Tank with new LEDs

Hi all, I recently replaced a bank of six T5 bulbs with two 48" LED bars from BML Horticulture. The difference was immediate: temps inside the tank have dropped an average of eight degrees during the day, requiring less heat ventilation (and accordingly less loss of humidity), and some of the plants already appear less stressed. The color of the light is quite different from fluorescent, appearing "cooler" to the eye, but it looks very natural. The folks at BML are very helpful with advice, and they make a quality product.
- Stephen

 

The tank is a baker's rack from Home Depot that was enclosed on back and sides with white corrugated poly plastic. Top and front are clear plexiglass, with air holes drilled into the top, and the front two sliding panels on shower door tracks are completely removable. I've got two fans wired in, and a cool-mist humidifier pumped into the back through a thick piece of tubing.

I was using HO T5s. Just got too darned hot inside the tank and a lot of my plants suffered. After discussion with the folks at BML, I opted for their new Orchid Spectrum LEDs, 75 degree beam angle.

 

The bottom is repurposed humidity trays. They're two inches deep so they collect plenty of water, and the fans help evaporate the excess, adding to the humidity.

Fixture length was easy: the rack is 48" long, so I just got 48" fixtures. They're no brighter than the T5 bulbs were, and so far the plants seem to be reacting very well to them. The folks at BML recommended the 75 degree beam angle based on the length, width, and depth of the tank.