Installed new t5 florescent fixture

[Mel]

Originally Posted by Ross

Installed a big "New Wave" fixture - 8 tube 48" t5 florescent. I am using a 50/50 mix of 6500K and 3000K bulbs. My primary use is to grow radish, leaf lettuce, and spinach over the winter, but I thought the light readings were of interest to orchid growers. I just measured 3600 foot candles at the top of planter which is 11" below the lights. This leaves us with a wonderful conclusion: can we grow Cats under t5's? Obviously yes. In fact, just about any orchid I am aware of can be grown under t5, given enough bulbs. Can we burn the leaves of orchids under t5s? Yep!

What about using 5000K or 5500K for all of the tubes? Reading a past post of yours, do you think 3500fc is really necessary to bloom cats when they are under full intensity for 12-14 hrs? Would 2500fc at that time duration work?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Mel

What about using 5000K or 5500K for all of the tubes? Reading a past post of yours, do you think 3500fc is really necessary to bloom cats when they are under full intensity for 12-14 hrs? Would 2500fc at that time duration work?

I would, except the place I get mine from doesn't carry them. I get a choice of 6500 or 3000K So I got the blend. Not 5000K, but I'm going to be growing veggies, so who cares?

I plan to go short day length for raddish, spinach and leaf lettuce, so high intensity and and short days (like 8-10 hours) will be the plan for first crop. For Cats, I still think really high light is one of the factors. I finally brought a potinara into bloom with combination of full sun (south window) plus supplemental CF bulbs (5000K). Full sun at 45 degrees N latitude is nearly 5000 foot-candles. 3500 FCs by itself might be lower limit, especially over 12-14 hours. 2500 FCs wouldn't do it, in my opinion. Great growths, but no flowers.