Quote:
Originally Posted by Nexogen
With 6500K, that is the spectrum represented in the figure below and 56.3 lumen/W I think it's a perfect choice.
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By no means am I trying to start a pissing contest, but I'm a bit confused with your post. 6500K refers to kelvin temperature (sometimes referred to as CCT or correlated color temperature), not spectrum. Science jargon aside: kelvin is loosely used in lighting as an overall measurement for the color temperature of light (sort of like an indicator of the perceived color of a light source). The higher the temperature (K), the bluer the light will appear. The lower the temperature, the warmer the light will appear (more red). Color temperature (K) has little to do with spectrum. You can calculate kelvin (K) from spectrum, but you cannot know spectrum based on kelvin.
A kelvin number (6500k as an example) means there is a strong emission line at that frequency. Kelvin temperature consists of almost an infinite number of wavelengths to produce a perceived color. Different spectral emission patterns (nanometer wavelengths) can produce light of similar color (example: 6500K).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connie Star
The other thing I have noticed about LED "grow' lights is that some of them make the plants look really odd and the flowers not very pretty and after all, why do we grow orchids?
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A really good point. I like to use light that is beneficial for my plants, but also want light that appeals to "my eye". Unfortunately, some of the LED 'grow lights' consist heavily of blue/red light. Maybe okay (or maybe better than okay for plants) but sure the 'heck' does not look good to my "eye". I personally like to look at my plants under a white light (with a touch of warmth). Many of the LED 'grow lights' with good spectrum and a high CRI (color rendering index) will produce a nice white-colored light in appearance, and it really does justice to both the leaves & flowers of the plant ~ within the 'eye' of the beholder.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellen H
Hi All,
I am considering switching from my current T5HO fluorescent setup (3 4-bulb ballasts using a mixture of 6500K and 3500K bulbs) to the T5 LED replacement tubes. The LED's are offered in many different levels of Kelvin temperatures but I don't know what's best for orchids...I also do not really understand all the technical terms when dealing with lighting. What info from the spec sheets should concern me regarding what is best for the plants? There is a lot of conflicting info out there. Should I go with a "full spectrum" bulb and not try to use a blend of different Kelvin bulbs?
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The tried and true mix of 3500k & 6500K has worked for many people for a long time. Opinions will vary (vastly) in regards to your questions about "full spectrum", specific kelvin temperatures, and what's "best" for growing orchids.
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