Another artificial light question

[Cewal]

I saw another thread about artificial light but didn't want to hijack it, so I'm asking my question on a new thread.

I saw mention of T5 lights, but I'm not sure what that means. I get grow lights at a local electrical store and, after reading the previous thread, I'm not sure they are the right bulbs to be using. The numbers on them are F30T12.

I have catts, a paph, a cymbidium, a vanda, and a brassavola on the top shelf, and my phals are on the second shelf.

Can someone tell me if these are the correct bulbs to use? If not, what would you recommend.

[johnblagg]

F30 t12 means 30 watt and the t12 is the measurement of how big around the bulb is ....T5's are slimmer and put out more light for less electic use.

This does not mean t12's of the right spectrum are not good.They are just not as effecient as t5's are.

In fact most flouresent lights will grow plants well even the ones not labled grow lights.

[Cewal]

Thank you, JB.

[silken]

I don't know if this applies to U.S. as well as Canada, but after 2010, T12's will no longer be available. I believe ballasts are already off the market, but not sure about that. I was told this when I was pricing out lighting for members of our orchid society. below is a quote from Answers.com which explains why:

Is it true that T12 bulbs are being discontinued and must be replaced with T8?

That is true. The EPAC Act of 2005 states that all old technology relating to electrical products IE: T-12 will no longer be Mfg. after 2010.
The power Grid on the East Coast in 2005 prompted the Govt. to reevaluate the way we use electricity.
The T-8 and T-5 use electronic ballasts replacing the "old technology" magnetic ballasts. In theory, the electronic ballasts use about 1/2 the electricity of magnetic ballasts.

I assume this an American website but not sure. this may have some bearing on your choice of lighting.

[Cewal]

Originally Posted by silken

I don't know if this applies to U.S. as well as Canada, but after 2010, T12's will no longer be available. I believe ballasts are already off the market, but not sure about that. I was told this when I was pricing out lighting for members of our orchid society. below is a quote from Answers.com which explains why:

Is it true that T12 bulbs are being discontinued and must be replaced with T8?

That is true. The EPAC Act of 2005 states that all old technology relating to electrical products IE: T-12 will no longer be Mfg. after 2010.
The power Grid on the East Coast in 2005 prompted the Govt. to reevaluate the way we use electricity.
The T-8 and T-5 use electronic ballasts replacing the "old technology" magnetic ballasts. In theory, the electronic ballasts use about 1/2 the electricity of magnetic ballasts.

I assume this an American website but not sure. this may have some bearing on your choice of lighting.

Thanks for this info. I've actually been using the T-12 bulbs for about 8 years, and I just replaced one new ballast last week when I replaced the old bulbs. I wish I had known they were being discontinued. I think I will look into replacing them soon. I want to set up an indoor greenhouse this fall, so it might be a good time to consider switching to T-5.