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Cannabis Cultivation Guide

for the Eclipse 328 LED Grow Light
Target Audience: Serious & commercial cannabis growers Fixture: K99 Eclipse 328 Prepared for: Ray (US Partner) & W Team (California Sales)

1. Light Spectrum — Wavelengths & Ratios

Why Spectrum Matters

Cannabis uses photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) from 400–700 nm, but not all wavelengths are equally effective. Two key photoreceptor families drive growth and morphology:

Vegetative Stage Spectrum

ParameterRecommendationRationale
Dominant spectrumCool-white ~5000K–6500KHigh blue (440–470 nm) keeps internodes tight, prevents stretch
Blue (400–500 nm)25–35% of total PPFDrives chlorophyll b, stomatal opening, compact morphology
Green (500–600 nm)20–25% of total PPFPenetrates deeper into canopy, improves lower-leaf photosynthesis
Red (600–700 nm)35–45% of total PPFCore photosynthetic driver; balance against blue to prevent stretch
Far-red (700–750 nm)5–10% of total PPF (optional)Emerson enhancement effect — boosts PSII/PSI synergy; can increase node spacing slightly
UV (380–400 nm)0–1% (optional)May increase secondary metabolite production; use sparingly

Key ratio: In veg, target a R:B (red:blue) ratio of roughly 1.2–1.5:1 (slightly more red than blue but still heavy on blue compared to flower).

Flowering Stage Spectrum

ParameterRecommendationRationale
Dominant spectrumWarm-white ~2700K–3500KHigher red ratio triggers flowering response, deep canopy penetration
Blue (400–500 nm)10–15% of total PPFMaintains resin production and trichome integrity; minimum needed
Green (500–600 nm)15–20% of total PPFCritical for lower canopy penetration
Red (600–700 nm)50–65% of total PPFMaximizes photosynthetic efficiency during flower development
Deep red (660 nm)15–25% of total PPFAligns precisely with chlorophyll a absorption peak; drives bud density
Far-red (700–750 nm)8–15% of total PPFCritical: Phytochrome conversion (Pfr→Pr) accelerates flowering; Emerson effect boosts yield 5–15%
UV (380–400 nm)0.5–2% (optional)May increase THC/CBD % via stress response; use cautiously to avoid photobleaching

Key ratio: In flower, target a R:B ratio of roughly 4–6:1 (heavily red-shifted).

How the Eclipse 328 Delivers

The Eclipse 328 combines:

Recommendation for Eclipse 328 users:


2. PPFD Targets by Growth Stage

PPFD = Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density (μmol/m²/s).

These are canopy-level averages measured at the top of the tallest cola. A PAR meter (e.g., Apogee MQ-500, Li-190R) or quantum sensor is essential for setup.

Eclipse 328 at 2,600 μmol/s PPF can cover a 4×4 ft (1.2×1.2 m) area at very high intensity. For larger spaces, multiple fixtures are required to achieve uniform PPFD.
Growth StagePPFD Target (μmol/m²/s)Max PPFD (with CO₂)Notes
Seedling / Clone100–200Light intensity is critical; too high stunts or burns. Keep lights dimmed or raised.
Early Veg (week 1–3)200–400Gradually ramp from 200 to 400 over 2 weeks.
Late Veg (week 4+)400–600600–700Prepare plants for higher flower intensity.
Early Flower (week 1–3)600–850850–1,000Transition slowly over the first week of 12/12.
Mid Flower (week 4–6)700–900900–1,100Peak bulking phase; highest light demand.
Late Flower (week 7–9/10)600–800800–1,000Reduce slightly to avoid stress/bleaching in final ripening.
Flush / Last 7–10 days400–600Reduce intensity further; plants are no longer uptaking nutrients at full rate.

PPFD Uniformity Requirements

Translating to Eclipse 328 Settings

ScenarioCoveragePPFD at CanopyDimmers Setting (approximate)
1× fixture, 4×4 ft, 18″ height16 sq ft~650–750 μmol/m²/s (veg)~60–70% power
1× fixture, 4×4 ft, 18″ height16 sq ft~900–1,000 μmol/m²/s (flower, w/ CO₂)~90–100% power
1× fixture, 3×3 ft, 14″ height9 sq ft~1,100–1,200 μmol/m²/s100% power, must supplement CO₂
1× fixture, 5×5 ft, 24″ height25 sq ft~500–600 μmol/m²/s100% (good for veg or no-CO₂ flower)
⚠️ Always measure with a PAR meter. These are estimates; actual PPFD depends on reflector design, wall reflectivity (use 95% reflective white/mylar), and hanging height.

