If you are interested in cannabis and want to grow it on your own. You need some equipment to help you with it. Cannabis needs light for growth but how can a person know how much light is reaching the cannabis plant? Is there something that can be used to measure the light in a room?
If these are the questions that are popping through your head, then you have come to the right place as this article will talk about light meters. The article will entail a list of light meters that are considered to be the best in the market for growing cannabis.
What is Light Meter?
A light meter is a device that is really helpful for people who want to grow their own cannabis as it helps them in finding out how much light is reaching the herbs. At any point in time, a person can find the amount of light with the help of the light meter. It helps a person in determining whether there is sufficient lighting in the room or not. It also helps in figuring out whether a plant has been correctly positioned so that it can get the required amount of light or not.
Cannabis is not an easy business. Growing good quality cannabis is not just science, it is an art. It is a hard-earned skill. A person needs all the help he or she can get in terms of knowledge as well as equipment when it comes to growing this crop. It is a whole different game if a person wants to grow the crop indoors. For growing cannabis indoors, A digital light meter and a light temperature meter are a must.
Now today, there is competition in the market for each and every product. No matter what product you want, you will find a wide range of options. The same is the case with light meters. But a wide variety does not equate to quality. Although there are a lot of sellers dealing in light meters, the list of people that provide good quality equipment is very short. People need some guidance in figuring out which light meters are good and worth the money. For this reason, we have made a list of some light meters that are out in the market and will be of great help to people who want to grow marijuana. Below is the list of 10 such light meters:
- Extech LT300Light Meter
Key features:
- +/- 5 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 400,000 Lux or 40,000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 13.3 times per second
Here is the product from Extech that is of great help to people who are in the business of growing marijuana. The Extech LT300 Light Meter is popular among many people to check the illumination in their crop rooms. The reason for this popularity is that the product is very cheap in terms of money and is very easy to use. A person who is not very experienced in the cannabis business is able able to handle the product to measure the illumination from the lights in the room.
The Extech LT300 Light Meter is very compact and easy to use. There are five ranges in which the device can measure the illuminance and these ranges are 40 Lux, 400 Lux, 4,000 Lux, 40,000 Lux and 400,000 Lux. A person can switch the measurements between LUX and foot-candles.
The product has a Data Hold function which allows the users to conveniently take notes. The product also comes with a large LCD backlit display. This makes it easy for an individual to use the device in different light conditions.
The light meter has a built-in coiled cable that is 12 inches in length and can be extended up to two feet. Another special feature of this product is the peak and relative modes. Relative mode is used to see the changes in the light level and peak mode is used when there is a need to record the highest reading.
A person can also record the highest and the lowest readings in an indoor crop room by using the Min/Max feature of the light meter. An individual can record as many extreme readings as he or she wants to.
Pros:
- High sampling rate
- High accuracy
- Good measuring range
- Large LCD display
- Amprobe LM-200LED Light Meter
Key features:
- +/- 3 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 400,000 Lux or 40,000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 2.5 times per second
Amprobe LM-200 LED Light Meter has a dual-scale with the help of which it can measure LED light up to 40,000 foot-candles or 4,00,000 Lux. The device is equipped with a silicon diode sensor. The light meter also has a filter that can be used if a person is working at a high altitude of around 2,000 meters.
There are many light meters that do not have a memory and cannot store recordings. That is not the case with Amprobe LM-200 LED Light Meter. The light has an embedded memory with the help of which around 99 recordings can be stored at once. The readings that are displayed on the screen can be frozen with the help of the data hold function of the light meter. There is also a maximum recording feature that can be used to recording the largest reading.
For digital display, the sampling rate of the Amprobe LM-200 LED Light Meter is 2.5 times in a second. The measurement accuracy of the product is at – or + 3 percent. The light meter has a built-in coiled cable of 1.5 meters. The device comes with a 9 Volt battery and on average, is considered to last for around 200 hours.
Pros:
- Has embedded memory
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- Low sampling rate
- Low accuracy
- Hydrofarm LGBQM Quantum PAR Meter
Key features:
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- +/- 5 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 400,000 Lux or 40,000 foot-candles
The next name on the list of light meters that are considered to be the best in the market is Hydrofarm LGBQM Quantum PAR Meter. Everyone has a different budget when it comes to buying something. Some people are able to buy a top-of-the-line product without having to worry about money.
