FlyTrapCare Forums

In my "Nepenthes Jamban Disappointment (https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=ht ... are_type=t)" thread it was brought to my attention that my current lighting setup isn't adequate.

I really don't want to use fluorescents if I can help it and would much rather use LEDs - all premade systems seem expensive. Very interested in making my own around 3500-4000k (maybe something similar to one of these: http://www.bmlhorticulture.com/individu ... te-series/), just don't know where to start or really how do do it. Any recommendations? Thanks a million!

If you want a cheaper option that's easier to build, you might look into this: http://www.rapidled.com/solderless-kits/ These kits are pretty popular for the bar-style you linked and can be good options for shelves or terrariums. The only item you need to provide is a heatsink (basically an aluminum rail of whatever length you want.)

If you're comfortable with soldering, you can get the ultra premium kits for about 16.7% less.

nimbulan wrote:If you want a cheaper option that's easier to build, you might look into this: http://www.rapidled.com/solderless-kits/ These kits are pretty popular for the bar-style you linked and can be good options for shelves or terrariums. The only item you need to provide is a heatsink (basically an aluminum rail of whatever length you want.)

If you're comfortable with soldering, you can get the ultra premium kits for about 16.7% less.

Okay, thank you! So would their non-dimable ones be what I want? http://www.rapidled.com/12-solderless-l ... -dimmable/

Also, I'm not sure how many lights to get.

Oh and I already have these LED panels for work in the studio, would these happen to work as well (just until I get something more permanent)?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG0LOLI/re ... FxbVXWYBNG


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I imagine those would work, but being as those panels are intended for accurate color reproduction rather than plant growth, they won't be as efficient. It looks like those are basically supersized COB LEDs similar to my single-chip fixture, they even run at the same voltage.

nimbulan wrote:I imagine those would work, but being as those panels are intended for accurate color reproduction rather than plant growth, they won't be as efficient. It looks like those are basically supersized COB LEDs similar to my single-chip fixture, they even run at the same voltage.

Haha. That's awesome! How do I know which package will work on the DIY (again, plant lighting noob)... I guess I'll use my LED panels in the interim


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You just need to choose whether you want a dimmable or a non-dimmable fixture, then figure out how many LEDs you need. I'll have to do some calculations to figure out how many LEDs you'd want to use per foot of grow space as it doesn't directly state how bright they're supposed to be.

I'm planning on getting a stand that has 2 or three shelves. Maybe 3 square feet, but a couple levels?


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I want to say somewhere in the range of 6-8 LEDs per square foot of grow space would be a good number to shoot for, but don't quote me on that. By my calculations that would provide a similar light level to a 2 bulb T5 fixture that's mounted 6 inches above the pots though with lenses you could mount the LEDs higher. I'd like to get some input from others who have done DIY LED light bars.

nimbulan wrote:I want to say somewhere in the range of 6-8 LEDs per square foot of grow space would be a good number to shoot for, but don't quote me on that. By my calculations that would provide a similar light level to a 2 bulb T5 fixture that's mounted 6 inches above the pots though with lenses you could mount the LEDs higher. I'd like to get some input from others who have done DIY LED light bars.

AH. OKAY. Where do I find an adequate heat sink?


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What's wrong with 100 watt CFL's ? I have great success with them extending my VFT craze through the winter. Great for giving seedlings a long 1st summer. You know what? I think I'm going to finish my thoughts on this in my own post: "Whats wrong with 100 watt CFL's?"