3. DLI (Daily Light Integral) Targets by Growth Stage

DLI = total photosynthetic photons delivered per day (mol/m²/day). Formula:

DLI = (PPFD × light-hours × 3,600) / 1,000,000
Growth StageDLI Target (mol/m²/day)PhotoperiodEquivalent PPFD
Seedling / Clone6–1018/693–154 μmol/m²/s
Early Veg15–2518/6231–386 μmol/m²/s
Late Veg25–3518/6386–540 μmol/m²/s
Early Flower30–3812/12694–880 μmol/m²/s
Mid Flower (with CO₂)35–4512/12810–1,042 μmol/m²/s
Mid Flower (ambient CO₂)30–3812/12694–880 μmol/m²/s
Late Flower25–3512/12579–810 μmol/m²/s
Flush15–2512/12347–579 μmol/m²/s

Critical DLI Rule

DLI is what drives yield, not PPFD alone. A low PPFD over a longer photoperiod (e.g., 18/6) can deliver the same DLI as a high PPFD over a shorter photoperiod (12/12). However, cannabis has an upper saturation point — once DLI exceeds ~45 mol/m²/day (without CO₂) or ~65 mol/m²/day (with CO₂ at 1,200–1,500 ppm), yield gains plateau and stress increases.

Eclipse 328 DLI Achievability

At 2,600 μmol/s PPF over a 4×4 ft (1.2×1.2 m) area, the Eclipse 328 delivers roughly 650 μmol/m²/s average at 18″ height. Running 12/12 this gives:

650 μmol/m²/s × 12 hr × 3,600 / 1,000,000 = ~28 mol/m²/day

To reach 38–45 mol/m²/day in mid flower requires:


4. Photoperiod (Light Schedules)

Cannabis is a photoperiod-sensitive short-day plant. The uninterrupted dark period is what triggers and maintains flowering.

Recommended Schedules

StageScheduleTotal Light/DayNotes
Seedling18/6 (or 24/0)18–24 hr24/0 is controversial; 18/6 allows plants to rest and reduces energy cost. Either works.
Vegetative18/618 hrStandard and proven. Some use 20/4 or 24/0 for faster growth, but 18/6 is optimal for root development vs. stretch.
Transition18/6 → 12/12Flip overnight. Sudden change is fine. Some growers do 13/11 or 14/10 for first week to ease the transition, but 12/12 from day 1 is standard.
Flowering12/1212 hrNon-negotiable for photoperiod strains. Any light leak during dark period can cause re-veg, hermaphroditism, or bud rot.
Final 2 weeks12/12 (or 11/13)11–12 hrA few growers reduce to 11/13 in the last week to mimic autumn; may speed ripening. Benefits are marginal.
Autoflowering strains18/6 (or 20/4)18–20 hrAutoflowers flower based on age, not photoperiod. 18/6 is common; 20/4 can increase yield slightly but may reduce quality.

Light Schedule Best Practices

24-Hour Light Cycle Considerations

ScheduleProsCons
24/0 (constant light)Max growth rate for seedlingsHigher energy cost, no rest period, may increase stress long-term
18/6Best balance for veg — growth + rest + efficiencySlightly slower than 24/0, but healthier
12/12Required for photoperiod floweringVery specific; reduces DLI ceiling (half the time)

5. VPD (Vapor Pressure Deficit) — Temperature & Humidity

What is VPD?

VPD measures the drying power of the air — the difference between how much moisture the air can hold (at a given temperature) and how much it actually holds. It directly controls transpiration rate, which drives nutrient uptake.

VPD (kPa) = (SVP leaf − SVP air) × relative humidity factor

For cannabis, the optimal VPD range depends on growth stage:

Growth StageOptimal VPD (kPa)Equivalent RH @ 75°F (24°C)Equivalent RH @ 80°F (27°C)Equivalent RH @ 85°F (29°C)
Seedling / Clone0.4–0.870–80%70–80%75–85%
Early Veg0.6–1.065–75%62–72%60–70%
Late Veg0.8–1.255–65%50–62%48–60%
Early Flower1.0–1.448–58%45–55%42–52%
Mid Flower1.2–1.640–50%38–48%35–45%
Late Flower (bulking)1.3–1.638–48%35–45%32–42%
Final 2 weeks (flush)1.4–1.830–40%28–38%25–35%

Temperature Targets

StageDay Temp (°F / °C)Night Temp (°F / °C)Notes
Seedling75–80°F (24–27°C)68–72°F (20–22°C)Warmer for root development; high humidity
Veg75–82°F (24–28°C)65–72°F (18–22°C)Steady growth; avoid large temp swings
Early Flower75–80°F (24–27°C)64–70°F (18–21°C)Night drop encourages anthocyanin expression
Mid Flower78–85°F (26–29°C) w/ CO₂65–72°F (18–22°C)Higher temp ok with elevated CO₂
Late Flower72–78°F (22–26°C)60–65°F (16–18°C)Cooler temps preserve terpenes, reduce mold risk
Flush70–76°F (21–24°C)58–65°F (14–18°C)Cool finish enhances color and resin quality

