LED Grow Light That Also Kills Mold – Why and How

Mold contamination poses a significant challenge for cannabis cultivators, leading to frequent recalls, revenue loss, and damaged reputations. Traditional solutions involve expensive UVC or X-ray equipment, often applied after the fact. Introducing a new class of LED grow light, the Boulderlamp MoonWalker, presents an affordable and proactive approach to mold prevention.

The MoonWalker leverages a specific spectrum—falling between 400 nm and 700 nm, known as Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR)—which plants primarily use for photosynthesis. Within this range lies the magic spectrum of 405 nm, renowned for its antimicrobial properties that can eliminate 90-99% of bacteria without compromising cannabis growth or its surroundings.

To effectively combat mold and yeast, the intensity of the 405 nm spectrum must be sufficient not only at the top but also in the middle and bottom of the canopy. However, an excessive amount of blue light can lead to shorter plants and reduced yields. To address this, the MoonWalker employs patented cycling beam technology, alternating the 405 nm spectrum between different light bars at fixed intervals of 5 seconds or more. This strategic approach ensures high intensity where needed without adversely impacting cannabis growth, all while minimizing energy consumption.

Citation: 2022 Scientific Report, “Efficacy of violet–blue light to inactive microbial growth”, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-24563-1