Beginner to lights

[jeremyinsf]

So this is a lighting post, but it’s beginner, so I hope it’s OK here!

I basically have a few questions about how to proceed with setting up artificial lighting. I have read several other threads on here and still feel very lost.

I am looking at a Hrdrofarm hood, a 600w Phantom Digital Dimmable Ballast, and some sort of HPS or MH bulb to go with it. I want to light a 4’x4’ area. *Most of my plants are Paph’s and anticipate that will continue*. I got several new Multiflorals this year that are going to need more light than my frosted window in San Francisco is going to give them. Some heat from the light is OK and probably welcomed. From what I have heard, I will like to ‘look’ at the MH light (color) moreso than the HPS which is very red. Since these are strong lights, I anticipate having to have them a few feet above the plants. I have done great with windowsill growing of Paphs but want to take it to the next level. Since it’s summer things are fine now, but I don’t think they will be when it starts to get dark again.

Questions:
- Is this too much light for these plants, and if so, what range should I look at? The ballast dims to 60%, 75%, and 100%. I have seen the 150w systems, and then others that have talked about 1000w with Paphs. So very confused here.
- HPS vs MH – any thoughts? How it will grow the plants, how it will look, and how much light? Do I need both and switch them at different times of year?
- Am I just way off base all around???

Thanks!

[quiltergal]

For Paphs. HPS and MH are way overkill, and they are very hot. Look into a couple of T5HO. They are cheaper to buy and cheaper to run, and certainly not nearly as hot. Check out this thread. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chid-rack.html

[el_hnaht]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

For Paphs. HPS and MH are way overkill, and they are very hot. Look into a couple of T5HO. They are cheaper to buy and cheaper to run, and certainly not nearly as hot. Check out this thread. http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chid-rack.html

That's very nice! Did you get that rack from Sam's club?

[quiltergal]

Lowes.

[jeremyinsf]

Terri - it appears you are the orchid fairy godmother. I'd like to adopt you :-)

[rosemadder]

Unless you're going for very strong, high light, T5s are probably the easiest and most economical option.

I got the lights for my planted aquarium (plants are plants, aquatic or not) from Ocean Aquarium (near Polk & Post). Two Oddysea 48" T5 fixtures with 2 56w 6500k bulbs each, for my 50gal. That probably runs about $140 total these days, not counting whatever you hang them from. I bet that would cover 4'x4' of plants just fine. These fixtures are on the cheaper side though, not dimmable. Of course, if you need less light you can always just raise them higher.

You can check aquarium shops, or-- I suspect possibly more economical-- the various hygroponics places around town, where the people in the shop can often give helpful tips. Or order online. This being San Francisco, there's a lot of local resources for indoor... ahem... growing. Much of which can be very handy for orchids.

[jeremyinsf]

Originally Posted by rosemadder

Unless you're going for very strong, high light, T5s are probably the easiest and most economical option.

You can check aquarium shops, or-- I suspect possibly more economical-- the various hygroponics places around town, where the people in the shop can often give helpful tips. Or order online. This being San Francisco, there's a lot of local resources for indoor... ahem... growing. Much of which can be very handy for orchids.

Yes!

I've already been to Plant-It Earth, which is less than one mile from my house :-) They are great people and have been very helpful, but they do indeed deal mostly with different plants than I'm looking to work with. That's why I'm asking questions here from people that know a lot about orchids, including the actual ones I have.

I looked at a T5HO today after reading Terri's post. I think I'm going to go with 2'x4', 8 bulbs 54watts each, and they will let me pick what kind of bulbs I want, so I'm going to split them half and half alternating the red ones and the other ones. It's $199 for all of it. Plant-It really, really stands behind their products and service, so I'm willing to pay a bit more to get it from them. And from what I can find online, it's a good price anyway. I do know the Aquarium one you are talking about - I will keep it in mind if I need other stuff down the road! Thanks for the suggestion!

[quiltergal]

6500k bulbs are just fine for blooming almost any orchid. They cost way less than the red spectrum bulbs. I also think they are easier to look at as well.

[rosemadder]

Well, yes. If natural light is insufficient, one uses artificial light. Sounds like jeremy wants to extend the day length in winter.

I have some of my extra lights-- old compact fluorescents-- on my own orchids, since my windows aren't facing a very good sunny direction. Keeps my vandas a nice happy grass green.

Full sunlight is somewhat difficult and expensive to simulate, and that's generally only necessary for high yield stuff like vegetables and other demanding plants that grow fast. Or for penetrating the water in large aquariums that have light-hungry carpeting plants at the bottom-- water blocks quite a bit of light.

Most orchids can't even handle light that strong, so MH and HPS are kinda overkill. Even T5s could be too strong, depending on the plants and how low the lights hang.


I'm getting a light meter in the mail soon, myself. It'll be fun to test out what my fixtures and window are throwing around.

Of course there's also PAR measurements and LED fixtures to consider too, but that's another ball of wax.