41
Quote from: tonybloke on January 31, 2011, 12:30:29use these, plenty of light for your needs

http://www.allthingsgreen.net/marketplace/plug-and-grow-horticultural-light-envirolite-p-9349.html?_$ja=tsid:3154|kw:9349|cgn:The%20Recycle%20Works

Hi Tonybloke,
I've used those envirolights myself in the past. In fact, I do still have one in use. I was a bit loath to recommend them though because of the cost compared to a couple of 2ft cfl's.
To be fair though, mine's a few years old now and is slightly less bright, but still keeps seedlings healthy enough.
The easyrollers they sell with that kit are little gems though. I paid about twelve quid for a pair five or so years ago and they still work perfectly when wanting to adjust the height of the lamp.


Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: tonybloke on January 31, 2011, 17:46:37
Quote from: Nigel B on January 31, 2011, 13:46:41
Quote from: tonybloke on January 31, 2011, 12:30:29use these, plenty of light for your needs

http://www.allthingsgreen.net/marketplace/plug-and-grow-horticultural-light-envirolite-p-9349.html?_$ja=tsid:3154|kw:9349|cgn:The%20Recycle%20Works

Hi Tonybloke,
I've used those envirolights myself in the past. In fact, I do still have one in use. I was a bit loath to recommend them though because of the cost compared to a couple of 2ft cfl's.
To be fair though, mine's a few years old now and is slightly less bright, but still keeps seedlings healthy enough.
The easyrollers they sell with that kit are little gems though. I paid about twelve quid for a pair five or so years ago and they still work perfectly when wanting to adjust the height of the lamp.

ain't it great, agreement on the forum!! LOL
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: rugbypost on January 31, 2011, 17:57:08
HI Tony Bloke I bought a quicktronic professional  its about 2ft long with  2 double osram bulbs. really good light i bought it of ebay used item  very cheap to run  cabbages, and cauliflowers will be sown this week and as soon as they are up I will put them under.  I think the light I bought was used to grow the smokeing weed but it only cost  £20  and that was with postage
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: tonybloke on January 31, 2011, 18:06:54
Quote from: rugbypost on January 31, 2011, 17:57:08
HI Tony Bloke I bought a quicktronic professional  its about 2ft long with  2 double osram bulbs. really good light i bought it of ebay used item  very cheap to run  cabbages, and cauliflowers will be sown this week and as soon as they are up I will put them under.  I think the light I bought was used to grow the smokeing weed but it only cost  £20  and that was with postage

Bargain!!
Title: Re: Grow lights vs LED's
Post by: Jeannine on January 31, 2011, 20:34:31
I have a three tier system with each tier having three grow lights under the canopy. I have grown salads and dwarf toms all though the winter under these, they seem to work very well as long as the light is just above the plant by a few inches.

XX JKeannine