my cheap diy led light box

[wordwiz]

Dave,

I would suggest you get the plants a lot closer to the lights. I keep the top of mine within 1/2" under the 14-watt panel and 8" under the 45-watt one. It doesn't seem to slow down the initial growth of "legs" but it will the after that spurt.

Mike

 

[LUCKYDOG]

Looks great so far -- Those light are starting to go on sale now too...

 

[PrairieChilihead]

That's a fantastic idea! Very cost effective. Do you get any heat off of those lights or do you still need a heat source inside the box?

 

[Davetaylor]

not box heat from the lights and no other heat source other than the temp inside the house! The strong will survive and the weak will perish

 

[choctlab]

Dave,

Are those lights actually LEDs or, are they the mini incandescents?

For that matter, anyone care to comment on whether mini incandescents would work for this purpose?

 

[Stinky]

Dave,

Are those lights actually LEDs or, are they the mini incandescents?

For that matter, anyone care to comment on whether mini incandescents would work for this purpose?

Like Christmas bulbs??

 

[choctlab]

Like Christmas bulbs??

Yes.

 

[Stinky]

I don't think it would be enough light. Maybe the LED Christmas lights.

 

[Davetaylor]

i'm using led christmas lights

 

[Stinky]

Ya, your seeing if it works. I dont think the traditional one will work.

 

[Davetaylor]

things have been in the box for nearly 3 weeks now and nothing has died.
The lettuces are doing well too

 

[uUu]

things have been in the box for nearly 3 weeks now and nothing has died.
The lettuces are doing well too

Cool!

How are they doing by now? Pictures por favor! Hope there is enough light in those 80 LED`s!

Good luck!

 

[Davetaylor]

i'll take a pic and post up later

 

[Davetaylor]

here they are as of about an hour ago
3 weeks in the box on sunday

 

[imaguitargod]

They look really healthy!

 

[Stinky]

Nice, I would never had guessed that Xmas lights would work. Brilliant!!

 

[scoville]

not box heat from the lights and no other heat source other than the temp inside the house! The strong will survive and the weak will perish

AMEN!
Might have to ease on into walmart for the after xmas sale!

 

[PrairieChilihead]

Dave,

Are those lights actually LEDs or, are they the mini incandescents?

For that matter, anyone care to comment on whether mini incandescents would work for this purpose?

A string or two of the incandescent Christmas lights inside a box which is lined with a reflective material (maybe even aluminum foil) might be bright enough and would produce heat as well. This is very interesting...cost effective and easy to do. Would blue and red bulbs make a difference? Or would white ones be best? How much power would they use if they were running none stop for 3 or 4 months (January-May)...?

 

[Davetaylor]

my string of 80 leds is running at a wallet busting
3.6w

 

[talas]

I have seen this done a certain hemp forum in the U.K and the guys had to increase there number of L.E.D`S TO over 200 per panel to get a good growth spurt,3 weeks they look healthy but have not grown anymore than a plant under window conditions and normal light,You need a light meter to check exactly what your throwing at the seedlings