fc with 105W CFL - Orchid Board

LinhT · #1 (**permalink**) 07-19-2008, 11:15 PM

I finally ordered a few of those 105W full spectrum CFL's. I was wondering, for those of you who are using these, if anyone has measured the foot candles at 6 to 8 inches from these particular CFL's?

I won't be able to fit all my variegated Neofinetias in the south window this winter so I need to figure out if the 105W CFL with a reflector in an east window will do. The reflector is a white polypropylene material.

Thanks!

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 03:49 PM

800-1000 FCs (8" and 6" respectively) from the side. Less at the end.

LinhT · #3 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 10:00 PM

Many thanks, Ross. Just the info I needed.

jim blanford · #4 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 12:02 PM

Hey.. LinhT heres what I did with those CFLs I made my own light with two 105ws
I just measured it at 2400fcs at 6" and about 1800 at 8" it's real easy to make hope this helps.

Ross · #5 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim blanford

Hey.. LinhT heres what I did with those CFLs I made my own light with two 105ws
I just measured it at 2400fcs at 6" and about 1800 at 8" it's real easy to make hope this helps.

Hey Jim, think a layer of reflective mylar or aluminum foil would increase the light?

jim blanford · #6 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 02:58 PM

It just might Ross although the tub is bright white, but I may try it. Thanks.

LinhT · #7 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim blanford

Hey.. LinhT heres what I did with those CFLs I made my own light with two 105ws
I just measured it at 2400fcs at 6" and about 1800 at 8" it's real easy to make hope this helps.

Hey Jim!! It SURE did help! I put together my light fixtures after seeing your post you made many months back. You showed these exact pictures and explained in great detail how it was made. I went to Ikea and bought the same storage bin thing you have, think mine is just smaller. Thank you so much for taking the time to share the info (both you and Ross)! Here's a pic of mine I made recently. Don't think I'm quite as handy as you but I think it works.

Tracy

Ross · #8 (**permalink**) 07-23-2008, 07:18 PM

Looks great Tracy, but I would consider adding a layer of reflective aluminum foil above the bulb. Think you might nearly double the output. Just a thought.

calvin_orchidL · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2008, 09:59 AM

Cool setup! I've heard (from less conventional plant growing forums) that aluminum foil actually is not too conducive to improving light intensity, but actually diminishes it due to scattering of the light. Reflective mylar available at hydroponic stores may be of assistance but I believe that pure white is actually the best for reflecting maximal light. I remember someone building reflectors out of aluminum air vents, and he got optimal light with white-gloss painted interiors. To be honest, the bulbs seem a bit far from the edges of the 'lamp' construction for any sort of reflection to do much anyway...I think most good reflectors need to be quite close to the lamp in order to reflect any substantial light downwards (ie with the new-wave T5s, they're within an inch right up against the tubes)

Jim - That's a really cool looking 'lamp' ...looks like one of those stylish ikea paper lantern type things

I'm curious as to what genera you can grow under them, as it seems like they are about 2ft above the plants...do you have any additional lighting?

Ross · #10 (**permalink**) 07-24-2008, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

but I believe that pure white is actually the best for reflecting maximal light. I remember someone building reflectors out of aluminum air vents, and he got optimal light with white-gloss painted interiors.

If this is true, why are all the t5 commercial units lined with German reflective aluminum? I agree brushed foil might scatter light, but the shiny side should reflect light. Would be easy to either prove or disprove, though.