But there are others who have to worry about how big of a dent the purchase will make in their pocket. So, if you are looking for a light measuring meter that is low in cost and does the job effectively, then Hydrofarm LGBQM Quantum PAR Meter is the way to go. A majority of the features that are present in costly light meters are also there in there in this device but the price is significantly low.
Various types of lights can be measured by this device. Apart from measuring sunlight, the product also performs the functions of a LED light meter. In order to measure the illumination from an LED light, all a person has to do is switch when gauging the amount of illumination and then he or she has to calibrate the device.
As it has been mentioned in the name, Hydrofarm LGBQM Quantum PAR Meter can gauge Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) flux. The device can do this in wavelengths that range from 400 nm (blue light) and goes all the way up to 700 nm (red light). There are not many devices like this that have the ability to measure light up to the range of 10,000 mol but Hydrofarm LGBQM Quantum PAR Meter certainly can.
The product comes with an LCD display that makes it easy for people to read the recordings. But there is one problem with the device. It does not have a backlit display which means that a person is not able to clearly see the readings in an environment with inadequate light.
The product is very light and durable as it is made of rigid plastic. The measurements of the light meter are 6.7 x 4.4 x 2.4 inches and the weight of the device is 7.7 ounces. Along with the light meter, a person also gets lithium batteries at the time of the purchase. But one thing that has to be kept in mind by an individual while using this light meter is that the product is not supposed to be kept in a high humidity area as it is not waterproof.
Pros:
- Lithium batteries come with the light meter
- High accuracy
- Can measure PAR
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Heavyweight
- HDE LX-1010B Digital LuxmeterLight Meter
Key features:
- +/- 5 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 50,000 Lux or 5000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 0.4 times per second
The next name on the list of light meters that are highly recommended for cannabis growers is HDE LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter. This is a digital light meter which is great for people who are growing marijuana indoors. The measuring accuracy of the device is also pretty decent. The device is capable of measuring light up to 5,000 foot-candles or 50,000 Lux.
The device comes with a 3-and-a-half-digit display that allows people to see the readings clearly. The accuracy of the device while measuring light is about 5 percent. HDE LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter also has a data hold as well as the auto-zeroing feature in it.
The material used to make this light meter is thin black plastic. This means the device is easy to carry but is not very durable. The light meter comes with a 9 Volt battery.
Pros:
- Easy to carry
- High accuracy
- Auto-zeroing function
Cons:
- Low measuring range
- Low sampling rate
- Sun System PARMeter w/ Remote Sensor
Key features:
- Detects PAR
- Compact size
- Simple and easy to use
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
This is another light measuring device that is considered to be worth every penny spent by a buyer. Although the light meters are fairly easy to use, there are not many people who are familiar with these devices.
So, there are chances of them facing some difficulty while operating this gadget. But the Sun System PAR Meter can be used very easily even by people who are beginners in the weed growing business. The device has a remote sensor that is helpful in detecting PAR.
The product is lightweight and is easy to carry around. There is one disadvantage that the Sun System PAR Meter suffers from. The device is not waterproof. So, it is advised that people should store it in a place that does not have high humidity.
Pros:
- Can detect PAR
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Heavyweight
- Not waterproof
- Amprobe LM-100Light Meter
Key features:
- +/- 3 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 200,000 Lux or 20,000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 2.5 times per second
This is another great option for people who are looking for light meters to help grow cannabis indoors. This device can measure illumination from multiple light sources like incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide and high-pressure sodium. The light meter has the capability of measuring light up to 200,000 lux or 20,000 foot-candles.
The Amprobe LM-100 Light Meter has a silicon diode sensor. The device is dual-scale and can only be used by people who are working at altitudes lower than 2,000 meters.
The device is loaded with various different features like the auto-ranging, zeroing functionality, angled light cosine correction etc. The data hold feature of the gadget can be helpful as a person can freeze the readings that are on the display of the device. To measure the angle at which light is coming in, the angled light cosine correction feature can be used.
The Amprobe LM-100 Light Meter comes with a battery of 9 Volts. Along with the light meter, a person also gets a protective sensor cap. The light meter comes with a wire that is 1.5-meter-long which helps in sensor positioning. The accuracy of the light meter in measuring illumination from light is pretty good as the margin error is only 3 percent.
