Phals and lighting
 

So, i have been trying to research this all day and finally decided to just ask the question.

I have read that best fluorescent bulbs to use are the T5's with the T5 fixtures. However, there is a lot of diversion when it comes to which ones to use. I have read to use 6500k in sync with the 3500K. And some have said just use the 6500k. What is your opinion when it comes to using these with Phals? Also, how far should the Phals be away from the lights being that they are a low-light orchid?

The reason I want to use the T5's is because I know that I will eventually want to get more orchids of varying genus and species that will have different light needs and the T5's will allow for growing orchids with higher light requirements.

Thank you all in advance!

i use 6500k in mine. and they grow great. the color of the blooms looks natural as well. but i havent done but research on it, just got 6500k because it was easy.

i dont use t5s, i have four t12s over my phals, so i dont know really how far away from the t5s. for my t12s, i have them around 6-8 inches below the bulb

6500k alone should be one for Phals. Depending on bulb quality and Phal crosses you're probably looking at about 2 feet from the bulb for about 600fc, and 1.5 feet for about 1000-1200. Hope that helps

I used 6500k and 3000k together and after a few months my plants started showing signs that they weren't getting sufficient light. So I switched out the 3000k for more 6500k and they started perking up. Not a scientific study, just my experience. This was for Phals, Oncidiums, and some other tropicsl plants, and I had them about 12 inches from the lights.

Thank you soo much. Will definitely keep that in kind when setting up! :)