What's the diff between raising or lowering the height of the lights versus lower the dimmer switch to control the amount of light the plants are getting?
The long and short of it is that your light disperses/defuses within inches.
So if you can dim your lights you can put the light closer and increase you efficientcy by using less electricity and still putting the photons on the plant.
I don't have a dimmer so I have to run full blast at a higher level.
Also, your LEDs have a life span and running at full runs that life down faster.
Underdriven LEDs can last many time longer than expected VS full power.
Another advantage is the lower heat output.
To properly dial it in, you will need a par meter, you could use a lux meter but it will not be as accurate.
@alworley5 Pretty much yeah. As long as the distance provides the adequate amount of PAR for the plants for what stage growth they are in. Looking at the PAR charts will help give you an idea on that one.
@Mr. Grow It unfortunately I haven't invested in a PAR meter. Going to try and eyeball it and watch the plants and their response to the lights when I adjust the power and heights.
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The long and short of it is that your light disperses/defuses within inches.
So if you can dim your lights you can put the light closer and increase you efficientcy by using less electricity and still putting the photons on the plant.
I don't have a dimmer so I have to run full blast at a higher level.
Also, your LEDs have a life span and running at full runs that life down faster.
Underdriven LEDs can last many time longer than expected VS full power.
Another advantage is the lower heat output.
To properly dial it in, you will need a par meter, you could use a lux meter but it will not be as accurate.
Good Growing
Energy consumption. Why use 300 watts on seedlings when you can dim the fixture and use less than 100 watts - that's just one example.
I would think nothing other than cost. Lights on 100% at 24 inches cost more to run than 50% at 12 inches.
I will be using a spider sf 2000 with dimmers