Remember, you need REALLY high output tubes for plants. For aquariums, most folks really are after effect - lighting effect. Plants want some really high light similar to sunlight. Now in shade outdoors, that means as much as 1500 foot candles. In full sun it can easily go more than 5000 foot candles! A bank of T5 lights that specs at 2000 Foot candles is AT THE TUBE SURFACE! A foot away will be 1/4 that or 500 FCs. Therefore you really need high output lights. Never sweat the high output. You can always shade the plants but it's hard to increase the light.
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Ross
http://orchids-ross.blogspot.com/
I don't do most Dendros or large, "floofy orchids". For me it's minis (like Angraecoides), Masdies, Paphs, and others that crept in somewhere along the line. See my orchid list for complete collection (usually not current.)
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