Orchid newb light recommendations - Orchid Board

OrcOgre · #1 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 07:33 AM

I need lights. Was thinking two 4ft daylight bulbs but i don't really know. I've been in the game for about two months and I can't take it with the window sill any more. I'll be at work and the sun comes out and I can't stop thinking I'm killing my orchids. Too nerve racking. I appreciate any help y'all might have. Thanks in advance.

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 07-08-2009, 10:33 AM

That's why I took to lights. I recommend t5 florescent lights, either straight tube or CF (coily) bulbs. I have an article posted on the home page describing setting up my tank and I have a few threads under this growing under lights section, describing lighting, amount of light, sources, etc. Good luck, and don't be too quick to jump in before you do the research. In the meantime, just place a window screen or sheer curtain between the glass and the orchids. Too little light is more manageable than too much sun.

OrcOgre · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 04:29 PM

good to know, im off to lowes to buy some lights. I covered my windows like you said and whats the worst thats going to happen today, not much growth? Better then lots of death

OrcOgre · #4 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 04:34 PM

Now what is the differance between T5, T8, and T12? I wanted T5s just because you and others recommend them but I just got some T12s and fixtures for a great deal that should serfice for now. Money is always the issue. I got the highest light output I could find. 3050 lumens, 40 watts, 6500 kelvin. 4 bulbs and two 4ft fixtures for $30. I almost couldn't buy them.

NWBOCHs09 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 03:47 PM

duno if its too late or not, but the simple difference between t5's, t8's and t12's is just the diameter of the bulb.

T5 bulbs are very skinny, t8s are a little fatter, and the t12s are the big thick flouresent bulbs you see normally in fixtures.

Grandma M · #6 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 04:34 PM

The output of T5, T8, T12, is VERY much different. Look at the posts by Ross for an explination.

Marilyn

Ross · #7 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWBOCHs09

duno if its too late or not, but the simple difference between t5's, t8's and t12's is just the diameter of the bulb.

T5 bulbs are very skinny, t8s are a little fatter, and the t12s are the big thick flouresent bulbs you see normally in fixtures.

Not really true. Yes the diameter is different, but the ballasts and fixtures as well as light output. The tubes are not interchangeable! T12 shop lights are such a great deal money-wise because most stores are trying to clear their shelves. For about the same money you can buy t8's and get much higher light output. The t5 fixtures run much brighter still and also warmer. Highest output per watt used is the t5.

phearamedusa · #8 (**permalink**) 08-01-2009, 07:43 PM

T12 bulbs don't produce light from end to end of the tube like T5's do. While the bulb looks like it does(T12), they actually don't produce light for the first inch or so of the tube. Lumen output on one single 4ft sunblaster t5 is 4850 and uses 54w. A single T5 light will produce more light then 2 T12 lights in my experience.

OrcOgre · #9 (**permalink**) 08-02-2009, 12:15 PM

well then its a good thing that i returned the light fixtures two day after i bought them. I needed beer money. I did however find special order T5s for sale at Lowes and ordered them up the day after thay.(pay day) Good job everybody