Light rec's for 12x12x12 terrarium? - Orchid Board

jcmiami · #1 02-08-2010, 12:42 AM

I am ordering a 12x12x12 terrarium because the old fish tank i have now is not easily accessible.

I am having very much trouble with the lighting. I dont know what is too much or too little.

I will be growing mini orchids (schoenorchis etc..)

any help would be appreciated

jcmiami · #2 02-08-2010, 09:46 PM

anyone?

there must be someone with a 12x12x12 or similar around here ...the lighting is the hardest to decide for me

Connie Star · #3 02-08-2010, 10:01 PM

There are some excellent articles on lighting on the AOS website. Bearing in mind that I am a beginner, and only a "senior member" because I post a lot, you might try a CFL (compact flourescent light) of the spiral type that is daylight balanced. You'll also need to watch the heat effect and the air circulation. You could also check the "First Rays" website- Ray has some articles on lighting.
Good luck

Connie Star · #4 02-08-2010, 10:02 PM

Oh, and welcome to OB- there is a lot of information here

jcmiami · #5 02-08-2010, 10:03 PM

Thank you! I think i'm going to go with the CFL the spiral ... The max my fixture will hold is one 26 watts... you think its enough ?

Becca · #6 02-08-2010, 10:08 PM

I would recommend a 4-bulb 2ft T5 light fixture like this one: https://www.firstrays.com/cgi/cart/c...=601&keywords= or this one: New Wave T5 Fluorescent Grow Light 2ft 4 Bulb 96W. I think the size would be perfect...it would overlap on the edges enough to where you wouldn't have to worry about the orchids not getting enough light that are positioned at the end of the bulbs where the light output is significantly less. I have a 18x18x24 terrarium and I use a 8-bulb 2ft T5 light fixture and the light output works well. Of course with more bulbs I have more light output, but you have a shallower terrarium so I think the 4-bulb fixture would work well for you. That is my recommendation, hopefully others will have some advice for you as well!

Connie Star · #7 02-08-2010, 10:08 PM

26 watts of flourescent light is enough, I think, if the light is fairly close. I read thru your other posts and I gather that you are converting a fish tank? From what I understand (I know little to nothing about fish tanks) the light is alot bluer than that used for plants. They usually say somewhere between 5200 and 6400 K(Kelvin) color temperature.

Connie Star · #8 02-08-2010, 10:10 PM

JC, I would go with Beccas recommendations over mine as she has probably been doing this longer than I have. I'm still figuring out lights.

jcmiami · #9 02-08-2010, 10:15 PM

actually the fish tank was a flop. It only had a small opening and i couldnt properly water fertilize and maintain the terrarium....

I ordered an exo terra 12x12x12 ...

Becca · #10 02-08-2010, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

JC, I would go with Beccas recommendations over mine as she has probably been doing this longer than I have. I'm still figuring out lights.

Thanks Connie! I've only been growing under lights since 2007. I've learned a lot of my info off of here from our other members like Ross and a few other names I can't think of right now because I am brain dead currently. I must admit, I have a Schoenorchis fragrans that I am completely stumped with....I just can't get the dang little thing to bloom under those lights so I have moved it to my large orchidarium. I thought maybe I am giving it to much light...it's only been sending out new growths and leaves like crazy!