Converting from T5HO Fluorescents to T5 LED

[Ellen H]

Hi All,

I am considering switching from my current T5HO fluorescent setup (3 4-bulb ballasts using a mixture of 6500K and 3500K bulbs) to the T5 LED replacement tubes. They apparently fit right in to my existing ballasts with no extra wiring needed. The fluorescents generate a lot of heat, therefore the switch to LED to make the room more human-friendly!

The LED's are offered in many different levels of Kelvin temperatures but I don't know what's best for orchids...most of the websites seem to be geared toward cannabis growers. I also do not really understand all the technical terms when dealing with lighting. What info from the spec sheets should concern me regarding what is best for the plants? There is a lot of conflicting info out there. Should I go with a "full spectrum" bulb and not try to use a blend of different Kelvin bulbs?

Also, do I really need what they are calling "LED grow lights" (VERY expensive) or would a much less expensive LED meant for homes/offices work just fine? The office-type light sites don't mention much about color spectrum so I'm not sure they would work for plants. But the "grow lights" do show the spectrum their bulbs generate...however they are priced at 20-40+ USD per bulb depending on quantity purchased (gulp--I would need 12 bulbs).

I'm focusing on "grow lights" by Active Grow, Waveform Lighting, MKB Grow, and Ledgrowlightsdepot.com. They are the only ones I can find offering T5 LED replacements for fluorescent ballasts. Does anyone have any experience with these?

Perhaps I don't need the tubes at all - maybe just install LED strips instead? Or just stick with my current T5HO's?

I grow lots of different types of orchids, from Phals to Cattleyas, and they sit on one of those Home Depot chrome wire racks, using 3 of the 4-foot shelves.

TIA for any advice. I've been surfing lighting sites all day and my brain is befuddled....