Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions concerning plant breeding and LED. The list is updated on a regular basis.
How do I find out which LED is right for my grow area?
Easy – just use our LightGuide! We’ll tell you more about illumination and depth effect in the next section.
How good are illumination and depth effect with LED?
To start with, COB LED set-ups are usually comprised of more than one light source. Next to providing the levels of light intensity needed for a certain area, the spreading of the light sources ensures more efficient illumination of the area. As a result the illumination is more even and effects more homogenous plant growth than conventional HPS lighting set-ups. Another advantage of using multiple light sources is the increase of covered angles of illumination which in turn leads to a significant increase of depth effect.
What is the optimal distance between LEDs and the tip of the plant?
We suggest a minimum distance of 30cm to prevent possible malformation of leaves, buds and progenies. Everything above 30cm is a question of personal experience. It should be noted, however, that the more distance you put between the light source and the plants, the less the levels of light intensity available to the plants (see: PPFD-value).
PPFD-value - what does that mean?
The PPFD value is used to measure the efficiency of grow lights. While lumen and LUX values are more widely known, PPFD values are much more conclusive concerning plant growth and how it is impacted by different light sources.
What is color-temperature and what should I make of it?
Color-temperature is commonly known as ranging between warm white and cool white. While cool whites (5000K and higher) enhance vegetation and stocky plant growth, warm whites (below 3300K) further the plant’s fruiting and flowering phase and encourage tall growth. However, as our LEDs operate around 3500K neutral white, both phases are covered. As a result the plants are provided with optimal lighting conditions during all phases and will display healthy growth.
Growth, fruiting and flowering phase - what do I need to keep in mind when plant breeding with LED?
Our COB LEDs offer large amounts of power. If the grow area is well illuminated and suitably powered, the plants can grow more stocky than usual. To counteract this we suggest increasing the distance between plants and lights. Note, however, that this will also decrease the level of light intensity. Light temperature can be divided into three categories: 2700K-3000K for fruiting and flowering, 3500K-4000K for all phases, 5700K-6000K for vegetation.
Which types of plants can I light with LED?
LED is suitable for every plant that needs sunlight. Since all our LEDs, whether DIY sets or plug and play units, can be dimmed, they can all be adjusted to the individual needs of each type of plant. Further, the light emitted by our full spectrum LEDs is very similar to sunlight.
Do I need the same amount of fertilizer or does the use of LED lighting change things?
Experience has shown that providing ideal lighting conditions with LEDs can lead to increased growth. As a result the need for fertilizer application can rise up to 50%.
Is a LED light more heavy than a HPS?
Due to its more complex construction and the need for a cooling system, LED lights are usually more heavy than HPS lights. Our LEDs are passively cooled and need a massive heat sink. Depending on the unit, our lights can weigh between four and ten kilogram. Depending on the overall set-up it is possible to reach about 30 kilogram and consequently it is vital to make sure that the weight can be carried.
Auch in unserem Fall, da wir passiv gekühlte Systeme anbieten und diese über massive Kühlkörper gekühlt werden. Je nach Leuchte bewegt man sich zwischen vier und zehn Kilogramm. Es sind aber auch Setups möglich die bis zu 30kg wiegen. Man sollte sich also versichern, dass das Gewicht der LED-Leuchten auch gehalten werden kann.
What is the difference between passive and active cooling for LEDs?
Active cooling systems utilize water or air cooling devices. While this can reduce weight and cost of the LED unit, active cooling systems introduce additional error potential through adding mechanical components like cooling fans and water pumps. A failed cooling system usually leads to sudden overheating of the unit and subsequent destruction of the LED. Opting for a passive cooling system calls for a massive heat sink. The advantage, however, is a completely silent, safe and maintenance-free cooling system which in turn guarantees a long service life.
How much heat do LEDs produce in comparison to HPS lights?
The heat produced is dependent on the energy needed to reach a certain level of light intensity. The advantage of LEDs over HPS is that LEDs need significantly less energy to produce comparable levels of light intensity. For example our 400w LEDs will achieve higher illumination values than a 600w HPS light.
I'm annoyed by the loose cables, what can I do about it?
Everyone has their own individual solution, which means that you do not want to change anything further. We recommend insulating tape, cable ties or heat shrink tubing to make it more orderly and cleaner. Please remember that it is a DIY kit and everyone is free to customize it according to their needs.
Which potentiometer do I need and how do I connect it?
You need a 100K potentiometer (Poti for short). To connect this, the two cables from the driver must be connected to the middle and left contact to control from left to right. If you want to regulate counterclockwise, you have to prove the middle and right contact of the pot. The polarity (+ and -) is irrelevant.
Questions about Far Red? Here you’ll find the most frequent questions and answers about Far Red LEDs.
