Has anyone tried these?

[Ross]

I found this available locally and wonder as to it's ability for totally artificially lit orchidarium (not supplemental).

http://www.hydrofarm.com/content/PDF/compfluor.pdf

If someone has, please let me know the ins and outs of using the unit (for instance, how big an area does it REALLY cover - not the area the manufacturer states).

[Tindomul]

Looks good, but the ballast seems to be missing a highly reflective surface to redirect stray light rays. ANd seeing as how some of those bulbs will be away from the bottom of the lamp, I'de say lots of light will be wasted.
I myself have been looking into trying a T5 Flourescent fixture, they apparently give off the most light, and the least heat.

[littlefrog]

For my vivariums I'm going a cheaper way... I use the clip on spotlight fixtures (the metal ones, 6 or 7 bucks...) and compact fluorescent bulbs. You can get up to '150W' (maybe more) in the spiral bulbs now, but if you go beyond 125 you need to use a bigger fixture (easily available and not more than a couple bucks more expensive).

Two of these on each of my tanks (15 to 29 gallons). I'm using the 23W variety (I think that is the equivalent of 100W incandescent). I think the bulbs cost around 6 dollars each, so I'm spending maybe 25 dollars per tank in lighting equipment.

[Ross]

Just got back from checking with a local (36 miles) hydroponic place and they are getting away from CF for a symple reason - if the bulb burns out or fails - it fails! With the T5 fixtures (most recommended by this company) I could replace just one bulb and be up and running. But Rob brings up a good point - the ones I've been using (55 watt variety) have been doing job just fine and I can use standard light sockets.