Lighting Tube question - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 01:32 AM

I know I am "lighting challenged" but is this the sort of light I should be looking for to boost my light levels for my phals? I will be getting a light meter as soon as I find one.
Here (hopefully is the link)cPanel®

if the link isnt any good, please go to the orchid shop and go to lighting, then the T5 48inch tube.

thanks for any info given - mary

Phalguy · #2 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 04:06 PM

Hello!

Those light tubes are very nice but very expensive too...
Canadian tire sells 40 W, 48 inches tubes for aquarium and plant for 4.99.
Those are the one I use now and I`m very please with them.
before that, I was using the simple cool white 48 inch tubes @ $2.99 each, mixed with warm light tube also at the same price.

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 04:25 PM

As for t5's the fixture I use is .: Sunlight Supply - horticulture and aquarium lighting systems :. Website I believe they ship to Canada. I highly recommend them. The reflectors are extremely efficient and the light output is as high as you could possibly imagine. The 4-tube 48" is the one I use and I have 3ea 6500K bulbs and 1ea 3000K bulb. This averages to approx 5600K which is close to full sun daylight in out northern latitudes.

ladyslipper · #4 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 05:12 PM

I have my grow set up in my livingroom near my couch. Do T5's give off alot of heat and do you think they would fit the set up I have? Mine is the table top version. here is the link to give you a look at my set up. its from lee valley. would I need to buy another ballast?

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...,44716&p=10549

As usual, really appreciate any help!!!

mary

Ross · #5 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 05:26 PM

If you check the link I provided, there is a 24" 4-tube version that should do you just fine. You'll have to wear sunglasses while watching TV however

.

ladyslipper · #6 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 08:14 PM

Hi Ross, I did check the link and have sent them an email asking if they do ship to Canada. Just to clarify, my grow area takes 2 48inch tubes. At this point, I mostly grow Phals and have no plans on changing so my light problems could be worse.

If the light is too much, I thought I could easily encase 3 sides with a cloth (will likely get a small fan if I have the cloth up). regards, mary

Oscarman · #7 (**permalink**) 07-30-2007, 11:54 PM

Great lighting site Ross - Thanks.

Mary, please let us know what you find out about shipping to Canada. Have you tried some of the hydroponic stores for T5's. Are you in Edmonton? We have a few good ones.

FYI, in a 2' x 4' area I grow my Phals under 6 reg. flourescent tubes (50:50 mix cool white and grw lux). Flowering is good and growth is very good.

Ironwood · #8 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 01:51 PM

Mary, the link from 'The Orchid Shop' you provided in first post is for complete package bulb, ballast and fixture. Two of these would easily give you as much light output as 6 regular bulbs. The fixtures for the T5 setup as shown are very small and do not have reflectors although you can get them for this style that clip into channels on side of fixture.

The advantage of the fixtures that are show from Ross's link is the built in reflectors which directs the light down. Any light lost to the side is no benefit to the plants. That is why I use mylar film to reflect this as it would be 'lost light'.

A BIG WORD OF CAUTION HERE, if you chose to have something shipped from the States DO NOT let them use UPS OR YOU WILL BE IN TO PAYING HUGE BROKERAGE FEES on this end, over and above an already healthy shipping fee.

Ross · #9 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironwood

Mary, the link from 'The Orchid Shop' you provided in first post is for complete package bulb, ballast and fixture. Two of these would easily give you as much light output as 6 regular bulbs. The fixtures for the T5 setup as shown are very small and do not have reflectors although you can get them for this style that clip into channels on side of fixture.

The advantage of the fixtures that are show from Ross's link is the built in reflectors which directs the light down. Any light lost to the side is no benefit to the plants. That is why I use mylar film to reflect this as it would be 'lost light'.

A BIG WORD OF CAUTION HERE, if you chose to have something shipped from the States DO NOT let them use UPS OR YOU WILL BE IN TO PAYING HUGE BROKERAGE FEES on this end, over and above an already healthy shipping fee.

Or have a "friend" bring it over in a pickup truck?

ladyslipper · #10 (**permalink**) 07-31-2007, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oscarman

Great lighting site Ross - Thanks.

Mary, please let us know what you find out about shipping to Canada. Have you tried some of the hydroponic stores for T5's. Are you in Edmonton? We have a few good ones.

FYI, in a 2' x 4' area I grow my Phals under 6 reg. flourescent tubes (50:50 mix cool white and grw lux). Flowering is good and growth is very good.

Hi Dave, I grow my phals by an east/northeast facing window under 2 48 inch 40 watt full spectrum tubes (I got them in Rona in Calgary). I have come to suspect my lighting isn't sufficient for the plants to do any more than maybe grow a leaf here or there but because I don';t have a light meter yet I cannot be 100% sure. The one place I called that carried light meters is a hydroponic store but they were out of meters at the moment and expecting more in later this week. I don't know if I am plain unlucky or what but this was the only place that had meters (I don't know anyone in my club to call to find out more about where to get supplies) but I have plans on going and seeing what they have in lighting that I could get.
regards. mary