tech centre
Our LED Grow Light Tech Centre provides a summary or deep-dive analysis into photosynthesis, hydroponics & grow lights
the science of photosynthesis
photosynthesis is a truly amazing chemical process carried out by plants
during photosynthesis, plants use light energy to trigger a series of chemical reactions that convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars
click the buttons below to find out more ………
led tech facts
LED technology was first invented in the 1950s as small instrument panel lights but has evolved into high power, low energy lights that are superb for plant growth
the basic technology is well known but often shrouded in urban myths and bold marketing claims – the true facts are revealed in our LED grow light tech centre…… click below
all about hydroponics
hydroponics is a naturally occurring process that has efficiently grown plants in the wild for millenia but the modern use of hydroponics in greenhouses, indoor farms or grow tents was first evolved in the 1940s
hydroponics now encompasses the whole growing environment and a number of techniques that are proven and effective are discussed and explained here …….
buyer advice
let’s cut to the chase and look at what makes a good led grow light that offers you best value for money
no more flannel, just an honest and balanced guide to help you buy the best solution that will do what it says on the tin!
our LED grow light tech centre reveals more… click below ….
Myth Busters
There are many myths and urban legends regarding LED grow lights that are addressed here – let’s explore the facts behind the fiction!
- Broad Spectrum Claims
- Red / Blue (purple) LED Lights are not Broad or Full Spectrum
- LEDs do not run “cooler” than other lights
- The LED Max Power Rating is not its actual power draw
- Are fan cooled LED lights better?
- PPFD is not a measure of a LED Light Efficacy
- Are Veg and Bloom Switches a bit of a Gimmick?
- Beware non-waterproof lights (water and electrics do not mix very well
- PPFD readings are not always what they seem
- The true lifetime of a fixture
F.A.Q.
if you cannot find the answer to your question then please send via contact page
Any strong light source can be harmful to your eyes if you look directly into the light source. LEDs are frequently tested and approved to determine that there is no significant blue light hazard to operators. It is recommended that you purchase some grow room glasses to wear when working in a lit zone and these can be purchased from this website
The short answer is no they don’t. The long answer is that LED’s are a lot more efficient than HPS and require less watts of electricity to achieve the same light output. Therefore they generate less heat because they use less electricity.
No they are not. These are narrow wavelength lights that will grow plants well but they lack the higher yield and plant quality that you get from broad spectrum lights in indoor farms or grow rooms / tents. The narrow wavelength spectrum is good for greenhouses where sunlight provides the broad spectrum plants thrive on.
No they are not. The fans can fail and then the light will fail. Passively cooled lights are engineered to provide excellent heat dissipation and has less to go wrong.
No they are not. As soon as you switch from one setting to the other you reduce light output significantly. Plants thrive on light. If you reduce the light output you reduce plant growth. Spectral shift of narrow wavelength lights in this way simply compromises growth rather than enhances it
Absolutely not. As a rough rule of thumb an LED light that draws or consumes about 70% of the power of an HPS will match it for light output. This is because the efficacy of LEDs is that much higher than HPS. This rule only applies for LEDs that are achieving 2.6 µmol/J or higher in terms of efficacy. A light with 120 x 10W chips with fan cooling will be achieving about 1.6 µmol/J and therefore will only match a 150W HPS.
No they can’t. LED lights can be broad spectrum but only the sun can be full spectrum.