LED Grow Lighting (Light Emitting Diode)
There has been much recent controversy amongst cannabis growers about LED (Light Emitting Diode) grow lights. Just a couple of years ago the thought of growing weed under LED lighting would have been laughable. Recent advances in LED technology however, have led to some growers claiming success and LED lighting sources are fast growing in popularity.
So what exactly is LED? LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. Light is produced by passing a current through a semi-conductor. There is no filament to burn out and this means that, compared to other light sources, LEDs have an extremely long lifetime with many on the market being rated for 50,000 hours.
Another happy result of having no filament is that LEDs are much more efficient than other light sources. In a traditional bulb up to 80% of energy is wasted as heat radiation, whereas LEDs run relatively cool. This is obviously of great benefit to cannabis growers. With LEDs it is possible to place the light source very close to the plants, helping prevent ‘stretch’ and directing the light exactly where it’s needed.
The heat generated in a traditional grow room requires the grower to spend time and energy trying to keep it cool and unusual heat signatures have often been cited as the reason why some unlawful growing operations are discovered by the authorities. Add to this, of course, the fact that inefficient lighting costs money. LED systems can run at around 50% the cost of a HID system, and halving energy consumption is a strong incentive to any grower.
So LED systems are cheaper and cooler, but do they provide the right kind of light? For the marijuana grower one of the beauties of LED lighting is that they are available right across the spectrum. There are many commercially available LED units that have spectra specifically balanced for the grow room. This is generally achieved by using a mix of red and blue lights.
The commercial sector is really leading the way with LED lighting, making available a huge selection of lighting units. Although this is to be welcomed, the down side of it is that there are also many substandard products available that are not up to scratch and that will not produce the plentiful yields growers have become accustomed to with HIDs. If you do decide to invest in some LED lighting it is important that you buy from a reputable source and be sure it’s somewhere that you can ask questions about the spectrum and light intensity of the unit.
The only thorn in the side of using LEDs appears to be the lack of verifiable yield results. This is mostly because it is a relatively new technology. A quick search of the web will find many LED growers claiming success whilst others are complaining of decreased yields. These are the sort of teething problems to be expected when a new technology is introduced.
One thing is for sure though; these teething problems will sort themselves out as technology moves forward. And in a world where, for both financial and environmental reasons, energy efficiency is vital, LED systems look like they have a bright future for indoor cannabis cultivation.
LED lights work well on my set up
What wattage of LED does one need to replace X wattage of HPS or MH. ie I have a 400 watt HPS I want to replace with LED, what wattage of LED do I need to buy to be equivilent?
THX that’s a great aswner!
Hi a 150 led would cover the 400hps
I think led is the way to go. Great yeald
I want to grow one plant indoors. What wattage should I be looking for and what color bulbs should I be looking for
90w ufo led would do 1 plant very well, just make sure its at least triband and contains 660nm red.
Hi. I have been looking at setting a grow room up for about 4 plants. i have an opportunity to get some 15 watt led panels. Would these work o.k?
oh they have 225 bulbs per panel and i have a chance of getting six
okay i just found a plant growing outside of my apt so i brought iut inside and its in potting soil and i watered it…..now what do i do about lights????? please help
i have a couple of seeds and im trying to make them count my room is a little big and now im trying to find the right things to get i really dont know where to start its a red diesel seed heavy sativa and it grows medium height what do i do?
really confused about what kinds of lights to use. I have been told that I cant get good YEILDS if I dont use HID’s. Pease help! Thanks
Admin: This is pretty much true. You need a lot of intense (lumens) light. LED’s are getting there though. Take a look at our lighting guide http://howtogrowmarijuana.com/marijuana-lighting.html
About LED grow light. you know, it is green product with energy saving, long lifespan.As far as i know, 90W or 120W led grow light can replace 150w HPS lamp, 150W LED can replace 400W HPS, 300W can replace 600W HPS, 600W LED can replace 1000W~1200W etc.
in my opinion, LED or HPS is more better than CFL, MH.but HPS is not energy and money saving. so LED is the best choice for grow lighting. If someone know about more info about LED grow light, please send my E-mail: ct2@changtian.net
working in a 4x8x8 tent approx 6 plants what would you recomend for led lights needed for this project and is there a brand that is better than others I have been told Penetrator was a quality brand good warranty ? I also wondering the divverence of the smaller ufo type less $$ ? please help thx any tips would be great rickmotors@hotmail.com
Me and my room mate have the capability to grow 20 plants but we know nothing about growing. We have a few friends who do but none know nothing about led grow lights. Where is a reliable source for buyng these lights and how many would be recommended?
If im looking to grow 10 plants what wattage should i be looking for and what color bulbs should i use.
Have you looked at the Kessil H350 in Magentia and red? THese should work for 4 plants.
What brands of leds should i use?
Hi all.Just setting up my first grow. Have just bought three seeds but intend to just grow the one plant to begin with. Am looking to set up indoors, have a suitable dark-room, am on a budget so have been scouring ebay for lights. Would the following be any good or am i wasting my time?
45w Blue Spectrum 6400k CFL grow light lamp bulb
65w Red Spectrum 2700k CFL grow light lamp bulb
Hi
If is good LED light 300W replace 1KW HID,
Lot of chip Led light out om the market.
Some is die 2 year or less.Many saler can.t find 3 month later.
Or have to shipped back the light to China cost 120$ or more.
I but my light from Growlightpro.com Is high end light USA designed.
Have USA based shop for parts and repair.Like the new 7 band 300 watt
have all the spectrum need my plant .Hope help you .
Tibor
90W with colour ratios: 5% white, 10% blue, 85% red
You need 180 x 1watt leds….white 5%, blue 10%, red 85% (including orange 615nm to infrared 735nm)
Bridgelux, Cree or Osram are reputable
hi I am considering doing 4 plants in a grow tent any1 know which led light make, model would be best suited??
I’m trying to grow 2 indoor plants. & was wondering how many LED lights I would need, what wattage, && what color?? any help?
I want to replace 2 1k light and LED what do you suggest? Also have you seen the kessil led light 350??
Better chance of finding help? Take your questions to the forum.
What LCD light would you use to increase the thc cbe and cbd in your plants?
i want to start from seeds i got how do i do this
when you went to buy the lights what exactly did you ask for? thanks
um, im kinda new to the whole planting business, so i really need some help, i just put my seed in a wet toilet paper stip and placed it in the dark, when i come to plant it in a vase INDOORS how long does the light need to reflect on it, and how many times a day should i water it, also how long will it take before i can bud it and smoke the buds?
hello there! i am new to this and hoping someone could help guide me to step by step instruction?
cuz i have no idea wat kind of light stuff i need nd shyt.
nd also i need to know what kind of soil i need nd where i can go out nd buy it?
also where i can buy a dome container at?
i have many questions and i would truly appreciate any help!
thnx
I have limited space to grow so I am looking into LED’s for my plants light source because i know they can be very close to the plants without harming them due to their low heat. I am wondering if i need a ballast or just simply the LED panels. I am looking this model from htcsupply.com http://www.htgsupply.com/Product-7-Band-240w-LED-Grow-Light.asp
check it out
so id love to hear from someone whos knows about LED’s
THANKS !