What light should I use? - Orchid Board

camille1585 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:42 PM

I have been struggling to find a store that carries plant lights here in the Netherlands. I've tried everywhere (DIY stores, garden centers...) One of my collegues at work told me that they are purposefully hard to find so that people aren't encouraged to grow weed. No wonder no one seems to use lights here to grow their 'chids!

The best I could find is terrarium lights by JBL. I found two different ones. One is called Namiba Terra Basking Crystal Sun Spot, and supposedly gives full spectrum light with minimal heat. The other is Exo-Terra Sun Glo Basking Spot Lamp, which is the same, plus heat. I don't know if this brand exists in the USA.

Will this work for my orchids? I have mostly phals, and the dreary dark Dutch weather is going to be a problem this winter. What wattage should I consider?

Ross · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:46 PM

Nothing to worry about. The "skinny" florescents know as t8 shop lights or kitchen area lighting will work also. I'd get 4 tube fixture or 2 ea 2-tube fixtures. Building supply stores, kitchen remodeling stores, etc. should either have them or could order them for you. Lots of folks use these quite satisfactorily. Get "daylight" if you can.

camille1585 · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:53 PM

Actually I'm not looking to get fluorescent tubes for now. Since I'm a student, and moving around alot, I'm looking for lightbulbs. These are easier for me transport than a big light rack! (Don't have a car and I travel by train)
Once I know that I will stay put for a while,(ie, after graduation!) I want to get some T5 lights. Until then, I need a good temporary solution.

Ross · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 02:57 PM

Then look for the swirly florescents that are meant to replace incandescent bulbs in table lamps. They are rated like 100 watts, etc. I like these as a quick solution. You can hang them from fixtures like this

I just used snap on light fixtures onto a standard extension cord and hung it over the orchids. I am sure you can pack this to go!

FinnBar · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 04:56 PM

here's a link just for you... (being in the netherlands and all)

http://www.vivaria.nl/vivarium/vivarium.html

I have a dulux 36W and I'm planning on getting an additional one or two. you need to connect the ballasts to the starters etc. yourself which sounds like a handful but it was really easy. i then screwed mine onto mdf-board pieces and the whole system is really easy to dismantle if i want to alter the setup! they're really cheap compared to t5's and with the 80w tube you get 5000 lux at a one meter distance.

camille1585 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 05:11 PM

Thanks Finnbar! It's absolutely perfect!! And cheap too! But what's the difference between ballast, electronic ballast and dimmable electronic ballast?? And how do you choose the wattage?
I should get decent shipping costs too, since I'm in the same country.

One other thing... Is everything included or are there other things to buy?

EDIT: Just saw shipping costs. The company is based in France so shipping to NL is 13€ extra (7€ to France)

FinnBar · #7 (**permalink**) 11-09-2007, 05:23 PM

with an electronic ballast the light won't flicker at all when you turn it on. dimmable electronic ballast enables you to add a dimmer to simulate sunrise/sunsets. these things may be of importance when growing frogs but for orchids a "regular" ballast is just fine. 36W will be good for phals.
buy also their heat-resistant wire, 2 meters should be plenty. then get a regular electric cord to connect the light to the plug. sorry about the shipping cost-extra.