CFL bulbs or LED bulbs and lumens???

[Johnathan]

This place will have a CFL Full Spectrum - tons to choose from and good service http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/compact_fluorescent_32_ctg.htm?gclid=CNDGp6XUv8gCFUiQHwodJ_UMqw

The intensity you will require depends a lot on the fixture and distance from the plant but I am pretty certain for one plant this one will do nicely - http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/55w_umbrella_822_prd1.htm

Grimmy

You guys are amazing. This is very similar to what @SKBonsaiGuy recommended as well, so it must be right!

I found a few specialty light bulb stores here in OKC. Going to check them out today for these. Instant gratification instead of shipping cost lol If they don't have them I will order one of these and one of the "cooler" ones that @A. Gorilla suggested as well... Trying to get that balance my man @sorce was speaking on!

Everyone is in agreement that LED is a no go right????

 

[GrimLore]

Everyone is in agreement that LED is a no go right????

As attractive as they make them sound only the most expensive(in my opinion) would be of any use to me... I am still not convinced even those are ok even though they cost hundreds of dollars. The manufactures of them also rarely provide the specifications which makes me a bit like "WTF". The CFL technology is very good and reliable while most even tell you the useable life. It makes it easy to calculate when they need to be replaced based on hours used. Fluorescent tube lights that are full spectrum also provide that info. I use both and see nothing wrong with either. CFL's and some fluorescent grow lights are also very efficient.

Grimmy

 

[Johnathan]

Alright everyone. Ran to the store that single 55 watt CFL is just way to HUGE for the fixture. The light bulb specialty store guy convinced me to go with this combo. I actually purchased 4 bulbs in total. 2 of each. What do you guys think???

 

[A. Gorilla]

I think you got a winner.

 

[sorce]

attractive as they make them sound only the most expensive

If LED lights were popular when we made good stuff, they would be awesome!

IMO...

It was and still is being "rushed" to production...and the pitch is great!

But I haven't heard anything spectacular about them. After actual long term use.

Sorce

 

[parhamr]

SCIENCE TIEM

Chlorophyll absorbs this light:


This means full spectrum and daylight bulbs are not necessarily required. If you can get a 2:1 ratio of blue LEDs to red LEDs then you’re providing exactly what the plants crave.



The above are not gospel, but seem to be generally applicable.

 

[GrimLore]

The above are not gospel, but seem to be generally applicable.

Yes indeed now if the manufacturers could spec the lights out in a fashion like they do in CFL and fluorescent one could determine if the said LED array is useful to them.

For example; I use a T8 1083 Lumen Full Spectrum fluorescent a lot. The tube itself has a 10,000 hour useable life - in other words even though it would light for much longer the bulb is no longer providing 1083 Lumen at full spectrum after 10,000 hours and needs to be replaced. They are rated at 75W out and use 17W to operate. Easy enough for me to calculate replacements knowing how many hours the timers run.

Those specs are important and provided by CFL full spectrum manufacturers as well.

They are both already Full Spectrum, do not require red/blue controllers to adjust, and do not require cooling housings...

I just don't see the benefit energy wise or light wise using LED yet, could be my background in Scientific making me over analyze but I think not.

Grimmy

 

[zelk]

So its kelvins and not lumens???
Can someone just link me to what I need for that fixture 2 cool 2 warm would work right?
I currently have the 800 lumen bulbs that were in it just pointing at the plant, its 5 of them, but I doubt they are Full Spectrum I just want to get it setup and can learn why its setup that way as I learn more about the art and craft of bonsai and plants in general. The plant health doesn't care about my knowledge level or lack therofl lol

Luminosity is intensity, kelvin or color is what designates the frequency of the light.

 

[Random User]

@GrimLore

If you're the least bit curious, this site has the spectrum downloads for their T5's and LEDs... thought you might want to have a look if this is in your wheelhouse.

https://www.sunblasterlighting.com

 

[milehigh_7]

Yes indeed now if the manufacturers could spec the lights out in a fashion like they do in CFL and fluorescent one could determine if the said LED array is useful to them.

For example; I use a T8 1083 Lumen Full Spectrum fluorescent a lot. The tube itself has a 10,000 hour useable life - in other words even though it would light for much longer the bulb is no longer providing 1083 Lumen at full spectrum after 10,000 hours and needs to be replaced. They are rated at 75W out and use 17W to operate. Easy enough for me to calculate replacements knowing how many hours the timers run.

Those specs are important and provided by CFL full spectrum manufacturers as well.

They are both already Full Spectrum, do not require red/blue controllers to adjust, and do not require cooling housings...

I just don't see the benefit energy wise or light wise using LED yet, could be my background in Scientific making me over analyze but I think not.

Grimmy

You are right, LED tech is there but not the price per lumen...

 

[AidansTrees]

I am looking to bring my Ficus indoors as it currently resides in the greenhouse and I have been looking into various lighting setups.

Some of the more "growing the smelly green stuff" websites and forums have some good information on LED too.

Thanks.

Aidan