Should I turn a spiking plant?

[Connie Star]

Oh, another question- it's not the initial cost of the HIDs but the operating costs that concern me- 400 Watts would add up quickly I think. How much heat does it add, and do you need special wiring? I'm a little paranoid about the shock potential, especially with the humidity involved.
You can see I've been badly bitten by the orchid bug. I'm only up to 20 orchids, but my limit was supposed to be 10.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

One 400 W metal halide bulb will run up the cost of electricity significantly. I don't know how much it costs you guys from other states, but I've noticed that when I was into the saltwater reef hobby, the electricity bill nearly doubled with two 400 W halides.

When purchasing a halide system, it should come with the fixture and special ballast. Other than that, there is no other extra wiring needed as it comes pre-assembled. You have the option of using the regular halide bulbs which resemble over sized incandescent bulbs, or the more energy efficient double ended HQI bulbs.

It's not recommended that the halides be positioned to close in height to the plants as they are very powerful lights. One of these 400 W bulbs can light up a good sized room easily. Usually keeping them about 2 or 3 ft above the tallest plant you own (this includes the size of the spike), should be good enough.

The halides will usually increase the ambient temperature of the area by about 5 F.

Consider having to pay for replacement bulbs every 10 months to a year.

When lighting plants I recommend a Kelvin temperature rating between 5500 K and 7500 K. These should mimic sunlight pretty closely. The Kelvin temperature of the light's plasma will ultimately change over time. So 5500 K is probably actually a lot closer to 5200 K after the first month or so. This is important to know because this affects the light's wavelengths. It's why you MUST change the bulbs out annually.

Another thing to consider...

When you put your arm under the halide lamps as you work with your plants, it is the equivalent of being under the sun. Your skin will feel a slight burning sensation over time.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If this sounds too costly for you, and I understand how it can be. The other alternative would be to use CFL bulbs. Not the spiral looking kind, but rather the tubes.

Things to consider when using CFL's is the wattage, Kelvin temperature, and changing the bulbs out every year. Pretty much similar to the halides, but the heat expenditure is not as intense and the electricity bill is lower.

[Connie Star]

Thanks King for that advise. I have set up a two bulb T5 system with 2 different Kelvin types. It doesn't generate enough light for when winter comes, so I think I am going to try the CFL tubes next. They seem reasonable in price and operating costs. We are due to add solar to our home both for heating and hot water, so I don't think I'll need the heat from the HIDs. We're in Western Ma, sort of central New England. Since I just started this hobby this past (late) winter I need to figure this out fairly soon. Thanks again

[kinknstein]

You might want to consider a 4 bulb, 6 bulb or 8 bulb T5 instead of the HID. I see you have a two bulb system now. They put out a comparable light level, generate less heat, and will not cost quite as much to run as the HID systems. I have both a 400W MH and then a number of different T5 fixtures, 4 bulb and 6 bulb. I grow my High Light chids like Catts etc under the T5 and the all grow beautifully and flower really well. I only grow my lower light chids like Masde's and Phals under the MH but have had lots of success with it. As King stated, there is no special wiring needed for the MH, but they may need to be on a seperate circuit(breaker) from your panelboard.

[johnblagg]

I use 2 400 watts mh in winter and it adds abot 80 a month to the bill,right now I have a 250 watt HPS on them and it shold add about 20 to the bill this month

[Connie Star]

What's MH?

[kinknstein]

MH is Metal Halide which is one type of HID (High Intensity Discharge). HPS or High Pressure Sodium is another type. MH provides light in the blue spectrum which is more for vegetative growth, while HPS provides light in the red spectrum which helps to promote blooming. Some growers will use a combination of both types, while others may only use one or the other. My chids have always bloomed under MH so I have never invested in a HPS.

[Connie Star]

Thanks!