Temperature & Humidity Charts

Seedling / Clone (Target VPD: 0.4–0.8 kPa)

TemperatureTarget RH
72°F (22°C)75–85%
75°F (24°C)73–83%
78°F (26°C)70–80%
80°F (27°C)68–78%

Vegetative (Target VPD: 0.8–1.2 kPa)

TemperatureTarget RH
72°F (22°C)60–70%
75°F (24°C)55–65%
78°F (26°C)52–62%
80°F (27°C)50–60%
82°F (28°C)48–58%

Flowering (Target VPD: 1.2–1.6 kPa)

TemperatureTarget RH
72°F (22°C)45–55%
75°F (24°C)40–50%
78°F (26°C)38–48%
80°F (27°C)35–45%
82°F (28°C)33–43%

VPD Management with the Eclipse 328

VPD Quick Reference — Corrective Actions

ProblemSymptomVPD IssueFix
Slow growth, wiltingLeaves drooping, edges curling upVPD too high (air too dry)Raise RH (humidifier), lower temp
Slow growth, mold riskLeaves drooping, stem weak, PM spotsVPD too low (air too wet)Lower RH (dehumidifier), raise temp, increase airflow
Leaf tacoingLeaf edges curling upward, crispyPPFD too high AND/OR VPD too highReduce light intensity + raise RH
GuttationWater droplets on leaf edgesVPD too low + high transpirationLower RH slightly, increase airflow

6. CO₂ Enrichment

Why CO₂ Matters

Cannabis is a C3 plant. At elevated CO₂ (1,200–1,500 ppm), the plant can:

CO₂ Guidelines

ConditionCO₂ Level (ppm)When to Use
Ambient (no supplement)400–450Standard grows, PPFD ≤ 600 μmol/m²/s
Low supplement800–1,000PPFD 600–900 μmol/m²/s, better yield
High supplement (commercial)1,200–1,500PPFD 900–1,100 μmol/m²/s, sealed room required
Maximum1,500Diminishing returns above 1,500 ppm; becomes toxic above 2,000 ppm

CO₂ Schedule

Eclipse 328 + CO₂ Synergy

The Eclipse 328 at 2,600 μmol/s PPF is ideal for CO₂-enriched environments. Without CO₂, the fixture may need to be dimmed to ~60–70% to avoid hitting >900 μmol/m²/s. With CO₂ at 1,200 ppm, the fixture can be run at 90–100%, maximizing the value of every diode.


7. Mounting Height & Light Distribution

General Height Guidelines

StageDistance from CanopyPPFD Effect
Seedlings / Clones30–36 in (76–91 cm)Achieves 100–200 μmol/m²/s
Vegetative18–24 in (46–61 cm)Achieves 400–600 μmol/m²/s
Early Flower14–18 in (36–46 cm)Achieves 700–900 μmol/m²/s
Mid/Late Flower12–16 in (30–41 cm)Achieves 900–1,100 μmol/m²/s (with CO₂)
These are starting points. Always verify with a PAR meter — every grow room has different reflectivity.

Inverse Square Law Reminder

PPFD decreases with the square of distance from the light source.

Doubling the height → ¼ the PPFD. Small height adjustments make a large difference.

Eclipse 328 Coverage

Tips for Even PPFD Distribution

  1. Use 95%+ reflective walls (white paint, Mylar, Orca Film) — this recovers light that would otherwise be lost, improving edge PPFD by 20–30%
  2. Scrog (Screen of Green) — creates a flat, even canopy so all colas receive uniform PPFD
  3. Rotate pots weekly — mitigates any hot/cold spots in the room
  4. Use a PAR map — measure PPFD at 9+ grid points across the canopy and adjust fixture height/angle

8. K99 Eclipse 328 — Specific Recommendations

Fixture Specifications Recap

ParameterValue
ModelEclipse 328
PPF2,600 μmol/s
Efficiency3.28 μmol/J
LED TypeSamsung LM301H EVO (white) + OSRAM deep red (660 nm)
ControlWiFi + BLE 5.2 smart app
Coverage4×4 ft flower / 5×5 ft veg
Power Draw~793 W (at 100%)

Spectrum Configuration

Vegetative Profile (18/6 schedule):

ChannelPower %Purpose
White LM301H EVO (cool ~5000K bin)80–100%Broad spectrum, blue-rich for compact growth
OSRAM Deep Red (660 nm)20–30%Supplement deep red for chlorophyll a; boost photosynthesis without stretch
Resulting PPFD400–600 μmol/m²/sAt 18–24″ height

Flowering Profile (12/12 schedule):

ChannelPower %Purpose
White LM301H EVO (warm ~3000K bin)60–80%Broad-spectrum base, warmer for flower
OSRAM Deep Red (660 nm)60–80%Primary flower driver — deep red drives bud density
Resulting PPFD800–1,000 μmol/m²/sAt 12–16″ height, with CO₂
Note: If the Eclipse 328 has independent dimming channels for white vs. deep red via the WiFi app, use the above ratios. If it uses a single-channel dimmer, adjust height/power to achieve target PPFD.

