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  #1  
Old 09-02-2023, 05:13 AM
katsucats katsucats is offline
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Question Where to find low light?

Most people are looking for lights that are bright enough, but I just measured my LEDs 6 inches away and found that it produced 3500-4000 foot candles, which is probably too high for my seedlings. I want lights that produce probably under 1000 foot candles at 6 inches away, but I can't find a single product that fits. Does anyone have suggestions for lights for orchids that are shortly out of flask? For space considerations, I want the lights to sit close. I will supplement with fans to cool down.
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Old 09-02-2023, 06:05 AM
2009zohsix 2009zohsix is offline
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LED's are usually (and easily) dimmable. Check out many of the freshwater aquarium lights, they come in many sizes.
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Old 09-02-2023, 07:25 PM
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Also, you can just move your plants farther away. Light intensity drops off as the square of the distance, so if you move the plants 12 inches from the LEDs instead of 6 inches (double the distance), they'll be getting 1/4 as much light.
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Old 09-06-2023, 08:45 AM
katsucats katsucats is offline
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Unfortunately, moving plants further away is not an option due to space considerations. These will be seedlings growing on a shelf, and for maintenance purposes I prefer the top shelf to be lower than eye level. Four tiers maximizes the space I have. I mean I could buy less plants, but...

This is a case where there are trade offs in every decision. I looked at the dimmable LED lights and it seems that they're either too expensive, or that dimming degrades the spectral signature or something. In any case, no one sells grow lights that dim. Most of the aquarium lighting or dimmable grow lights that I saw use a proprietary format with a timer for e.g. 12 hours built into the dimmer, and lacks support for external timers, making them a non-starter.

On the other hand, I could just stick with my current lights and if it gets too bright and plants get too close, I'll put a 50% to 70% shade cloth in between. The problem with this is that it wouldn't be very power efficient. I'd be spending more electricity than I need then blocking off some of the light. It would generate more heat, which would need to be dealt with using more fans. I've bought a bunch of 12V computer fans since it seems this is the only option without spending some hundreds of dollars per light (per tier).

Edit: I measured again and it turns out the light level wasn't as high as when I first measured. I'm not sure what went wrong. But it seems it's not going to be a problem unless it gets within 2-3 inches or so. And since I'm only growing seedlings here that will be in this setup for a year or two max, until they're strong enough to be potted up and put outside... or something else -- so the plan goes... I'm hoping this won't be a huge problem.

Last edited by katsucats; 09-06-2023 at 08:49 AM..
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Old 09-06-2023, 09:17 AM
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Have you considered some DIY shade cloth over the lights?

As LEDs don't generate a lot of heat, putting a layer of screen or sheer fabric over the face of the lamp shouldn't be an issue.
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Old 09-06-2023, 09:49 AM
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or try tracing paper over the lights to dim/diffuse them
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Old 09-06-2023, 01:04 PM
2009zohsix 2009zohsix is offline
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Look at these. Products – Spectral Designs

They are the brand I have currently. Different sizes, shapes, wattage, some with diffusers, some with timers, some with dimmers that you can plug into a timer.
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Old 09-06-2023, 06:02 PM
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I would absolutely try shade cloth. So much cheaper than buying lights. If you’re willing to drive to Fallbrook, I have bulk rolls of 60% tan shade cloth and white agribon row cover that diffuses light and blocks about 10%. I’d be happy to give you a few feet of each to play with.

Or if you’ll cover shipping and $5 gas for me (total would be ~$20 +\- any USPS price increases), I’ll mail it to you.
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Old 09-07-2023, 10:09 PM
katsucats katsucats is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dimples View Post
I would absolutely try shade cloth. So much cheaper than buying lights. If you’re willing to drive to Fallbrook, I have bulk rolls of 60% tan shade cloth and white agribon row cover that diffuses light and blocks about 10%. I’d be happy to give you a few feet of each to play with.

Or if you’ll cover shipping and $5 gas for me (total would be ~$20 +\- any USPS price increases), I’ll mail it to you.
Wow. Thank you for the offer! I believe I should have some 50% white shade cloth left from an outdoor project.
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