HELP!!! I need to make lighting decision - Orchid Board

Grandma M · #1 07-17-2008, 09:38 AM

Someone please help.

I have been offered, at a very good price, a 1,000 W digital ballast. It's wired for 220 but that will not be a problem. Mine is on a dedicated circut so changing it will not cause a problem......OOPS, I'll need to plug in the the motor on the light mover, which is 110, into a different outlet.

I am now using a 600W HPS on a light mover. The area it covers is 9.5' long X 4' wide. Under this light I grow Phrags and about 35 Vandas. My phrags love it but I wonder if my vandas would appreciate the extra light, and would it be too much light for my phrags? My vandas do OK and I have brought some of them back into blooom, but I think they would do better under the 1000W light.

I was told it will add about $10.00 to my electric bill and will add extra heat into my room. They are in my basement so the extra heat could be dealt with. I don't like the $10.00 idea but I can deal with it.

Would the extra light be too much for my phrags?
Would the benefit of added light be worth it for my vandas, will they grow and bloom better for me?
He will take my 600W ballast toward the exchange.
I just bought a 600W bulb, which I haven't used yet, I can exchange it for a 1000W.

A big decision to make and I need help. PLEASE, give me your feedback. I believe Ross could have good advice on this matter.

Marilyn

Ross · #2 07-17-2008, 11:08 AM

M. I don't currently use hot lamps like this, but did use a 1000W in the past (about 5 years ago. For me, the lamp added a lot to the electric bill. It uses 1KW of 'juice' every hour. So multiply the cost per KWH from your last bill against the length of time it will be on to get the cost. 12 hours on = 12KWH.

As for light, the 1000 will supply light over a larger area as it must be hung higher above the plants. A good light meter will answer your questions about Phrags. For Vandas, the 1000 is a definite help in providing the light they desire. Heat can easily be delt with using fans and/or opening basement windows at night to let in cooler air.

Grandma M · #3 07-18-2008, 09:14 AM

My 600W light bulb is 48" above the bottom of the tray where my phrags are. I have my vandas hanging from a rack. Will I need more space than I now have between the plants if I go with the 1,000W?

I can't raise the light because it is on the light mover, but I can cut down the legs of the stands where my trays are sitting.

Is there anyone else here who uses a 1,000 HPS bulb. I have lots of questions and no answers.

Does anyone else grow vandas under lights? I need suggestions. HELP

John · #4 07-18-2008, 02:15 PM

Hi Marilyn, I use combination fixtures that have a 250W MH and a 250W HPS in the same fixture. I also have one that has a 400W MH and a 400W HPS in the same fixture. Mine are about 5' above the plants, but no light mover. I would worry that 1000w would be too much at four feet or less and that you may be wasting energy or risk burning the plants. I would consider keeping the 600w and adding another 600 to expand your growing area.
John

Ross · #5 07-18-2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

Hi Marilyn, I use combination fixtures that have a 250W MH and a 250W HPS in the same fixture. I also have one that has a 400W MH and a 400W HPS in the same fixture. Mine are about 5' above the plants, but no light mover. I would worry that 1000w would be too much at four feet or less and that you may be wasting energy or risk burning the plants. I would consider keeping the 600w and adding another 600 to expand your growing area.
John

Thank you for replying, John. I know you have an extensive setup I am jealous of

. I was tempted to suggest same thing, but don't have current experience. Also, I think for the added area coverage, the energy consumed is only ~200W or so. I thought you had vandas as well?

John · #6 07-18-2008, 05:44 PM

Hi Ross,
From what I read, I thought that the coverage area would be the same as before just more intensity. I do have vandas but without looking I think they are under the fluorescent lights, not the HIDs. I am wondering if we are making too big a deal about more and more light. I guess it would be great if we could provide 12 hours of noon time intensity for our plants but do they need it? Outside there are clouds and rainy days and the hours of light varies every day and plants sometimes grow together and shade each other. I have Catts, Vandas, Phals, Aerides, Cyms, Dens and Angraecums all blooming under either 500 watts of HID or 4 T8 tubes or 4 T5 tubes. Sooo what I would like to ask is if someone else has an opinion about this. Ross, I know that you are very knowledgable about all aspects of growing and about light requirements and I value your opinions. With the cost of power going up all the time, maybe we should rethink what is actually needed.
John

Ross · #7 07-18-2008, 05:58 PM

Exactly! Thanks for stating this so well. I have said for a long time that 1200FCs artificial lighting for 14 hours does not equate to 3500 FCs at noon in a greenhouse. You know this as do I, but it seems a hard sell to folks just starting out. I won't go in to it here, but suffice it to say, M. has a real descision here. I agree with you: try to go with a second 650 and increase the grow area.

Grandma M · #8 07-18-2008, 06:02 PM

Ross and John

Thanks for your helpful input. I was having a difficult time trying to decide. The info from the two of you helped me make the decision. I decided not to go with the 1,000W. I will just replace my 600W bulb which is over 2 years old.

I sure appreciate the knowledge you both have about lighting, and your willingness to share. It's people like you who make this forum such a great place.

Marilyn

John · #9 07-18-2008, 06:21 PM

Marilyn check out plantlighting.com for your new HPS bulb. I have purchased HID bulbs from them and they are good to work with. Did your friend say why he wanted to trade? Maybe 1000w was too much for him.
John

Ross · #10 07-18-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Ross and John

Thanks for your helpful input. I was having a difficult time trying to decide. The info from the two of you helped me make the decision. I decided not to go with the 1,000W. I will just replace my 600W bulb which is over 2 years old.

I sure appreciate the knowledge you both have about lighting, and your willingness to share. It's people like you who make this forum such a great place.

Marilyn

Are you not up to adding a second bulb?