Someone smarter than me explain the dimming function on LED lights.

So I have 2 Spider Farmer SF2000 lights in my 4x3 grow room. Both of them have a dimmer control on the driver. What is the point? I currently have 2 auto seedlings popped up and I have both lights 18inches above the plants with full power. They are doing great. No light burn, no discolored leaves, humidity is good. Temp at the plants is about 78 degrees. I just don't understand why the dimmer switch. I've also seen a video online by "Mr Canucks Grow" where he has 2 LEDS similar to mine and he has both of them dimmed to half power above the plants. Why would you not give them full power all the time?

ElectricGrowerOKC said:

Why would you not give them full power all the time?

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I agree with you, no point in running any light really at anything less than full power.. its like economy mode on a sport bike

Because there is an efficiency sweet spot of more lumens/watt at lower drive levels. More light for less energy and heat; of course it takes more LEDs and that is more expensive initially. I run my three panel QB 288 V2 light bars at 200W total draw (including driver) for this very reason.

Because electricity costs money, and there's only so much light your plants can use anyway. Seems pointless to run at 100% the entire flower cycle, I go up from ~50% to 100% in the last few weeks.

Because there's such thing as "too much light" and plants can get burned and seriously damaged by it

Really?

ElectricGrowerOKC said:

Why would you not give them full power all the time?

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my dimmer switches go up to 11.

I have found dimming in stages during ripening to be a beneficial thing. Actually increases yields and bag appeal if done right.

Renfro said:

I have found dimming in stages during ripening to be a beneficial thing. Actually increases yields and bag appeal if done right.

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Yeap last 2 weeks dim light, or raise light, dimmer switches are good for height issues aswell

Thanks for the people that aren't being condescending about my post I appreciate real comments. I guess everyone forgets that at one time they were new to growing too.

ElectricGrowerOKC said:

Thanks for the people that aren't being condescending about my post I appreciate real comments. I guess everyone forgets that at one time they were new to growing too.

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Don't worry about the asshats mucking up your thread.

The dimmers are worth while for many reasons. Wait until you mess up a grow and have a height issue.

That dimmer will help to save your ass.

Wizzlebiz said:

Don't worry about the asshats mucking up your thread.

The dimmers are worth while for many reasons. Wait until you mess up a grow and have a height issue.

That dimmer will help to save your ass.

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Thanks man. Just trying to learn all I can.