Grow Light v.s fluorescent "Natural" light

[josterha]

Hello all,

I'm posting this in "advanced discussion", because I could not find a better place. I wonder if this means that I'm no longer a newbie?!

I wanted to write for some advice. I am going to be building a new indoor enclosure for my orchids. My collection has gotten too big for the area I currently have. Let me premise this by saying that I only have north-facing windows in my apartment. My plan is to use some ready-made shelving together with some 48 inch-long fluorescent tubes for lighting. This will essentially be the only light source for the orchids, since it will not be near any window.

I was out shopping today and I saw both "aquarium/terrarium grow lights" and "natural" light fluorescent tubes. The grow light had a much lower light temperature (redder) and lower lumen output. The natural light tube was higher temp (blue-er) and higher lumen output.

Since the light fixtures I'm looking at have space for two tubes, I could put one of each in. My chief concern is for the health of the plants, but I also don't want to have "ugly" fluorescent lighting in my apartment, at least I would like to avoid it as much as possible.

I would love some advice from more experienced growers. By the way, my collection is made up completely of phals. and paphs.

Thanks a bunch,

John

[quiltergal]

Hi John. If you plan to grow using lights only there is no way that spot isn't going to look a bit like Area 51. I have a 4 shelf set up and have attached 2 T5 fl to the bottom of each shelf. The whole unit is also in a south facing bay window so gets lots of natural light as well. If I didn't have the window I'd probably have to use 3 lights per shelf. The lights are on a timer and I increase/decrease the time they are on seasonally. I like the T5s because they are low profile. I'm just using the most basic fixture, no reflectors or anything like that. It's pretty simple but effective. My bulbs are all 6700K, not sure about the lumens. I'd have to go look on the box, but they are grow lights. I bought mine at a hydroponics store.