LED lighting

[pikespeak62]

Has anyone here started growing under LEDs?
I currently grow under HID lighting, but my ballast is starting to act up and I'm researching LEDs.
I'd like to use less energy.
Anyone?
Kathy

[amybudorchids]

Hi-Isn't LED's expensive?

[squire]

i grow under LEDS in winter. they work really well.
they can put out a lot of light depending on your set up.
Believe it or not i actually damaged a Phal by putting it under LEDs with that being said, its because i put it too close to the lamp. i should have had it about a foot lower as it was a low light phal.

Again i reccomend them. you can make them yourself pretty cheap. or buy pne premade for about 100 dollars.

one thing i noticed is when my catts, well some of them. when they get maximum light under the LEDS they go a little purple and flurescent green

Good luck!

[hera]

I've been using LEDs for about three months now and so far I'm very pleased with the results. When I buy more lights I will get another LED set.

[vanda_obsession]

I started using LED's about a year ago. Just don't buy the ones made in china! They are JUNK! I bought three, two from USA and one from china, the one from china is of course in the 'to go to the garbage pile'. My first year using it I had the orchids too close to the lights and the leaves turned purple. I have since moved the LED's up to the top shelf and my orchids on the 3rd shelf and so far so good! Very little heat and haven't noticed it on our electric bill. I run them from 8:30 am to about 5 pm this time of year. These are pictures from last year and like I said, I had to move the panels to the top shelf. The other ones that people are talking about that are $100 are probably better quality, but I haven't had issues with my two remaining (USA made) panels

BTW: I paid about $40 each for the American made panels, and $10 for the china one off ebay.

[amybudorchids]

I meant by expensive the amount of electricity cost!! sorry!!

[katrina]

LEDs are the most economical the run. Far less than most other lighting. And, the bulbs don't have to be replaced as often as other lighting. Overall...much cheaper to operate and maintain...it's the upfront purchasing that's more expensive.