Light table on a student budget - Orchid Board

ceropegia · #1 02-01-2010, 06:24 PM

Since I've been wanting to try out some new orchid species lately (I'm a beginner with 3 phals) I was thinking of constructing a lighting table out of a shelving unit of some kind so I can try some different species.

I'm a student on a budget though, so I was wondering if anyone had some ideas for me? I'm not using HIDs (too expensive and too clunky for now) but I was thinking 4' T12 flourescent fixtures would be a good option.

As for the shelving unit itself, I would like something that is perhaps collapsible (not a solid shelf but something I can take apart since I move around quite a bit) and that can stand up to high humidity (I can finish a wooden shelf easily). I want to rig the fixtures on the bottom of each shelf, so it would have to be about 4' or so.

Anyone have some suggestions? Thanks!

John D. · #2 02-01-2010, 06:29 PM

The four foot Metro shelving from "the container store" on the web works great. Shelves are adjustable and the four foot T12 or T8 shoplights fit perfectly.

calvin_orchidL · #3 02-01-2010, 08:26 PM

Hey, student here too. Try using T5 lights instead - the T12s really aren't bright enough. T8s are good for low light things. You can build a pretty good light table with PVC piping for under 50 bucks (google pvc light stand)...but if you really want to get creative, check out some of the online forums devoted to growing other specialty plants and you will see lots of innovative ideas.

ceropegia · #4 02-01-2010, 08:35 PM

Hmm, I don't know that much about T5s...what are the sizes and costs like? I'd really rather not get a 4' light if I don't have to so if T5s come in smaller sizes all the better. How easy is it to find bulbs for them?

camille1585 · #5 02-02-2010, 04:17 AM

I'm a student too, and pretty much had to deal with the same budget problems when getting my lights. One thing I recommend is trying to get the best light you can afford even if that means stretching the budget a bit. If you can get decent T5, go for it. I made the mistake of going for a cheaper light, and then had to buy something more powerful a year later when I discovered that what I had just wasn't enough for the new orchids I was getting. I didn't get a light stand, but just hooked up the light to some shelves that I already had.
Other than T5s, full spectrum high powered CFL bulbs might be an option too.

Grandma M · #6 02-02-2010, 10:03 AM

Check out Walmart, Lowes, or Costco. I have found great carts there, several different sizes. T5 lights give the best light for the money.

Marilyn

boytjie · #7 02-02-2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Check out Walmart, Lowes, or Costco. I have found great carts there, several different sizes. T5 lights give the best light for the money.

Marilyn

When I expanded my setup two years ago, I got my shelves at Lowes, and decided on T5 lights after a lot of research (and opinions from knowledgeable folks here on the OB). The initial cost for T5 fixtures might be a bit more, but their high light output gives you way more options as far as what you can grow. You can then raise or lower the plants under the tubes according to their specific light needs.

stefpix · #8 02-02-2010, 10:45 AM

What kind of T5 fixtures? i saw some 2 tubes fixtures3 / 4 ft at Home Depot for 25/30 $ + wire $6 but those have no reflector. wonder if those are OK

Connie Star · #9 02-02-2010, 10:12 PM

I made reflectors over T5s with aluminum foil. The lights themselves are zip tied underneath an inexpensive ($10 at a garage sale) steel shelving unit. I just sort of draped the aluminum foil above the lights. Probably not the best set-up, but it sure was cheap.
Here's a picture of my set up- I'll have to post a closeup. The wooden shelf set was made by a friend in exchange for some work my hubby did for him.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...c-12-2009.html

Becca · #10 02-02-2010, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ceropegia

Since I've been wanting to try out some new orchid species lately (I'm a beginner with 3 phals) I was thinking of constructing a lighting table out of a shelving unit of some kind so I can try some different species.

I'm a student on a budget though, so I was wondering if anyone had some ideas for me? I'm not using HIDs (too expensive and too clunky for now) but I was thinking 4' T12 flourescent fixtures would be a good option.

As for the shelving unit itself, I would like something that is perhaps collapsible (not a solid shelf but something I can take apart since I move around quite a bit) and that can stand up to high humidity (I can finish a wooden shelf easily). I want to rig the fixtures on the bottom of each shelf, so it would have to be about 4' or so.

Anyone have some suggestions? Thanks!

There are other sizes of T5 lights. But the 4ft bulbs are the strongest. A 4ft T5 light bulb will give approximately 5000 lumens per bulb. On a 4-bulb fixture that is 20,000 lumens total. A 2ft T5 bulb will give approximately 2000 lumens per bulb. I have a 8-bulb 2ft T5 fixture so the total lumens are close enough for my needs...but my next T5 fixtures will be the 4 ft ones. Replacement bulbs run about 12.00 per bulb and I replace mine once a year.