question on light setup?

[Orchidbyte]

I just set up my first vivarium and got an Exo-terra dual top light fixture, I have 2 T8 Life-Glo full spectrum 15w 6700k, light fixture also has 2 outlets for halogens, but I replaced them with 2 LED 4w-35w bright white light at 3000k.

Vivarium is for orchids mostly, light fixture sits about 20" off bottom of tank strata.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Magnus A]

??
What is your question?


/M

[Orchidbyte]

Originally Posted by Magnus A

??
What is your question?


/M

My question is, do you think that my lights are right? Should I use different types or will this combination work well?

[DavidCampen]

The color of the lights is fine if that is what you are asking.

[Magnus A]

As said above. A good start for a growing cabinet.

Youjust need to see what like the light levels you get :-)

[Alla]

It all depends on which orchids you will be growing and where your exo-terra located ( close to the window or in a basement, etc.). My best suggestion would be to purchase an inexpensive light meter ( I got mine from Amazon for $18) and research the light needs of your orchids. The 6000K and 3700K is spectrum and not the light intensity. I thought when I bought my first light fixture that 2 of 6K bulbs will give me 12K lumens but oh boy was I wrong lol I got like 2.5K lumens out of those 2 bulbs. Right now I have high output T5 lamps ( a 4 light 48 inch fixture from Home Depot) which gives me between 11K and 16K lumens ( my exoterra is next to the window). I do have a vanda and few cattleyas hence high light. If you grow phals, you would not need as much.

Hope this helps a bit.

Alla