Noob guestion #1 Light

[lilricky]

Forgive me if this has been covered before. If it's in here somewhere, I guess I didn't use the right search words.

I'm really new at this, I have bought a couple "dime store" Orchids in the past and they have rebloomed at least once.

In another forum I read a discussion about using 85cfls. Are these the same Cfls I can buy in 4 packs at my local big box?

Is there any advantage to using these over the good old school tubes?

This is my present rack using full spectrum tubes in front of an east window. I'm contemplating rearranging the room so I could move this rack to the opposite wall with west windows. I'm curious if the west natural light would be better.
Along my south facing windows in this room are larger and in bloom plants.

[Tommyr]

I have the same rack in west window.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by lilricky

Forgive me if this has been covered before. If it's in here somewhere, I guess I didn't use the right search words.

I'm really new at this, I have bought a couple "dime store" Orchids in the past and they have rebloomed at least once.

In another forum I read a discussion about using 85cfls. Are these the same Cfls I can buy in 4 packs at my local big box?

Is there any advantage to using these over the good old school tubes?

This is my present rack using full spectrum tubes in front of an east window. I'm contemplating rearranging the room so I could move this rack to the opposite wall with west windows. I'm curious if the west natural light would be better.
Along my south facing windows in this room are larger and in bloom plants.

My initial response is that the lighting seems pretty low to me for the plants I see. Have you used a light meter to measure the light levels on the bottom shelf? You shouldn't try to rely on your eye alone, as human eyes can adjust to pretty low light levels and make them seem "OK".

[lilricky]

Originally Posted by Ross

My initial response is that the lighting seems pretty low to me for the plants I see. Have you used a light meter to measure the light levels on the bottom shelf? You shouldn't try to rely on your eye alone, as human eyes can adjust to pretty low light levels and make them seem "OK".

I'm sorta coming to that conclusion. I was out at the local hydroponics store looking at T5 solutions.
I was mainly wondering if the west windows would provide better natural light.

[Tommyr]

Mine are in South and west windows. West seem enough during the winter months. It also depends on each plant type.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by lilricky

I'm sorta coming to that conclusion. I was out at the local hydroponics store looking at T5 solutions.
I was mainly wondering if the west windows would provide better natural light.

I would go for full south windows, t5 supplemental lighting and control the lights when sun shines. When it doesn't, even t5's may not be enough for lots of orchids.

[lilricky]

Originally Posted by Ross

I would go for full south windows, t5 supplemental lighting and control the lights when sun shines. When it doesn't, even t5's may not be enough for lots of orchids.

Hmmm.
That would require some major rearranging of bookcases. The tops of which are covered w/(what else) more orchids.
I'll have to give that some thought. Even moving the racks to the west windows will require moving a very heavy TV.