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Thread: Does anyone use a light meter?

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  1. #1
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    Carolyn
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    Default Does anyone use a light meter?

    I'm a very technical person, and I often come across FC references to light. I know what that means, but I don't know what my grow areas are. Also Lux vs FC.

    So does anyone use light meters to fine tune their growing? If so what do you recommend? My ideal price range would be under $30

    This will add to my TDS and pH meters ;-)

  2. #2
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    Mike
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    Default

    I purchased a Nicety LX821 a while back (around $75) and works quite well.
    I use to confirm the light levels in my greenhouse are what I expect. One cool thing to me is confirming my 50% shade cloth is actually cutting the light by 50%.
    You can find foot-candle requirements for most orchids easily online and use that setting to place your orchids accordingly.
    Enjoy!

  3. #3
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    Carolyn
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mike H View Post
    One cool thing to me is confirming my 50% shade cloth is actually cutting the light by 50%.
    You can find foot-candle requirements for most orchids easily online and use that setting to place your orchids accordingly.
    Enjoy!
    Yes! This is exactly why I'm interested. $75 is more than I was hoping for, but I can start there and look around.

  4. #4
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    Default

    If you search a bit for this you might be able to get it on your original budget.

  5. #5
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    Carolyn
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tyrfing View Post
    If you search a bit for this you might be able to get it on your original budget.
    I did! :-0

    $32 at amazon. It has LUX and FC (which are 1 LUX = 10 FC, LOL!) But exactly all I need.

    OMG! I am shocked at how I am light starving some plants, and saturating others! My Vanda testacea 'Mary Motes' CHM/AOS was in 7500 FC at about 4:00 PM today (at the leaf). She's happy though, with 4 spikes (pics will come). Actually full sun 24/7, with minimal passing shade from an eastern and a western palm.

    Wow just wow.

    My other vandas in 'morning sun' are probably in 2-3000 FC total. No wonder they're not blooming!

    SOOOO much to learn!

    Eager student,
    Carolyn

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