Repti-glo light question

Hi

I have 2 Repti-glo lights 1 is a repti-glo 2.0 running 26watts at 6700K imo a VERY nice white light for vegging. But the site talks about it emitting UVA radiation. I want to know if this is a nono for my plants or if it is okay, maybe not until a certain age/size?

Secondly I have a 10.0 which if you look at the link http://www.thereptileoutlet.com/lighting_36.html it is a Ultra high UVB output light. It shines nearly half as bright as the 2.0 in regards to blinding brightness, and has a much more yellow weak look to it. I do not like the color nor the amount of light so i am not using it, unless someone can explain to me if ultra high UVB can be good in any point of a plants life..?

Lastly. the 5.0 which I haven't had the chance to look at in action yet seems to be very high in the blue spectrum of light, which I know is good for plants, but also claims to have High UVB output..

If anyone has any idea what these lights are operating in regards to lumens it would be highly appreciated, imo the 2.0 is at least 1600 lumen probably more.
and any idea of the 5.0-10.0 kelvin temps the link does say nm wavelength but i dont know how to translate that into actual temps.

Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.


Josh1r out

You got uvb bulbs. They are not supposed to be high in lumens, they emit uvb waves. Which is beneficial for your plants in flowering stage. I would use some t-5s or spiral cfl's. Use as many as you can fit and keep that 5.0 for later.

uv lights aren't usually designed to put out a spectrum for growth, but uvb is known to be beneficial during flower and perhaps veg. however i googled your light (the 2.0) and it says it puts out light in the 6700k range, which should work well for you, particularly in veg. the uvb is a good thing, but since little is published about using it on cannabis, there's no common consensus on how much is good or how much is too much. i don't forsee any problems using those bulbs, but as far as calculating lumens, you would have to find out from the manufacturer.

Ya I found the repti-glo catalogue http://www.hagen.com/pdf/reptiles/Exo_Terra_Lighting_Guide_EN.pdf it's got some really scientifical information on light and the hemisphere etc... more based on reptiles OBVIOUSLY.. but interesting read if your bored.
After doing a bit more of my digging. I came to the conclusion that the reptiglo 26w spiral 6700k light emits somewhere around 2250-2400 lumens. good enough for now, i just picked up a 400w Mh light today, but i am not going to use that yet seeing as the "plants" are just STARTING TO POKE THERE HEADS OUT OF THE GROW MEDIUM!!!!! Its been 48 hours. i have HIGH hopes

The UVB light will seriously damage your eyes. These are not grow lights. UVB is what causes sunburn and skin cancer. Some UVB <may> increase resin production, but will kill your plants in high doses. It will also blind you. I suggest you get something less hazardous.

Thanks Red1966, I will only use the repti-glo 2.0's seeing as they are just a tad bit brighter white than my 40W Cfl's emitting 3200 lumens each. Has anyone here experimented with adding some blue colored 13W cfls just to spice up the blue in the mix? I imagine it wont hurt?

ps. In case you are wondering. i am just trying to figure out what works for me and others, in regards to early plant life devolopment etc.

I correct myself, 1420 lumens for a 2.0 repti glo.. not bad though for a 26w, the link i posted has the charts on the UVB #s. the 10.0 is (mw/cm2) 400, the 5.0 is (mw/cm2) 200 and the 2.0 is (mw/cm2) 40... So the 2.0 is 1/10th the UVB and imo would be safe in comparison. I also just found out that the 5.0 has a Kelvin Temp of 21000... Is that to much or would that be okay to use assuming 200(mw/cm2) from the 5.0 isn't damaging to the plant.. ?

Ps. Sorry for all the questions I am high and very intrigued by all of this.


Josh1r Out

Pps. Edit* 1420 lumens not a bad # IMO. lol.

I've keep reptiles with uvb bulbs for years, if you think they are dangerous then you better not go outside either lol. They are perfectly safe, they dont emit as much as a sunny day outside. They are actually usuless more than 12" -18" away from surface. I think the biggest one they sell only penetrates a Max of 15" down. I wouldn't rest it on my nut sac though.