T5 setup questions

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Norton

If the light is too intense at this level, I have no way to fix it. Just want to make sure I choose the right set up. I would hate to spend 150 dollars or so and regret it.

Actually you can reduce the light by using tissue paper as a filter - but I doubt you will need to. If you have a light meter, use that to measure output. Phals can easily take light up to 2000-2500 foot-candles. The 4-tube 48" fixture might put out 2000 foot-candles approx 6" from the tubes, but not more than that.

[Norton]

Thanks for all your help Ross. Could a mini or mid size Cattleya thrive in this type of light? If anyone here grows in a similar set up, feel free to give your recommendations.

[boytjie]

Originally Posted by Norton

Thanks for all your help Ross. Could a mini or mid size Cattleya thrive in this type of light? If anyone here grows in a similar set up, feel free to give your recommendations.

My 'chids all live under 48", four-bulb T5 high-output lights, and I've been growing and blooming mini Catts and a few species Catts with reasonable success for two years. In fact at first the light was so intense that the plants started to burn; I had to put some filtering material under the bulbs until the plants started to adapt to the higher light levels.

[TylerK]

You should be able to grow just about any small to medium sized orchid under the lights so long as you can get them close enough (or far enough) to the bulb. I had a three hybrid Catts and a couple B. nodosas under the lights and they developed a nice pinkish hue to the leaves. No burns, but definately plenty of light...especially if you have some ambient light to complement what's coming from the t5s.

You can also help with some of the higher light plants by keeping the lights on longer. I kept mine on for 18 hrs/day in the summer, down to 16hrs/day in the spring and fall, down to 14 hrs/day in the winter.

[AHAB]

TylerK,
Try using some epsom salts and see if the pinkish hue goes away... I'm thinking it might actually a lack of magnesium due to the higher metabolism.
Just my 2 cents...
if nothing else it would do them good and no harm.

[TylerK]

Thanks for the reply. I've actually moved since I posted the question, into an area with much higher ambient light (south west exposure), and have since not used the artificial lighting. The plant is a nice yellow/green right now, with very little red colouring. It was gone within a month of the move.

Tyler

[nhman]

I grow and bloom over 200 different types of catts under ONLY T5's. Of course, using all of those bulbs, I have fans, one air conditioner and a humidifer-mister to control temperatures and humidity. I can keep the temperatures to 65-80 (night - day) with humidity at 50-70 (day-night). They all love the set up and have rewarded me with plenty of blooms!
Now, the electric bill is another question.......I'm thinking that my next experiment should be with a nuclear generator for provision of power for this setup!!

[OrchidSue]

A wind turbine or solar panels would be more environmentally friendly .

Susan

[nhman]

So true,and agreed, BUT in our area of New Hampshire, wind is a +/- force and solar is not that great of an option -year round- given our snow cover "issues".
Geothermal is OK for heating and cooling but doesn't work for electrical generation. : ((
Thus, nuclear it needs to be!!!
Anyone have a "spare" one for sale? ))
(REALLY, this is a JOKE, please, no one from the FBI, Nuclear Reg. Com, NSA, CIA, etc need inquire as I am JUST KIDDING about all of this, I think)

[Intruder]

Maybe a beginner question: what is the advantage to use T5 tube? I read they heated more than a T8 tube. For each watts consummated they give more light but if the benefit is lost in heat where is the benefit? Thank you for your explanations.