The Phal abuse ends here. - Page 18 - Orchid Board

alley · #**171** 09-11-2011, 07:53 PM

Should I keep the orchids under the lights after they have bloomed?

fotofashion · #**172** 09-11-2011, 08:49 PM

Only if you want them to bloom again.

Beverly A.

Merlyn · #**173** 09-11-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silken

I do what Chryss does only with mostly T5's. 12 hours in winter and around 15 hours in spring and summer.

Dumb question, but did you start with T8s or T12s ? And, if so here's the dumb one, did you notice a difference with the T5s ?

silken · #**174** 09-11-2011, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Dumb question, but did you start with T8s or T12s ? And, if so here's the dumb one, did you notice a difference with the T5s ?

Not so dumb! I had T12's. It was the old metal canopy that had 4 4ft. tubes in it. I left two in the center and then mounted a 4 ft T5 on each of the outer edges to replace the 2 outer T12's. I didn't pay a lot of attention but I do think it is more lumens or whatever. I have had cattleyas bloom under it, but also keep several paphs in the centre, where the t12's are. The Paph. Deperle seems happy and has bloomed for me after moving it to that spot. It must like more light than most. they say the HO (high output) T5's which I have, are about double what a t12 puts out. They are so small and lightweight-very nice!

Merlyn · #**175** 09-12-2011, 02:14 AM

You must have bought 2 single T5 fixtures because T5 bulbs won't fit in T8 or T12 fixtures. The T5 prongs are closer together than the T5 and T12 which are 1/2" apart. You can put T8s in a T12 fixture but they may or may not work, if the ballast is for only T12s. The ballast can be replaced for $15 or $20 (I forget which) at Home Depot and you can use the same bulb holders (inotherwords you DON'T have to buy a new T8 fixture). I've done a lot of converting old T12 fixtures to T8, but I'm an electrician which helps !!!

T5 technology is similar in marketing intent to what the audio cassette did to the 8-track. To use the cassette you had to buy a cassette player because it wouldn't play in the 8-track !!! That's, of course, if any of you on this forum know what an 8-track was !!! LOL !!! The T5 IS BETTER, MORE EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY but it WILL cost you more on your electric bill. A 4 bulb 4 Foot T5 fixture will spend 208 watts and a 4x4 T8 is 128 watts, do the math. You WILL get more lumens from the T5s but they ARE less financially efficient if you're looking at cost per hour alone, but who does ?? NOT me !!! As soon as I can afford the fixtures they all will slowly be replaced with T5s.

Hope that helps !

silken · #**176** 09-12-2011, 02:59 AM

You're correct, they are individual T5 fixtures. They don't connect in any way to the T12 ballasts. Using two screws, I just mounted the entire slim, lightweight T5 fixture to the metal canopy close to the positions where the two outer T12 bulbs used to be. The T5 fixtures can connect together so that you only need one electrical connection for multiple fixtures. They come with the short connection cords to do it. I find them very handy and so much smaller and convenient than the old T12's. I agree that T8's are a good economical way to go. It seems the fixtures and bulbs are a lot cheaper than the T5's. And yes, I certainly know what an 8-track player is

RosieC · #**177** 09-12-2011, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwj5279955

Question, after the plant spikes, can temps be returned to room temp? Or do they need continued low nights to keep the spike growing?

It only needs to be low to start the spike. Once started it can be grown as normal.

rwj5279955 · #**178** 09-12-2011, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RosieC

It only needs to be low to start the spike. Once started it can be grown as normal.

Thanks so much. I'm focusing all my growing time to Orchids as of this past summer. I have been growing for a couple of years, with relative success outdoors until the temps drop too low. I am moving them all into a small 6' high x 4' long by 2' deep portable greenhouse which I fitted with fixtures for CFL bulbs, a 207 cfm muffin fan for intake and various other pieces of equipment. It seems environment is everything regarding Orchids.