Screw in LEDs Distance to Canopy

Indoor Growing
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Hey there Mr.Sparkle. I’ve been reading all over the other forum(s) but was curious to get your feedback on screw in LED distance.

I’ve got 2700k / 5000k both at 100watt equivalent (the philips led non dimms). I also have the 5000k at 60watt equiv (philips again). All lights have domes removed.

What would you recommend the distance be from canopy (seed > flower)?
When I’m in close, I’m not too fond of the spotlight affect so prefer to back them up, yet I know if I back off too much they’ll lose effectiveness. I’ve got a lux meter but have heard it’s not the most accurate in measuring LED effectiveness.

Thank you!

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I’ll defer to The Man himself, but you’ll have to experiment a little, IMO.

cuttings & clones: 2’(or even more)
veg/flower: 1’+ (10" is pushing it in my experience but cooler temps/more airflow maybe could do it)

and honestly strains vary on everything it seems, and the plant vigor/health status is a huge factor.

If he’s lucky he’s already on vacation… :wink: :smile:

:evergreen_tree:

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Thanks for the reply! Does this apply to the 100watt AND the 60watt? Distance wise that is.

And I ask b/c last I read, some people were recommending 2-3 inches with a 60watt equiv, and 3-5 inches with a 100watt.

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Hello @Sideways, welcome to OG.

In general I would suggest 6-12 inches for screw in LEDs (SIL). You definitely do not want hot/bright spots, rather want the canopy to be as even as possible.

I also recommend using the actual wattage of these bulbs, not the equivalent. You should try to get 30-40 actual watts per square foot.

:+1::seedling:

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^^^ Reiko is on point, ideally as close as possible while getting away from the cones of light and dark that occur.

And to back up yeah 35w-50w “actual” is good

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Hey thanks! Actual wattage are 8 watts and 14 watts :slight_smile:

@Mr.Sparkle

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6 inches away from bulbs have worked for me on seedlings using 13 watt bulbs; vegging plants no closet than 3 or 4. Flowering plants, up to 1 or 2 is as close as they can be, and that is cutting ir close.

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leaders/editors/mods… @Mr.Sparkle shall we edit these away to another thread?
:thinking: :bulb:

:evergreen_tree: :wastebasket: :recycle: :smile:

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Done!

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I use a 7 socket splitter, with 2 optional side cones as needed for extra penetration with my SIL’s:

IMG_20180830_193707.jpg1944×2592 1.47 MB

My plant was finicky though, it did not like closer than 18" during veg or it would start getting light burn, didn’t accept closer distances until flowering.

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