Thank you for your kind words. It's been a learning project, but "love" is a strong word. It's workable at best. I guess for a first effort it works pretty well. Like I said, it was learning thing. I was totally guessing at how this should work. If I had it to over I'd go with a larger, adjustable shelf system.
I have learned how this little micro climate works and what little changes I can do to make huge differences to the plants. The way I have it now is basicly the same as the first pictures I posted. I have added a few more lights. One of which is a twin bulb, 24" T5 unit. That one light caused me so many problems just for a added light output. The biggest problem was the heat those T5's put off. I ended up cutting more than a few holes into the clear plastic covering just to vent the heat out. Of course all those holes leads to a loss of humidity as well. So then I needed to up the time the humidifier runs. Right now I have the timer set to be on for 45 minutes and then off for 15 then on again, all day and night long. I know the humidifer is going to die before it's time at this rate. I think the T5 lamp might have to go else where and all those vent holes will get plugged. Then the timer for the humidifier can go back down to a 15 on, 15 off cycle.
Like I said, it's a learning thing for me. But I LOVE it!
there's that word again...
As for your set up, is it covered with anything to keep the humidity locked in near the plants? I used a window sealing kit that you can get at HD, Lowe's or even Walmart. Or even a shower curtain will do. It's just so dry here as you know.
Over the past few months that I have had my setup running I think my plants like the improvemnet I have made for them. I have two noid Phals that I have had for a while that I both almost killed. Well with a little TLC and living in the enclosure I am starting to see new root and leaf growth on both plants! They live on the one shelf that has no lights o that level. The light they get filters down through the slats in the other shelves. It's not a lot of light at that level, but I know how to fix that if needed. Maybe a T5 down at the bottom would be better, but what will I have to change to counteract that change???...
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grandma M
Chas, I love your setup, and your humidifier looks interesting. What brand is it, and where did you get it? I'm amazed at your ability to work with all the electrical componets.
I have a similar covered set up (18" deep X 48" wide X 72" HIGH) but have a horrible time with keeping the humidity even somewhat even. It goes up after I water my plants, and then pluments way down because of the heat from the lights even tho I have 3 small 6" fans in there. It looks like your humidifier is small enough to fit inside my covered shelves. Please PM me with more info on the humidifier. I NEED HELP.
Marilyn
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