What is the best LED grow light hanging height?

Summary

The video discusses the importance of optimizing LED grow lights for indoor plant growth, focusing on finding the correct hanging height and light intensity for maximum yield. The speaker highlights how many grow lights lack crucial data, such as optimum hanging heights or power maps, and explains the tradeoffs between too much and too little light. Suggestions include regularly adjusting light height, using a dimmer for different growth stages, and measuring light intensity with meters. By fine-tuning these factors, growers can significantly improve plant growth and efficiency in their setups.

Takeaways

• 😲 Many LED grow lights lack optimum hanging heights and power maps, which are crucial for setting up lights for optimal performance.
• 🌱 It's advisable to avoid lights that do not provide basic data like optimum hanging heights and power distribution maps.
• 📏 To maximize yield, hang the light low enough to provide ample light without causing damage or stress to the plants due to high light intensity.
• 🍃 Reflectance losses increase as the light is hung higher, so lowering the light reduces these losses and improves efficiency.
• 🔍 Hanging the light too low can create hot spots or high-intensity points, which can be detrimental to plant growth.
• 📈 Regular adjustments to the light height are necessary as plants grow to maintain the optimum hanging height.
• 💡 Use a dimmer to adjust light intensity according to the plant's growth stages, pushing intensity up as the plants mature.
• 🌡 Outdoor plants can tolerate much higher light intensities than what is typically provided by LED grow lights.
• 📊 The optimal hanging height for most LED grow lights is between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm), with some exceptions for panel lights.
• 🛠️ If no power map is provided, use trial and error or invest in a light meter to measure light intensity at the plant canopy level.
• 📈 Creating your own power map by taking multiple measurements across the grow area can help optimize light distribution.

Q & A

Why is it important to have the optimum hanging height for LED grow lights?

Having the optimum hanging height for LED grow lights ensures that the plants receive the maximum amount of light without causing damage or stress from too high light intensity. It helps in achieving a uniform spread of light and reduces reflectance losses, making the lighting system more efficient.

What should you look for when considering LED grow lights for purchase?

When considering LED grow lights for purchase, look for ones that provide optimum hanging heights and power maps. These are essential for setting up the light for optimal performance and ensuring even light distribution.

How can you determine the optimum hanging height if it's not specified by the manufacturer?

If the optimum hanging height is not specified by the manufacturer, you can determine it through trial and error, by starting at about 30 cm (12 inches) and observing the plants for signs of light stress. Alternatively, you can use a light meter to measure the light intensity at the plant canopy level and adjust the height accordingly.

What is the effect of lowering the LED grow light on light reflectance and yield?

Lowering the LED grow light reduces light reflectance losses as less light is reflected off the sidewalls. This increases the efficiency of the lighting system and allows more light to reach the plant canopy, which can lead to increased growth and yield.

What is the recommended dimmer setting for young plants during the early stages of growth?

For young plants up to two or three weeks old, the recommended dimmer setting is around 20% to 30%. This allows the plants to acclimate to the light without causing stress.

How often should you adjust the height of the LED grow light as your plants grow?

You should adjust the height of the LED grow light as your plants grow, possibly once or twice a week, to maintain the optimum hanging height and ensure that the plants grow into the optimal light intensity range.

What is the significance of avoiding hot spots when setting up LED grow lights?

Avoiding hot spots is significant because they can cause damage or stress to the plants due to high light intensity. By ensuring even light distribution, you can optimize the growth and yield of your plants.

How can you tell if your LED grow light is not spreading light evenly to the edges of your grow area?

If your LED grow light is not spreading light evenly to the edges of your grow area, you may observe different rates of growth on the plants, with those at the center growing faster than those at the edges.

What tools can be used to measure the light intensity at the plant canopy level?

You can use a light meter, such as a look meter or a quantum sensor, to measure the light intensity at the plant canopy level. These tools can provide accurate readings to help you adjust the height and intensity of your LED grow light.

What is the recommended light intensity in micromoles for a high-intensity operation?

For a high-intensity operation, the recommended light intensity is to get under 1,000 micromoles in the center of the grow area to avoid creating a hot spot.

How can you create your own power map if the manufacturer does not provide one?

To create your own power map, you can use a light meter to take multiple measurements across a grid in your grow area. This will help you understand the light distribution and adjust the height and positioning of your LED grow light accordingly.