Measuring Florescent light output

[Stray59]

Again - WOW !I am amazed that something so widespread in it's use seems to be so complicated to properly implement. You guys keep up the discourse. This is all WAY over my head so I will keep monitoring until it gets really simple - I am a little . And a lux meter sounds like what I need to invest in. Any suggestions to brand or what to look for exactly?
Steve
p.s. - what in the heck is a micro einstein?

[The Peloric Orchid]

Since most meters are for lux measurements, I recommend one that's rated for at least 50,000 lux (which converts to around 4600 footcandles). That way you can make measurements all the from low light to something that's beyond the brightness require of bright light orchids. Unless you're into professional photography, you don't need to spend more than $35 dollars on a light meter.

A micro einstein is basically a measurement of the number of photons. As far as plants are concerned, most photons that fall within visible light are suitable for photosynthesis, so color doesn't matter in terms of a plant being unable to photosynthesize and quantum light meters are calibrated to reflect this.

Even though I have science background, the math and physics behind light went over my head too the first time I tried doing this. When I was trying to figure out what wattage (before I knew about lumens, lux, and footcandles) lights I needed, I realized that there wasn't enough data out there to make an exact calculation, so I bought a brighter light than I guessed that I needed figuring I could always mount it higher.

[Stray59]

The Peloric Orchid:
Thank you for the explanation. I am really non-mathematical; I always focused on psychology and orchids, or for that matter, anything besides math. I had a traumatic experience involving formulaic equations I think - I've all but blocked it from my mind. Needless to say, I am much better with epiphytic roots than square roots. I do have a Rhynchostylis that grew a square root, but I think it was just a fluke !
The answer to my question is a light meter. This is the simplest and most logical solution as I am sure every light bulb configuration, the distance of the bulbs, hood color, etc. makes a difference and a meter will show me what the plants are getting in my (their) home.
Thanks again for the help!
Steve