Need help with changing light on chids.

[justjill3]

I am upgrading my lighting on my plant stand. I am currently "growing" my chids under 5 year-old T12 flourescents. My handy-dandy, shiney and new light meter tells me what I'm sure you'd tell me. THERE'S NO DARNED LIGHT! I am switching to brand new T5 HOs (4 bulbs on each shelf). and have read that orchids should be exposed to higher light gradually. Well, I am not sure how to do GRADUALLY with a light stand. How much does this matter? If it really matters, do you have any suggestions?