Journal December 25, 2012

The 150 watt LED grow light  has been installed, so the conversion to total LED lighting is now complete.  In addition to the savings on fluorescent tubes, the use of LEDs in the grow chamber will reduce energy consumption by about 2500 watts per day, so all in all it is a no brainer decision.

The light levels, with the lights at the heights shown, are from 1,000 to 4,000 footcandles in each system.  Those levels are more than adequate for lettuce and greens.  And, with multiple lights, it will be a simple matter to replace an ebb and flow system with a tray of flower or vegetable seedlings for the greenhouse or garden when required.

Actually, there is a front panel that encloses the entire grow chamber, and it is also covered with reflective mylar, so the light levels will be slightly higher when the chamber is fully enclosed.  An additional benefit is that the LEDs produce practically no heat, so there is little chance of burning the tips of the plants should they get too close to the lights.