Lights online

[bballr4567]

Do any of you folks purchase your lights online? The local stores don't carry any T5 lights in anything higher than 4100k. I'd rather purchase the light and ballast together so I don't purchase a light I don't need.

Basically, I have 4 phals that need more light. I was looking at a 1 lamp system (unless I can find a 2 for not much more) that is 2 ft. I've done quite a few net searches but tons of lighting systems out there.

[Merlyn]

Take a look at First Ray's, that's where I got mine.

[johnblagg]

I build my own from parts I get at home depo ...65 watt pl tubes and a electroninc ballast that will run two of these tubes..the ballast I a ho ballast and can run from a 2 48 watt tubes to 2 98 watt tubes...

everything is doing great under them

[bballr4567]

Neither of my Lowes or Home Depot stock just the ballast here. I can order them though except my wife freaks out about wiring together stuff so I want to order a kit. I know it cost more but peace is cheap. Lol

Should I go for a 2 bulb system? I'm going to probably get up to ten plants in the future so would a one bulb supply enough light?

[zxyqu]

Lots of sources really. I'm a computer builder myself, so I found my Hydrofarm T5 setups at Newegg.com. Ray's got some good stuff, as he stocks hydrofarm stuff at wholesale price, so he'll have anything they sell really, 2/4/6/8 bulb setups at 2' or 4'. Hope that helps.

[Merlyn]

This is the link to Ray's; Orchid Growing Supplies Semi-hydroponics Hydroponics Orchid Books PrimeAgra

[camille1585]

As to how many lights to get, if you plan on getting many new orchids in the future I would say that it's best to get the largest fixture you can afford. It's probably cheaper to get a 2 bulb fixture, then to buy a single one now, then buying another later on.

[Merlyn]

Also you don't get the same watts/lumens from a 2 foot fixture as from a 4 foot. 4100k might be as high as 2 foot bulbs go. My 4 foot fixture bulbs are 6500k.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Also you don't get the same watts/lumens from a 2 foot fixture as from a 4 foot. 4100k might be as high as 2 foot bulbs go. My 4 foot fixture bulbs are 6500k.

As far as I know, the wattage/ lumen output have no relation with the color temperature of a light. So normally you should be able to find any length of tubes in the same range of color K.

[Ray]

Thanks for the recommendations, folks.

To clarify, I don't stock the lights, I have them drop-shipped from the nearest Hydrofarm location to you to save on shipping costs (close to me in PA, Norcal, Socal,, CO, TX, or FL).