My question is really for clarity to make sure the terms "Lower (or raise) your light" vs just use the dimmer switch are mostly synonymous.
Why I ask the question:
When I look at advice on the forums, I often see someone tell the person to raise the light if there is light stress. Then I might see someone advise someone to lower the lights if a seedling is getting too tall.
My guess is that this is advice that has been passed down for years before LED lights (with dimmer switches). Those phrases just became part of the vernacular with online advice.
To add to that guess, this advice was given before folks were closely tracking PPFD and more DLI (before tools and apps make it easy to know more exactly what the proton count is barreling down on the leaves).
So with this question set up, am I correct that this previous (and current) advice is saying the same (or similar) to someone using the dimmer switch to increase or decrease light intensity?
Of course, if the dimmer is already maxed out or at the dimmest already, then moving the light makes sense.
I ask all this because I think I am right with my assumptions. Mainly, because I like having my light way up high and out of the way and then dialing in the PPFD or DLI to what is required in the moment. With the light up at the top of the tent then any heat created is no longer an issue. Some might say, more importantly, keep it up high to quit banging your head on the light.
I have the luxury of mounting up high because I have plenty of watts to work with, so I understand if someone is running lower wattage lights has to bring them in closer or further away to solve a problem.
Another reason I ask this question is to make there is no special benefit to have your lights closer to the canopy for the plants to flourish. In other words, the closeness is something that is important for healthier photosyntesis (assuming the PPFD is dialed in properly with the dimmer).
I've used to many words, but I close it this way (tell me if I am wrong):
Lower your light = raise your light's intensity by turning up your dimmer switch.
Raise your light = lower your light's intensity by turning down your dimmer switch.
Why I ask the question:
When I look at advice on the forums, I often see someone tell the person to raise the light if there is light stress. Then I might see someone advise someone to lower the lights if a seedling is getting too tall.
My guess is that this is advice that has been passed down for years before LED lights (with dimmer switches). Those phrases just became part of the vernacular with online advice.
To add to that guess, this advice was given before folks were closely tracking PPFD and more DLI (before tools and apps make it easy to know more exactly what the proton count is barreling down on the leaves).
So with this question set up, am I correct that this previous (and current) advice is saying the same (or similar) to someone using the dimmer switch to increase or decrease light intensity?
Of course, if the dimmer is already maxed out or at the dimmest already, then moving the light makes sense.
I ask all this because I think I am right with my assumptions. Mainly, because I like having my light way up high and out of the way and then dialing in the PPFD or DLI to what is required in the moment. With the light up at the top of the tent then any heat created is no longer an issue. Some might say, more importantly, keep it up high to quit banging your head on the light.
I have the luxury of mounting up high because I have plenty of watts to work with, so I understand if someone is running lower wattage lights has to bring them in closer or further away to solve a problem.
Another reason I ask this question is to make there is no special benefit to have your lights closer to the canopy for the plants to flourish. In other words, the closeness is something that is important for healthier photosyntesis (assuming the PPFD is dialed in properly with the dimmer).
I've used to many words, but I close it this way (tell me if I am wrong):
Lower your light = raise your light's intensity by turning up your dimmer switch.
Raise your light = lower your light's intensity by turning down your dimmer switch.