Light Meters

[ChasWG]

Yeah beanluc, I know what you mean. I found the formula out there using a slr camera set to 25 ASA and a shutter speed of a 60th. point the lease at a white piece of paper in the light you are trying to read and then the f stop then is then related to various fc readings. Not hugely acurate, but at least it got me in the game.

I'm getting a proper fc light meter too...

[Ray]

An update: I now stock lightmeters:


They list for $49.95, and I carry them at $45, but if you enter the coupon code (all caps) "ORCHIDSOURCE", I'll knock another $5 off.

The offer is only good through month end on current stock (7 left as I type this).

[ChasWG]

And Ray will be supplying that new light meter!

Thanks for the great offer Ray. Can't wait!

[Ray]

I lied. It's $40 (not $45), less the $5 if you work quickly

[ChasWG]

Yeah, I saw that and wondered, but your online form did it's thing and didn't blink. I figured that maybe it was just me or something. Anyway, great price!

[Caroline55]

Originally Posted by ChasWG

Ouch Caroline! Not really fair. I saw your question, and I too am a beginner here. But I noticed that your question is very broad. Each different type of orchid takes a different amount of light. You didn't say what you were trying to grow, so the the folks who know the anwsers can't say. Also, there i a search function here that is actually very good. I would suggest you try that for your orchids. The anwser is out there! Good luck!

Sorry for being rude! I am just being so impatient. I am stuck with the orchids (different kinds) for many years, trying to get them bloom. The plants look fine but they refuse to bloom. There must be something terribly wrong. I know that the answer is out there; I just wanted to find it out on time to save my orchids.

[Ray]

Caroline,

There are three primary reasons an orchid won't bloom (besides simply being immature):

• Insufficient light
• Insufficient nutrition
• Improper nutrition (deficiencies or excessive nitrogen)

Unfortunately, the solution may not necessarily be "grow brighter and feed more", as things like temperature and watering frequency, to name but two, can affect nutrient uptake and metabolic rates.

I suggest you start a new thread with a clear description of your overall cultural parameters, and folks can help more.

[kallisonmk]

Ok so I haven't used this darned thing for a while and now I can't remember if it gives me the accurate FC with the dial or if I must multiply the results by the amount of hours....erggg.