Orchid Web Led bulbs

[greenpassion]

I am so glad to find threads from people who are familiar with these new bulbs. I just bought 2 of the chip tec Led bulbs, which have a wide beam, and 2 60 diode Led's for the center track heads directly above my plants. Can anyone tell me how they're working for them??:blowkisses

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't have experience with them, but do look forward to hearing how they work for you, and others' experiences as well

[terryros]

I know that Jerry Fischer at Orchids Limited thinks the bulbs you bought can get the job done, but that the more expensive MR16 and BR30 bulbs have more output and will do a better job. It takes less illumination than people think to grow acceptably indoors because you have steady illumination throughout the day, particularly if you have appropriate wavelengths of light. The problem with footcandles/lumens is that it isn't necessarily telling you the amount of illumination of the wavelength you want. As pointed out by others in the various chains going about this topic, focusing with a lens also enhances the illumination because you are not losing light radiating out into the room. I know that companies may not tell the truth, but the datasheets published by ALTLED company that makes the MR16 and BR30 LEDs sold by Orchids Limited show that at 30 inches above a growing zone, the MR16 7w 38 degree dispersion natural white bulb will create a cone of illumination that has a diameter of approximately 21 inches at the base with 246 fc (2,648 lux) illumination. Bottom line for me is that after 6 months using only LEDs of these two types I have good growth, spiking and blooming happening with different genera, great reduction in heat production compared to my previously fluorescent filled room, natural looking plants and flowers, and I love having the lights much higher above the plants than I could have the fluorescents. In the end, we have to experiment with what actually works to grow and bloom our plants in an artificial environment. I will never be fortunate enough to have a greenhouse and natural sunlight illumination, so I search for the best combination I can find in my indoor room. I am fortunate enough that I can invest the upfront increased cost of these LEDs to get the longer term benefits. They don't need to be better than fluorescents in terms of growth/blooming for me to be happy because I needed the heat reduction and height over the plants.

[greenpassion]

Wow! Thank you so much for that Terryros. I don't have the $ at the moment to get the MR16 7w's, but with the chip tec's and the 60diode's, it may be all I need. I feel much better after having read your post, and thanks to Paul and Phillip as well. I wish there was a way to get those little smilie faces in these quick replies!!

[greenpassion]

Just wanted to say that my bulbs are all set up, and I am really happy with them. It's too soon to tell how my orchids will do, but I am very hopeful. I have 2 chip tec bulbs (which throw a very wide beam) on either side of 2 60diode led bulbs (which are very bright and have a narrower beam,(38 degree) and my plants, now up to a wopping 7, are on a humidity tray, about 2 1/2 ft. from the light. I have clean sharp shadows, and no discernable heat from the track heads. The light is clean white, like day light. The whole set up is out in my living area, and looks great. Don't know if it'll be the same after this storm, but well, my fingers are crossed!