Pros:
- Low margin error
- Auto-ranging function
Cons:
- Relatively low sampling rate
- Dr. Meter LX1330BDigital Light Meter
Key Features:
- +/- 3 to 5 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 200,000 Lux or 20,000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 2-3 times per second
The first item on the list of light meters that are perfect for a cannabis grower is Dr. Meter LX1330B. Everyone has a different budget and if a person is looking for a cheap but effective light meter, then this is the best choice and is worth every penny. There are people in the electricity or lightning field for whom this product would be a near-perfect choice.
It is a 9 Volt Digital Light Meter that objectively measures the light coming out of a building. This attracts the cannabis growing section of people towards this product.
Dr. Meter LX1330B has a range of 0 to 20,000 Lux. Due to this wide range, the device can be put to multiple uses. It only takes this light meter a few seconds to measure the illumination coming from the light that is present in a room. And the device does that with very high accuracy. The device has an 18 mm LCD Display and comes with a warranty of 1 year.
Using light meters can be complicated for some people as they might not be familiar with the product. That is another reason for choosing Dr. Meter LX1330B as it is very easy to use and can also be used by people who are new to this field. All a person has to do is just switch between FC and Lux in order to measure the light in the indoor room where the plants are being grown. Maximum measured reading can also be captured on the device but one thing that a person using the device should be aware of is that the light meter allows only a single reading to be recorded at one point of time.
Despite all the benefits, Dr. Meter LX1330B does have some drawbacks. Due to the fact that the graph displays are sensitive, the meter, over a spectrum, tends to be non-linear. Thus, it is advised to not use this product in a case where multiple lights of differing wavelengths needs to be measured.
Pros:
- Good display
- 1 year warranty
- Low measuring range
Cons:
- No advised in cases of lights of differing wavelengths
- MH LX-1010B Digital LuxmeterLight Meter
Key features:
- +/- 5 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 100,000 Lux or 10,000 foot-candles
- Sampling Rate: 0.4 times per second
MH LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter is popular with many cannabis growers due to several reasons. The first reason is the accuracy of the device while measuring the light. The device can measure illumination from a light source with a + / – 5 percent accuracy which is satisfactory for people who are in the marijuana growing business. Another reason for its popularity is that light up to 100,000 Lux can be easily measured by this light meter.
One of the biggest advantages that MH LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter enjoys is that it has a very clear LCD display that is highly responsive. That is not all. A light sensor, separate from the light meter, also comes with the purchase which is helpful in measuring illumination at a position that can be considered optimal. The device has a sampling rate of 0.4 seconds which is considered to be pretty decent.
There are multiple features of the MH LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter that make it a great buy for the users. Auto-zero, data hold and over-range indication are just some of the many attractive features of this product.
The product also has the feature of data memory can be used to store multiple readings. Another unique thing about the MH LX-1010B Digital Luxmeter Light Meter is that it notifies the user when the device is running low on battery.
The gadget is very portable and easy to carry as it only weighs 0.71 pounds. But the product does not have the best of grips. So, there are chances of the light meter slipping out of the user’s hands.
Along with the light meter, a person gets a carrying case and a 9 Volt battery upon the purchase.
Pros:
- High accuracy
- Low measuring range
- Lighweight
Cons:
- Low sampling rate
- Grip is not good
- Extech LT45 LEDLight Meter
Key features:
- Weight: 8.8oz
- +/- 3 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 400,000 Lux or 40,000 foot-candles
The Extech LT45 is a LED light meter that is known as being very versatile when it comes to measuring light in a marijuana growing room. It is also portable and is easy to carry around. The main purpose for which The Extech LT45 is used is to measure LED light. The LED light can be of many colors like white, yellow, green, blue, purple etc. But the usage of this product is not limited to just that. It can also be used to measure light from conventional sources like sunlight.
The assumption that this light meter only measures the illumination amount coming from a LED ligh,t is wrong. It also measures light from metal halide, incandescent, high-pressure sodium and fluorescent light sources. Thus, the device can be used for multiple places like warehouses, offices and manufacturing plants.
In order to make sure that the safety regulations are complied with, the product comes with a decent range of settings. A person just has to press the Lux or the FC button and he or she can easily switch between Lumens and foot-candles.
