Appropriate Lighting for an Orchidarium (Sizing Within)...

[Ross Robinson]

I have an aquarium approximately 30" long, 17" tall, and 12" wide. My intended species are medium-light bulbophyllums, both mounted and potted... What are my lighting options? Will 2 T5 Bulbs do it? The leaves may be... 8 inches away from the aquarium lid, at the least.


Thanks!

[Tindomul]

I would say yes. Try going for 6000K up to 10000K, one bulb on each spectrum. That should give you a good mix of lighting. I would also try to go for about 54 watts.

[Ross Robinson]

Yes? Great! Any estimates as to the footcandle output?

[Ross Robinson]

Tindomul - I noticed that you have a Stapelia gigantea... Is it a swift grower? The only specimens I can find for sale are cuttings...

(As you can see, I focus on those plants with... "uncommon" features.... Things that usually reek, ironically. The unusual appearances I love seem to be accompanied by... well, fetid death-scent.)

[Ross]

I have some info on my blog. I would recommend t5 HO florescents (probably either a single or maybe a double tube fixture. No need to "swamp" that little tank. I use 4 tubes on mine which is 32"Hx36"Lx 20" thick. The height will be your most important measure. I read approx 800 FCs near bottom of mine. The lights are hung approx 4" above the top of tank thus the bottom plants are approx 30-32" below lights. 800 FCs is pretty dim. Not many bulbos will like this little light. A couple will. For your suggested tank I would suggest New Wave T5 Fluorescent Grow Light 4ft 2 Bulb 108W which includes the bulbs. I would go with the 6500K bulbs. Just my 2 cents. I try to provide around 5500K temperature since that is close to normal light for viewing plants. The plants will do just fine with the 6500K tubes. Keep in mind these fixtures (the t5 HO fixtures) run at 95 degrees F, so temperature can get to be an issue. The best way to control temps is get the heat away from the tank before it gets in there. This is my setup:



Hope this helps. Feel free to question what you want and to check out my blog where I go into a lot more detail. I also have a "front page" article on converting an aquarium to a Orchidarium. Check on main Orchid Board page under articles. Can't think of any artificial lighting I haven't had direct experience with except LED.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Ross Robinson

Tindomul - I noticed that you have a Stapelia gigantea... Is it a swift grower? The only specimens I can find for sale are cuttings...

(As you can see, I focus on those plants with... "uncommon" features.... Things that usually reek, ironically. The unusual appearances I love seem to be accompanied by... well, fetid death-scent.)

Most of mine died back due to mealy bug scale attack. However I was able to save some cuttings and only two months later have two good sized plantlets. I would estimate if current growth continues, I should have a nice sized plant in a year maybe a year and a half. I consider it a fast grower.

[Ross Robinson]

Thank you both, greatly. The New Wave it will be then...

-R