Lighting

[mossy oak]

I am building a 24" deep x 30"wide x 42" tall vivarium, how many t5 lamps should I use. My current choice is 4 24w 6500K bulbs but have been thinking maybe 6 would be better. any help would be appreciated, i have never used t5s and i am looking for the best setup for orchid growth. thanks

[Ross]

Welcome to the board, Mossy Oak.

I have extensive experience with many sizes t5 and can assure you, the more the better. I use a 2-tube 24" just as fill-in for a few plants and it's not all that bright, but the set up is in a south window so light really isn't lacking. I normally recommend 48" fixtures since they are the most common and the best value for the money you spend. The 24" fixtures and tubes are disproportionately higher in cost (ie, not 1/2 the cost of 48") but sometimes the space dictates the size.

Now as for your question, 6 tubes would be the minimum I would plan. The 8-tube is only 21" wide and less than 24" long. This would barely cover the area of your tank. Here is a link for 24" fixture: Buy New Wave T5 Fluorescent Grow Light 2ft 4 Bulb 192W (The link says 4-bulb, but it really is 8-bulb).

[mossy oak]

who sells the best 6 bulb setup that is a retrofit kit? and bulbs?

[TylerK]

Originally Posted by Ross

Welcome to the board, Mossy Oak.

.... I use a 2-tube 24" just as fill-in for a few plants and it's not all that bright, but the set up is in a south window so light really isn't lacking. ....

Hi Ross,

Are you saying here that you have a terrarium setup in your south facing window? If so, how do you deal with the heat generated from direct sun?

(Sorry for the thread hijack)

Tyler

[Ross]

Originally Posted by TylerK

Hi Ross,

Are you saying here that you have a terrarium setup in your south facing window? If so, how do you deal with the heat generated from direct sun?

(Sorry for the thread hijack)

Tyler

Nope. My windowbox setup is here http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-consider.html This is an old post and old picture before adding more lights.