LED lighting for Terrariums - Orchid Board

greenguru · #1 09-20-2011, 10:51 AM

Does anyone have advice on which LED setup is best for growing Orchids in a terrarium? I'm about to bring in some Phal's, Cybidiums, and Cat's for the winter and am thinking about setting them up in terrariums because I've got limited space. My concerns are
1)which LED combination is best (red,blue,orange, white) for healthy growth
2)light intensity for the different species (1500 ft candles for the phal's to 5,000 for the cat's) and how to achieve it using LED's.
I prefer to use LED's to help reduce electricity costs so the lowest wattage that can be used to adequately keep my plants and my wallet happy is appreciated.
Would the 90W FULL SPECTRUM TRIBAND UFO HYDROPONIC LED GROW LIGHT work? How many would I need to adequately supply the lighting needs? Do any companies out there make LED lights specifically for terrariums (I'm converting an aquarium into a terrarium and would like to re-use the aquarium hood light assembly if possible).

WhiteRabbit · #2 09-20-2011, 11:33 PM

gl!

greenguru · #3 09-21-2011, 01:26 AM

?? Hello White Rabbit...What is gl?

BioWheel · #4 09-21-2011, 09:23 AM

I just purchased and received a new LED light for my orchids. It's new technology for me and I'm just going to give it a go. I don't think my light meter really can be used to tell how far away or close it should be to my plants. So - I'll see. I purchased it at: NEW - Diamond Series LEDs - Extreme 3w LED Technology - Advanced LED Grow Lights

It's expensive but uses a lot less energy than my 8 bulb T5HO. And I won't have to replace bulbs every two years.

BioWheel · #5 09-21-2011, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenguru

?? Hello White Rabbit...What is gl?

Good Luck

LOL

littlefrog · #6 09-21-2011, 01:20 PM

I think the 90W would be serious overkill unless your terrarium is pretty big.

I'm selling LEDs (a wide range) now, if you drop me a PM I can at least get you close to what you need. You don't need to buy from me, but at least you'll have some better ideas!

Rob