Smart WiFi Control — Pro Tips

  1. Sunrise/Sunset dimming: Program a 15-minute ramp at lights-on and lights-off. This reduces stress and allows plants to gradually adjust stomatal opening.
  2. Weather simulation: If the app supports it, program a 5–10% intensity dip in the middle of the day (simulating cloud cover). Some growers report this triggers a mild stress response that can increase terpene production.
  3. End-of-flower fade: Reduce intensity by 10–15% per week over the last 2–3 weeks to simulate autumn light decline. This signals plants to allocate energy to resin and ripening.
  4. Dew point avoidance: If the WiFi app includes room sensor integration, set a rule to dim lights by 10–20% if canopy temperature exceeds 88°F (31°C) to prevent heat stress.

Room Setup Diagram

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│         K99 Eclipse 328             │
│         (12–18″ above canopy)       │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                     │
│   ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐ ┌───┐        │
│   │ P │ │ P │ │ P │ │ P │   ← 4×4  │
│   └───┘ └───┘ └───┘ └───┘   tray  │
│                                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│    ← Oscillating fans →             │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ ← Intake (bottom) │ Exhaust (top) → │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

9. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

One-Page Summary

ParameterSeedlingVegEarly FlowerMid FlowerLate FlowerFlush
PPFD (μmol/m²/s)100–200200–600600–850700–1,000 w/ CO₂600–800400–600
DLI (mol/m²/day)6–1015–3530–3835–45 w/ CO₂25–3515–25
Photoperiod18/6 or 24/018/612/1212/1212/1212/12
Temp (°F)75–8075–8275–8078–85 (w/ CO₂)72–7870–76
Temp (°C)24–2724–2824–2726–2922–2621–24
RH (%)70–8055–6548–5840–5035–4530–40
VPD (kPa)0.4–0.80.8–1.21.0–1.41.2–1.61.3–1.61.4–1.8
CO₂ (ppm)400–450400–800800–1,2001,200–1,500400–800400–450
Light height30–36″18–24″14–18″12–16″12–16″14–18″
SpectrumBlue-heavyBlue-heavyRed-heavyRed-heavy (deep red on)Red-heavyReduce all
R:B Ratio1:11.2–1.5:14:15–6:15:13:1

Daily Checklist for Growers

TaskFrequencyTool
Measure PPFD at canopyOnce/weekPAR meter
Check temperature & RHDailyThermo-hygrometer + IR gun
Calculate VPDDailyVPD chart or app (e.g., Pulse, Grower's Ally)
Verify photoperiod timerWeeklyCheck timer accuracy
Inspect leaf temperature2×/weekIR thermometer
Monitor CO₂ levels (if used)DailyCO₂ monitor / controller
Clean LED lensesEvery 2 weeksIsopropyl alcohol + microfiber
Check light uniformityMonthlyGrid PAR measurement

Common Troubleshooting

IssueLikely CauseFix
Leaves "tacoing" upwardPPFD too high + low RHRaise lights, increase humidity, reduce dimmer
Stretching between nodesSpectrum too red / PPFD too lowIncrease blue light power, decrease height
Bleached buds (white tips)PPFD >1,200 at canopyRaise light or dim, check for hot spots
Slow growth / dark green droopVPD too low (too humid)Dehumidify, raise temperature, increase air movement
Leaf edges crisp, brownVPD too high (too dry) + high PPFDHumidify, lower temp, lower PPFD
Mold on buds (botrytis)RH too high in late flowerDehumidify to ≤45%, improve airflow, defoliate
Hermaphrodite / seedsLight leaks during dark periodFix all light leaks in the room

References & Further Reading


Document prepared for K99 LABS. For verification of Eclipse 328 specifications, always refer to the official K99 LABS product datasheet. Growing parameters are general guidelines — cultivar-specific tuning is recommended.

Cultivation Guide
1. Light Spectrum 2. PPFD Targets 3. DLI Targets 4. Photoperiod 5. VPD 6. CO₂ Enrichment 7. Mounting Height 8. Eclipse 328 9. Quick Reference
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