How close is too close to LEDs?

[ivory420]

I am testing out the Maxisun 600W LED lamp and doing some very basic lux measurements using the LUX app and my new Galaxy phone.
Based on the readings I've had to squeeze 3 of these lamps into a 2x4 grow tent just to get even coverage throughout the grow area and to measure 80,000 LUX.
That seems like a lot!
What's more: I am getting very close to the lamps - some tops are 4 INCHES away but they seem fine so far...HOW MUCH CLOSER CAN THEY GET?

NOTE: I saw a tremendous growth spurt after adding a third light to even the coverage and up the LUX. I'll add that I am 2 weeks into Flower and I haven't seen this strain grow much after switching to 12/12 in the past.

 

[Nixs]

Maybe until you see leaves bleaching or showing light stress

 

[1212ham]

I am testing out the Maxisun 600W LED lamp and doing some very basic lux measurements using the LUX app and my new Galaxy phone.
Based on the readings I've had to squeeze 3 of these lamps into a 2x4 grow tent just to get even coverage throughout the grow area and to measure 80,000 LUX.
That seems like a lot!
What's more: I am getting very close to the lamps - some tops are 4 INCHES away but they seem fine so far...HOW MUCH CLOSER CAN THEY GET?

NOTE: I saw a tremendous growth spurt after adding a third light to even the coverage and up the LUX. I'll add that I am 2 weeks into Flower and I haven't seen this strain grow much after switching to 12/12 in the past.

You don't have 1800w in a 2×4, plants would be toast. Just looked them up, 180w blurples, obsolete. Buy white lights next time, 30-40w/square foot with good LED.

80,000 lux is a LOT and that app probably isn't accurate, try Photone app for iPhone. 4" is too close. 12"-18" sounds better, people with blurple experience can better advise you.

 

[Billy the Mountain]

The phone light meter apps are wildly inaccurate on android devices due to differing hardware/software. They should be calibrated against a known reference to be useful.

A far better option is a $20 Uni-T lux meter that measures within a few percent of an MQ-500 PAR meter as confirmed by Migro.

A legit 80,000 LUX is way too high.

4" is almost certainly too close for comfort.

 

[HydoDan]

You can't measure blurple with a lux meter!

 

[Billy the Mountain]

Good point, I missed the blurple.

 

[hotrodharley]

Quantum Par Meter - High Precision, Rechargeable & Long Standby, Grow Light meter, Indoor Plants meter, Good for Growing droseras and All Indoor Plants… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WX8D3LB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_D7FT1AZ6KQA6B5EWCFA0

$180 and worth every nickel. Stick it under the light and voila - you know immediately. No math conversions or anything else. Read it and heed it. Or raise and lower and guess. People have a drawer full of crap pH meters that take a crap quickly but they keep buying and trying. Yet they hesitate to buy a tool that works. Recharges like your phone.

 

[ivory420]

Quantum Par Meter - High Precision, Rechargeable & Long Standby, Grow Light meter, Indoor Plants meter, Good for Growing droseras and All Indoor Plants… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WX8D3LB/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_D7FT1AZ6KQA6B5EWCFA0

$180 and worth every nickel. Stick it under the light and voila - you know immediately. No math conversions or anything else. Read it and heed it. Or raise and lower and guess. People have a drawer full of crap pH meters that take a crap quickly but they keep buying and trying. Yet they hesitate to buy a tool that works. Recharges like your phone.

Yeah but ... they're $60 lights. At what point am I killing a mosquito with a bazooka?

If I were to buy this meter(and I am NOT saying I don't want to) I would best use it on some four figure light$.

 

[hotrodharley]

Yeah but ... they're $60 lights. At what point am I killing a mosquito with a bazooka?

If I were to buy this meter(and I am NOT saying I don't want to) I would best use it on some four figure light$.

Remember your reasoning later. Unless you are not planning on doing better.

 

[hotrodharley]

I have body armor. Will I use it often? I hope not. Is it perfect? Not if they're shooting steel. Or they're a good shot and hit you at the openings.

For those lurking or reading later. This is how you set a $60 grow light for maximum effect with no chance of damage.

 

[hotrodharley]

If these were the ticket for anything really practical for more than a few small plants don't you think they'd be the talk? Sold Out?

 

[PadawanWarrior]

I have body armor. Will I use it often? I hope not. Is it perfect? Not if they're shooting steel. Or they're a good shot and hit you at the openings.

For those lurking or reading later. This is how you set a $60 grow light for maximum effect with no chance of damage.

I'm just trying to picture you with your armor on.