How much light do I need for my grow space?
Click to expand the recommendations for your grow area:
Our 200w single strip unit is nearly identical to the 100w but with twice the diode density. Use the 200w single strip to take your 2′ x 2′ space to its maximum potential with normal atmospheric CO2 levels (325-425ppm). You can expect an 800 PPFD avg at 12″, however we recommend starting at 18-24″ with the diode density of our 200w units until you determine how your plants will respond. ~growmau5
For height limited applications, consider the 200w double strip at 18″ above the plants. For applications where a 24″ mounting height is not a problem our 200w single strip will adequately cover the space. You can achieve a 500-600 PPFD average with either choice depending on mounting height. ~growmau5
The external controller unleashes the full potential of any fixture in our line. But without it, the 400w strip offers 5 levels of spectral and dimming control via the on-board switches. White only mode, 50% veg, 50% gen, 100% veg & 100% generative(flower). This out of the box functionality offers the control and adjustability to suit any need. ~growmau5
The external controller unleashes the full potential of any fixture in our line. But without it, the 400w strip offers 5 levels of spectral and dimming control via the on-board switches. White only mode, 50% veg, 50% gen, 100% veg & 100% generative(flower). This out of the box functionality offers the control and adjustability to suit any need. For larger spaces: 4′ x 8′ or 4′ x 9′ the modular nature of the 400w strip makes it an obvious choice. Three 400w double strips would be my personal choice for the 4×8 or 4×9 grower. ~growmau5
What are the main advantages of switching to your LED grow lights?
Other LED grow light companies would answer this question by telling you the main advantage is in energy savings or lowering of your power bill by replacing HPS lighting with lower wattage LED lighting.
WE on the other hand have a completely different answer: Your main advantage with our LED grow lights is in the increase in yield and profits by replacing your HPS grow lights with the SAME wattage LED grow lights.
Why do you recommend replacing HPS with LED grow lights watt for watt?
Since our LED grow lights produce significantly more light output per watt than HPS grow lights (and more light per watt than most other LED grow lights on the market, for that matter), replacing watt for watt would provide much more light output even though you are using the same amount of electricity as with your original grow lights.
As you know, plants grow better, faster, stronger and produce higher quality and larger crop yields when exposed to more light. Just think how poorly plants grow in the shade or overcast weather vs direct sunlight.
Should air temperature be adjusted after switching to LED grow lights?
YES! When using our LED grow lights you should raise your air temperature higher, to around 85°F.
Why? Because HPS lights produce a significant amount of radiated infrared heat that warms your plant canopy well above your room air temperature. This is the reason why HPS grow rooms are usually controlled to around 75° F. Our LED grow lights have very little radiated infrared heat output, because most of the energy is focused on generating light that the plants can actually use. So to keep your plant metabolism high enough in order to utilize the light they are receiving, they need to be warm enough. To do this you would simply turn down your AC so that your air temperature climbs to around 85°F.
As a side benefit, this also means less need for cooling and when it is needed, it operates more efficiently due to the higher air temperature. The same goes for dehumidification, the higher the temperature, the more efficiently you can dehumidify your room. All of this leads to lower energy bills, without having to lower the wattage of your grow lights.
Do I need to supplement CO2/carbon dioxide?
That depends on the light levels your plants are being grown under. The higher the light levels, the higher the plant's need for carbon. So if atmospheric CO2 is enough for your plants at the light level they are receiving then you would not need to supplement CO2, provided there is enough fresh air exchange in your grow room to replenish consumed CO2 by your plants.
On the other hand, if your light level is higher than what can be supported by atmospheric CO2 levels for optimal plant growth, then you would need to raise the CO2 level higher. This will prevent your plant's growth from being carbon limited, which would cause the extra light to just be wasted, as plants need proper ratios of light and carbon (along with other factors) for optimal plant growth rate.
What canopy distance should I hang the grow lights at?
As a general rule, you will have more even coverage and higher penetration if you hang your lights higher vs lower. Also, hanging lights to have overlapping canopy coverage would be better vs non-overlapping hanging arrangement.
Of course, if you are height limited then you must make due with the growing environment you have to work with. When height is restricted try to use a higher quantity of lower power units and arrange them to provide even coverage at the highest possible height your room allows.
Should I include aisles in my grow room?
Aisles are definitely more convenient for whoever will be maintaining the plants in the grow room. Unfortunately, they cause a lot of light (and space) to be wasted. This isn't that large of a problem when growing under the sun, as you don't receive a power bill for sunlight 🙂 For artificial lighting room layouts, it is always more efficient to exclude isles and just have plants fill the entire room.
A clever method is by using rolling tables or benches, either on tracks or just on caster wheels. Then you can leave enough room along one side of your room to move each row of tables/benches over to create an aisle as needed. This would allow you to have a path between each row of plants, one at a time, so you can inspect, trim, apply pesticides, harvest, etc.
See the video below:
Rolling Tables Without Need For Isles
How long do your LED grow lights last?
ChilLED LED grow lights are rated for 60,000 hours. Based on 12 hours on - 12 hours off daily schedule you can expect the lights to last 5,000 days or just about 14 years.
How do I order?
Just add to cart and checkout. Fill out all required fields and proceed with payment. Once your order is submitted you will received an email receipt. Then another email will be sent with the tracking information after your order ships.
