The 99CRI strips are probably great for photography, or just making it seem like you're outside when you're inside, but even though I was an early adopter of 90CRI I don't consider CRI a useful metric for growing plants.
I like 3000K 90CRI cobs just fine for a full cycle/flowering spectrum and I know I can get it in the 55-60% efficiency range for a reasonable price. I would consider going straight monos if the price/performance is right. I think a 10% blue 90% 630-660nm lamp would probably be very low CRI.
I am likely committing a crime posting on an old link.. It hurts getting slapped, but I am searching for the light. Total infant to growing, but as an old dude, I know some things... Like details make the project. I couldn't decide between cmh and led, I like the led as its pretty low tech.
So I will build. I spent a couple of weeks reading about light for cannabis, listening to podcasts from growers and educators, came to the conclusion that I should make all available spectrum for plant to use as it sees fit. Looking at all the led choices I was a little disappointed till I saw 90~98cri Lighting strip modules. I can augment the bottom with UVB and A up to the point the leds pick up the slack, I should be
covered..right?? I know I'm ocd, and obsessing over this, but lighting is the one non transient part of this grow equation. Get the right tool first.
In my search I came across cutter.com. Really like the products over there. Thought I had chosen a cree 98 cri board with fat spectrum, then you guys pointed me to a Migro vid where he compared luminus to cree, and cree fell short. So now I am seeking a few subtle yet tangible increases in light for energy spent, if in fact they exist to a degree its worth the money. I dont care about elect used, just light to plants.
More light per strip, so thats always good.. right? As I struggle in the quagmire of information and options, slowly sinking, I wonder if I have missed some entirely superior light OK, someone upstream/rollitup, said spectrum or high cri isnt a big deal? Dont we all want everything an led can give? Why consider an 80 if you can have a 98?
Not trying to stir anything up, lots of opinions out there, just want to know if im all wrong.. Peace.
Below are the cutter board, the optisolus, and the Samsung strip I almost ordered. Which would you want for your plants?
