Thank you for the compliments on the picture. Yes, but that goal of 75 grams per square foot is lower than our normal goals since the wattage is lower than normal. We and many of our customers hit 80-100+ grams per square foot with multiple strains ranging from hazes to OG type of strains. If you check out our social media or YouTube account you can find images, video, and timelapse. We won’t know if this test hits the 75+ grams per square foot mark with the lower wattage for at least another 4 weeks. Either way, we will learn a lot.
I am sure there are great solutions out there regarding using HPS and avoiding potential crop loss from mercury. I was referring to all of the deployed DE lamps without protective lens in font and those being deployed all the time.
Regarding LED watts, unfortunately many less reputable companies constantly just publish their “HPS equivalency” or “LED watts” which are pretty much useless but we have too many questions to not list it somewhere on our site for those that are looking to compare one worthless number with another. Perhaps you didn’t see the FAQ regarding this: LED Grow Light Watts | True Wattage | Black Dog LED
I see you are listed as a manufacturer, can you share who you work for?
I am working for a company which is specialized in the engeneering and construction of lighting solutions for plant research facilities. So if you ever want to improve your Phyto-Genesis Spectrum® you could use one of our tunable 24 channel LED devices (or better more than one to run test parallelly)
I got the point regarding the LED watt, especially if you focus on home grower, but unfortunatly your explanation is technically not correct and also a bit missleading. The problem is that your “LED watt” suggest that (your) LED devices are 100 percent more effective than CMH/HPS because 1 conventional watt equals 2 LED watt??? And thats, for sure, not the case.
In the end an information about the efficiency in µmol/J would be much more helpfull. All players that focus on B2B clients like @Fluence, @lumigrow, @GrowFlux, @Heliospectra, Illumitex, Valoya etc. are providing that information in combination with the total light output (µmol/s). Beside that informations the spectrum and also the illumination pattern (.ies file or aquivalent) are also important to compare devices. From that starting point the quality of the devices, especially of the thermal management would have to be analysed too… But yes you are right: “Never trust a data sheet you have not faked by yourself”
But I agree that a comparison based only on efficancy is not far-reaching enought since the spectrum can/will make a big difference too… But it is also true that different stains will react differently and that natural light is dynamic. So based on our experience there is no perfect spectrum as long as it is not tunable. It is always a trade-off between efficiency and effectivity.
Reviewing you spectrum I am very confident that the quaility of the flowers will be improved…
You mention different strains reacting differently to different spectrums and asked about yields. What are you seeing for yields both in terms of efficiency grams/watt and also in terms of ability to produce over a given space? Do you have published information regarding this research? I would love to see it based on your research light.
Out of curiosity, how do you test for spectrum and strain as there are thousands of strains and just about limitless combinations of spectrum. This is the challenge we see with adjustable spectrum. Also, any adjustable spectrum light has parts not being used by the customer but are being paid for. As soon as you adjust a light from its maximum power some of the LEDs are being turned down or even off to adjust the spectrum. We see cost being a major challenge for customers so giving them a light in which they can use 100% of the potential is important to us.
Thank you for the kind words about our spectrum. We have spent over 8 years refining it based on our applied research as well as other great research available.
As a lighting specialist, how do you feel about our original LST research regarding spectrum and how it effects optimal growing temperature? https://www.blackdogled.com/LST
Efficient lighting is important but if you want to go as low as possible, energy-wise, you should have a look at how you adjust your relative humidity and how it affects the way you maintain temperature. You can reduce a lot of your energy consumption by using more efficient technologies for both as well as staying within optimal limits, without over doing it.
Humidity alone can account for a hefty percentage of energy consumption in closed grow operations, due to an inefficient treatment method. Many facilities, for example, have an over-sized HVAC system in order to maintain a low relative humidity level as well as temperatures. With an efficient dehumidifier you can separate the two, allowing each system to focus on what it does best. When humidity is maintained you can drastically reduce temperature control and the overall outcome is a serious reduction in energy consumption.
The price of cannabis usually allows growers to go a bit overboard unnecessarily. A little limiting may actually be a good thing for both sides. If anything, these regulations are probably a step in the right direction.
No other plant industry is regulated this way. Not modern agriculture practices (fruit, vegetables and grains), animal products (dairy products, meat, eggs), the floriculture, bedding plant or holiday plant industry. None of them help critically ill patients the way the MMJ industry does, it’s just another way to stifle growth until big Pharma, Big Alcohol and the religious right can figure it out.
Sustainability - not only is it the answer to how natural resources should be managed, infrastructure planning and financials, but a consideration on where we live, how we commute, what we eat, packaging and dispose of waste and the carrying capacity of the world’s population.
Consumption - There is a real need to scrutinize other industries for their use of energy and its impact. Consider glass and steel production, industrial machine manufacturing, bakeries, breweries, athletic events, vegetable and fruit processing and the most guilty user of non renewable resources the transportation industry. It’s still more sustainable to buy and produce locally NOT globally and it gives you a sense of community.
it costs you nothing to be kind.