Manu, I have to question the validity of that light output reading for the Vaxer lamp.

A foot candle is a lumen/square foot. If that reading was right at the lamp, let alone at a distance of a foot, (at which point the intensity would be greatly reduced), that would imply they are getting 300 lumens per watt out of the lamp, and to the best of my knowledge that would be more than double the output of ANY LED so-far produced?

Hey Ray,

I agree with you... But my light meter doesn't lie..

I can do a video of it if you don't believe it!

My light meter works fine with my CFLs or in direct sun light... Why would I get an erroneous reading on the LED...!?

My CFLs produce under 1000 FC at the same distance.

I was extremely surprised myself as the bulb is rated 1000 lumens vs I think 800 lumens for my current CFLs. I was expecting more light, but not 3 times the light.

Another point is they generate a lot more heat then a regular LED bulb, I'd say close to the same as my CFLs. I'd be interested in measuring the actual power draw of this bulb, I have a feeling it's more then 10W.

I'm quite curious about these LEDs as well. 1000fc for a CFL sounds about right. My T5HO puts out 700 fc at around 7 inches or so. Here is the product link for anyone that is interested.
VAXER LED plant light bulb PAR30 E26 - - - IKEA

Wow I guess Ikea really loves Canada, 13$CAD for Canadians or 15$ USD if you live south of the border!

Link for Canadians
VAXER LED plant light bulb PAR30 E26 - - - IKEA

I'm going to buy a few more to replace some CFLs next week and see if I get the same light output..

I have been looking for a solution to increase the light in my setup, and I think you helped me find it! I have tried CFLs in the past (and got the reading I posted above). Does the light spread well for these? In other words, would I need one for each plant?

Glad I could help. Do you have an Ikea near you? If not we can arrange something, I'd be glad to help a fellow orchid enthusiast.

The light spreads quite well from a distance. I have the bulb about 12 inches above the plants and it covers I'd say about 12 inches x 12 inches. If you try to have it at 6 inches from the canopy I'd think you'd get half that coverage but the light output would also incresse significantly. The other advantage is being a PAR bulb, you don't really need additional reflectors (even though they'd probably help a bit)

I'm at my cottage now, will be back home tomorrow or Saturday. I'll take more readings and measurements. I think I might create a seperate post for these bulbs.

I do have an IKEA nearby, but thank you very much for offering the help! I'd be very interested in seeing the separate post though!

Also, Manu, thank you for the detailed explanation of your setup!

Apparently (according to Extech, who makes meters) white LEDs emit a strong peak in the just-outside-visible wavelengths (also not used by plants) that some meter are sensitive to. That's all I can figure (keeping in mind that I'm on vacation, and "adult beverages" might be involved).

But as I stated earlier, the lumens per watt your meter suggests is not technologically possible, so no matter the reason for the error, the light levels are not to be trusted.

Ray, with all due respect, it wouldn't be the first time Ikea brings to market new innovative products.. I'm not sure what your background is and how you can rule this out without having the products in your hands.

Ikea built those LEDs specifically for plants. Not orchids, but plants you'd eat. Plants that normally require much stronger light then most orchids.

They are extremely bright. I've never seen a 10W light make this much light. This is easily 3 times stronger then anything I've seen before. Time will tell how they perform and how my plants like them, but I'm confident it will yield great results. I'm seeing the growth rate of my Catasetinaes really increase since I did the switch over them. My vanilla planifolia is now aiming towards that bulb even though the CFL is much closer.. this to me is even stronger indication then a light meter.

I doubt this has anything to do with my meter, even though I must admit this is not professional equipment. If you are equipped professionally and have the background to do a proper analysis of this bulb let me know I'll gladly ship one out to you (or anyone else?)

I took some more readings this morning. Over 30 000 LUX at 12 inches which is more or less 3000 FC.

My 14W CFL rated 650 lumens are giving me about 6000 LUX or 600 FC at 8 inches...

I'm gonna take pictures of this and create a new post.. we can discuss it all there.

---------- Post added at 10:30 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:21 AM ----------

My pleasure. If ever you decide to build something similar and have questions on need any guidance feel free to PM me! My description probably makes it sound more complicated them it really is, just need to be cautious when working with electricity, don't want to get zapped or burn your house down!