New to growing your own tomatoes? This is the forum to learn the successful techniques used by seasoned tomato growers. Questions are welcome, too.
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#1 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
Posts: 38,539
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Now before you guys think I am posting in the wrong section let me explain.
Many of you are just now getting ready to start seeds indoors and setting up your grow lights. we have discussed every aspect of starting seeds from what to start them in to what temperature to do it in. We have discussed heat mats to what kind of light. What we haven't done is talk about a tool that could help us adjust reflectors and what is the best reflector. There are two simple devices I think everyone should have if they want to realy know what is going on. A light meter and maybe a prism. With the light meter you will know how well your lights are doing and where to put them. You can tell what the difference is by how far the lights are from the plants. With the prism you will be able to tell what the color spectrum the lights are putting out. I have tried to use a CD to check the color spectrum but got confused. ![]() If you have a smart phone you can download a light meter app for it. What are your thoughts? Worth |
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#2 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: FL 8b/9a
Posts: 262
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My eyes work pretty well for a light meter for starting seeds. Pretty much the name of the game is getting all the light to fall on the seedlings and not outside the limits. Since different areas have random heights and vigorous seedlings, not any trending, I figure that's all I need. If I want more intensity I look how to add a bulb, again eyeballing it, especially during daytime since if there is background light it seems much easier to me to see any brighter or darker parts.
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#3 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Noblesville, IN
Posts: 112
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I got an app for my phone (Lux Meter). I'm not real impressed. It measures (lux)from front camera instead back. If I could switch between front and rear cam it would be better.
I just took this pic and a few readings. Left side is SSE sun. Right side is T8 65k bulbs ![]() If i put it right on the 65k bulb it will read 5-6k. 3 or 4 inches away it is around 2k. Today is very overcast and it reads around 2k from the sun side. On a sunny day it has hit around 20k. This is going through the twinwall polycarb roof and 2 sheets of plastic. |
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#4 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
Posts: 38,539
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I think the lux was the one I tried too.
I couldn't make heads nor tails of it so I deleted it. ![]() Worth |
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#5 |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 645
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Hi Worth,
I think you will like this (lots more neat info that what you are asking): http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/fluorescent.html |
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#6 | |
Tomatovillian™
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Den of Drunken Fools
Posts: 38,539
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![]() Quote:
I read part of it but I have 20 pounds of pork for making bratwurst begging to be put in the refrigerator. ![]() It is easy to read without a bunch of tech hobble gobble. ![]() I looked down and saw the person had all of their fly traps named. ![]() Worth |
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