This light meter has the ability to show a person how much light is reflecting on the surface per square meter. The highest limit of light that the product can record is 4,00,000 Lux or 40,000 foot-candles. One thing that should be kept in mind by an individual while using this device is that it cannot be used to measure Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR).
The Extech LT45 has a recall function using which more than 99 readings can be stored at once. This feature is helpful for a lot of people as they do not have to make notes every time that they take a reading. All readings whether it is minimum, maximum or average can be recorded by the product. But one problem with the product is that these values cannot be transferred into the software. Thus, a person has to manually enter them.
There are sensors on the light meter for the purpose of an accurate reading. The margin error when it comes to the product’s accuracy in measuring light is just 3%. The light meter comes with a coiled cable built-in that can extend up to almost 5 feet. Apart from the light meter itself, an individual gets a 9 Volt battery, hard case, user manual and a protective sensor cover upon the purchase.
Pros:
- High measuring range
- Low margin error
- Long coiled cable
Cons:
- A person has to manually enter the recorded values
- Professional LX821Digital Light Meter
Key features:
- Weighs 0.3 lbs
- +/- 3 percent accuracy
- Measuring range up to 200,000 Lux or 20,000 foot-candles
The last but not the least on the list of light meters that are a good option for marijuana growers is the Professional LX821 Digital Light Meter. The device can measure lumens from all different sources of light whether it is a fluorescent light, metal halide light or even sunlight. The device comes with a 9 Volt battery.
The Professional LX821 Digital Light Meter suffers from various drawbacks. It is not waterproof and is also not equipped with a battery level indicator. It is really easy to carry around as the device only weighs 0.3 pounds.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- No battery level indicator
Things to Consider
A person should do proper research before buying any product. This can help the person in buying the best product in the market for the least amount of money. Other than the cost of the device, there are various other things that a person should consider before he or she goes to buy a light measuring meter for the purpose of growing weed. Below is a list of factors that should be considered before buying a light meter:
- Lux Range – There is no better choice than a light meter that can record readings up to 400,000 lux per square meter. However, devices with a measuring range of up to 200,000 lux are also good enough to do the job.
- Lighting Type – As it would have become obvious by reading the article, there are various different types of lighting that exist to be measured by the light meters. There are some gadgets that can measure different types of light like high-pressure sodium, fluorescent or incandescent. But there are also some light meters that can only measure sunlight. So, a person should buy a light meter taking into consideration what kind of light he or she will be using to grow the cannabis plants. Some people rely on sunlight and some use the LED lamps to give light to the plants.
- Features – Next comes the list of features of the light meters. A person has to look out for features like accuracy, data hold, low battery indicator, auto zeroing, memory capacity and sampling rate at the time of buying the light meter. An individual should evaluate which features are important to him or her and which features he or she can do without and buy the light meter accordingly.
- In the Package – A beginner might not aware be aware of the things that he or she receives along with the light meter. Several accessories like sensor cover, battery, hard case, user manual etc. are given with the light meter. So, a person should try to get as many accessories as possible.
FAQs
What is the best light meter for Cannabis?
When it comes to growing cannabis, Dr.Meter LX1330B Digital Light Meter is considered to be one of the best light meters out there.
Do I need a Light Meter for Growing Cannabis?
Light Meter is very important in the growth of cannabis plants as it tells the person how much light the plants are getting.
How to use a light meter for growing Cannabis?
The light meter can be used to determine how much light does the plants are getting in an indoors room. If the light is insufficient, it can harm the plants. So, the device helps a person in taking necessary measures in order to make the pants grow.
How to use a lux meter to increase your Cannabis Yields?
Put the light meter above the plants’ canopy in order to get an accurate reading of the light. Use the gadget in two-three different spots to get an overall accurate reading.
How to set up Light Meter?
Just switch on the light meter and choose one of the two scales in order to measure the illumination of the light.
Conclusion
Growing cannabis is no easy task. A person needs to have proper knowledge about the procedure as well as the equipment required to grow high-quality marijuana. People who are serious about entering the business of cannabis should definitely invest in light meters as they are a great help to an individual in taking care of the plants.
It tells the person how much light the plant is getting or if the plant is in the right position to receive the light. These plants need constant care and a light meter helps in doing that. So, a person should not think twice about his or her decision of buying a light meter.
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