RE: Is there a light meter you recommend? What is the optimum level for figs? Is the level different for other plants like vegetable seeds?
With the light meter i would suggest to start with any cheaper one. for $40 you can measure basic LUX and fc (foot candles). i have this one https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Meter-Digital-Illuminance-Light-LX1330B/dp/B005A0ETXY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478100698&sr=8-1&keywords=light+meter believe it or not these measurements alone will teach you a ton. just getting this part correct will give you the most results compared to trying to change light spectrum's. light spectrum meters are more costly. you will notice less benefit from playing around with spectrum. most people dont get the basic steps correct and are worried about light spectrums. once you get your meter take some measurements of your grow room, house, and dont forget from the sun. try to mimic the suns output lol. seedlings and small plants dont need the intense light of full sun. this is why we have success using shop lights. once plants get bigger or start fruiting they require a lot more intense light. you dont have to get all scientific. get the basics right and you will have success. place your lights proper distance, provide enough light lux, proper temperature, and water, ect. to give a specific answer on how much light, i haven't tested that. but i do know if shop lights are placed under 3 inches I dont get stretching. if I place the lights about 1 foot away i get stretching. once seedlings veggies mature past 8-10 inches of growth, i tend to get stretching regardless of light distance using shop lights. noticed about the same with fig cuttings after 2 months.
re:EB18702, your about 15 years behind technology on indoor growing.
hps/mh have been used for years with great results. i trust in this proven technology. i dont believe im 15 years behind. there are very few company's producing led lights that can match what the old mh/hps lights can do. i only use them a few weeks a year so the less efficient lights dont bother me. i benefit from the extra heat they produce in the winter time. comparing hps vs led can lead to a whole debate. my views follow what this company is doing. no clown lights. https://www.spectrumkingled.com/ . these guys have a youtube channel showing meter measurements of some of the top brands in the indoor grow light industry . anyone wanting to learn a bit about leds and different companies marketing scams check them out. they grow (other plants) and show results! this is one of the few company showing TESTED results using there lights vs others. i think the white full spectrum leds are the way to go but its a lot of work or money acquiring a good setup. i spent about 150 bucks for an adjustable 300-450-600 watt ballast and lighting setup. this will do everything i want and more. from what i remember testing at 300watts i get a 4x4 area producing the same as what a full row of crammed shop light(probably 10 fixtures of 20 bulbs). i do have some numbers but i think there packed away with my lights. on camera you cannot tell really how bright these lights are, even 300 watt from a mh. you will need some type of grow room, sun glasses.
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