Supplemental lighting ???

  • Supplemental lighting ???

    Posted by Stillsmokinone on July 14, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    I’ve noticed on my DLI meter, on the outside parts of my canopy that it drops by 10 DLI compared to the middle. I’m running a Mars Hydro ts 1000 (150w) about 45 DLI seventeen inches above the canopy and I’m getting about 30 DLI around the outside Is there any benefit to adding a couple small (45w) lights on either side of the main.. or should I spin the plants around every other week? Tyia

    Thickems replied 1 week, 2 days ago 5 Members · 10 Replies
  • 10 Replies
  • Thickems

    Member
    July 14, 2025 at 5:36 pm
    DGC Associate ProducerFree Membership

    Check ppfd with a par meter. Dli shouldnt drop 10 just to edge of light. Make sure its set proper to light hours and spectrum. As long as your light intensity is in correct ppfd you dli should be fine

    • This reply was modified 1 week, 5 days ago by  Thickems.
    • Stillsmokinone

      Member
      July 14, 2025 at 5:51 pm
      Free Membership

      1000+ ppfd in the middle and 820 near the edges..? Pretty sure the meter Max’s out at 1000.. the one I have..

      • Thickems

        Member
        July 14, 2025 at 5:58 pm
        DGC Associate ProducerFree Membership

        I use ppfd meter app. Im sure there are many out there, kinda all vary i guess. That dont seem really off. Are you noticing a bad grow on the edges? Spinning can definitely help even the canopy. Space between plants can allow side branches to reach up. Then agreed as well, making sure the light is for proper space. I have never used mars hydro, i cant imagine much different that spider farmer when i started. A high quality light wont ever stear you wrong.

        • meangreentokerland

          Member
          July 14, 2025 at 9:06 pm

          Without a diffuser, the angle of light is everything. Without a difuser the apps are junk. It is as simple as using a piece of the right weight paper an to cover your lens.

  • hollywoodmike

    Member
    July 14, 2025 at 5:38 pm
    DGC ProducerFree Membership

    Losing intensity around the edges is normal for any light but adding additional can help but take into account power usage and extra heat generated. If you’re going to spend more money on side lights maybe invest in a better light that will fit your space. I started with mars hydro lights and still use some of them but I migrated to Horticulture Lighting Group fixtures and they are worth the money. Plus you can search for discount codes for all manufacturers and usually get 15-25% off. Good luck, pick the best option for your budget.

  • smokythebear

    Member
    July 15, 2025 at 4:25 am
    DGC ProducerFree Membership

    I’ve been growing along time

    Tried it

    The only thing I saw get bigger was my utility bill… 😂

    I usually lollipop my ladies and concentrate on my canopy… Light doesn’t stray off that toooo much but still I get great quality herb 🌿

    And I’m growing for quality not quantity… These are my last batches .. just put two more to flower.. and revenging that one to the right for her 4th season

    • Stillsmokinone

      Member
      July 15, 2025 at 5:18 pm
      Free Membership

      Right on, my girls are on there 3rd season. Only reason I’m considering it is because I already have the lights… When I turn them on I can see it gets visibly brighter… But on my meter it doesn’t really show much difference. I don’t think they can hit 30 DLI on their own so the main light kinda washes them out. I’m thinking I’m just going to spin them every couple days.. try to keep it even.

      • smokythebear

        Member
        July 15, 2025 at 8:05 pm
        DGC ProducerFree Membership

        Maby .. I’m not smart enough to learn about light … Or just don’t care…lol.. my girls are great so it’s a personal thing I guess

        • Stillsmokinone

          Member
          July 16, 2025 at 2:54 pm
          Free Membership

          Just hit week 4… I too prefer quality.. 😜

          • Thickems

            Member
            July 17, 2025 at 3:09 pm
            DGC Associate ProducerFree Membership

            How are they so developed for week 4? Bunch of orange hairs, bulkyness….. boof

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