Need advice on LED light panels

[Yak54]

Originally Posted by CrazyAboutOrchids

Argh!!! Not just quality control out of the box - but what does it say for longevity? I have been successful ordering Nicrew LED lights for my aquarium - I assume they, too, are made in China. My SF600's are due for delivery today. Will post initial thoughts and some pics today or tomorrow.

I'm sure you will be more successful than I've been ! How could you not ?

Dan

[PaulF]

After more than twenty-five years of using fluorescent shop lights I am going to experiment with one row of LED lighting. This is what is coming soon. Newhouse Lighting 4FT LED Shop Light, 55W (225W Equivalent), 5000 Lumens, 4000K. This does not sound as fancy as what is being talked about but will this do?

[Yak54]

Paul

Fancy isn't required ! Proof is in the pudding. I'd feel better if you were using 2 of these babies. Probably it will work about like your fluorescent shop lights did. You'll be telling us in a while.

[PaulF]

AAAugh! it is a single bulb and I thought it was a double...oh well we shall see what happens. This fixture may become a basement light and I will order a double. Thanks.

[Yak54]

When you get old you start missing details

Dan

[PaulF]

I am just beginning to realize that...had to explain it to my wife why another light order got made.

[Yak54]

Originally Posted by PaulF

I am just beginning to realize that...had to explain it to my wife why another light order got made.

Paul....you can be assured that I'm NOT laughing at you but with you !

Dan

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

Well so far, I'm not making out much better. I was all excited to see my order had shipped, but when it arrived, it was only the heat mat that showed up. Still awaiting lights.

[Yak54]

Is the item perhaps on Back Order ?

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

They came! Packed very nicely with no shipping damage. Will reserve judgement on the wonky wire hangers until I adjust the lights a few times. Old dog, new tricks thing... I am used to chain and caribineer clips. So let's see how I do here with pics...

Old lights... Phillips T8's 4 lights in 2 fixtures = 128 watts per shelf


Unpacked...


New (top) vs Old (bottom)


Both installed... now using 74 watts per shelf


We just installed solar in October so excited to see if the lower wattage will pay off. Lights seem nice, not flimsy. Customer service was fairly non-existant - I couldn't get them to respond to me about the lights that were not received the other day. I only received 1 tracking number for the order and then it was marked complete but I had only rceived the meating mat I ordered. I called, no one answered, I emailed twice, but they did show up and thankfully are both working.

[Yak54]

I'd be interested in hearing from you in a few weeks for an update on this light and what your thoughts are.

Dan

[CrazyAboutOrchids]

Will do! I am not doing away with my lights until I see what happens. I've used those shop lights very successfully for years. I grow on shelves in my basement so my starts get the cold treatment as well. It's a crapshoot what happens to them each year after they go outside, but inside my previous setup always resulted in great plants so these have a tough spot to try and fill.

[Yak54]

Originally Posted by CrazyAboutOrchids

Will do! I am not doing away with my lights until I see what happens. I've used those shop lights very successfully for years. I grow on shelves in my basement so my starts get the cold treatment as well. It's a crapshoot what happens to them each year after they go outside, but inside my previous setup always resulted in great plants so these have a tough spot to try and fill.

Ya I still have two 4 light T8 fixtures that I've been using for the last 10 yrs. with great results.

Dan