Is this a good light fixture?

[jchandra]

(sorry, I can't post the link as this is my first post) If you paste this into the search bar it will pull up:

T5 Grow Light (4 Ft 4 Lamps) DL844 Fluorescent Hydroponic Bloom Veg Daisy Chain

Has anyone purchased this light fixture from Ebay? Can anyone comment on the quality? Currently I am using a two bulb T8 setup for phals and catts and I'm concerned it may not be enough light. I have not checked with a light meter yet.

Also, other than a humidifier and a humidity tray, does anyone have ideas to raise humidity near my plants? Thanks!

[DelawareJim]

Don't know anything about that fixture. It looks like a modified shop light.

I dont know what your budget is, but most of the growers I know are adding supplemental lighting are either using high-output T5 (HO T5) fixtures or metal halides. The HO T5's come in 2-foot and 4-foot lengths and 2, 4, 6, and 8 tube configurations.

I use a 4-foot, 6 tube HO T5 made by HydroFarm at my local hydroponics store that I'm very happy with.

Image Viewer

Another good company is Sunlight Supply. Their line is here:
Fluorescent Lighting | Sunlight Supply, Inc. - Indoor Gardening Supplies, Grow Lights, Hydroponics, and Lighting

Both fixtures are daisy-chainable and can be hung horizontally in the normal fashion or vertically if needed.

For more humidity, a lot of people are starting to build indoor greenhouses in their basements with 2x4's and poly sheeting.

Cheers.
Jim

[billc]

Like Jim I use T5HO(high output). First Ray's has decent pricing. Raising humidity without closing off your growing area is tough to do with or without a humidifier.
What is your humidity? Hybrid phals and catts should be able to get by in most household environments.
T8's should be fine for blooming phals(I did it for years), probably not so good for catts.
Welcome!

Bill

[trdyl]

Hello, I bought both of my Hydrofarm T5HO 4ft 6 bulb fixtures off of Ebay. I did get a very good deal at the time and love them.

Years ago living in Arkansas I did use 4ft T12s for over wintering my plants indoors which included Oncidium alliance, Cattleya alliance, Paphs and a few other orchids as wells as Phals. I did not any problems back then blooming them with those lights during the winter.

That light fixture you metioned should work. But there are better ones out there.

[Gail]

jchandra,
When I'm looking at something on eBay and not sure about the product and/or vendor, I look at the vendor's "Feedback Profile". Sometimes, it will list the particular item and you can see what the buyers thought after receiving said item.

While this light rec'd one neutral feedback rating, most were positive. Many growers like the hooded top feature because it reflects light into the growing area - no loss of light. And, the price seems good. In fact, I just might get one myself.

[DavidCampen]

Originally Posted by jchandra

(sorry, I can't post the link as this is my first post) If you paste this into the search bar it will pull up:

T5 Grow Light (4 Ft 4 Lamps) DL844 Fluorescent Hydroponic Bloom Veg Daisy Chain

Thanks!

That looks like a decent 4 lamp, 4ft, T5 HO fixture with a high quality reflector. I can't comment on price since I buy water resistant styles that cost at least twice as much.

4' Wet Location Light Fixture - 54W T-5 120/277V - TekSupply

Wet Location T5HO Fluorescent Grow Light Fixtures

[Gail]

Unfortunately, I did buy this light fixture. The frame is extremely flimsy. If I tried, I know I could bend it in two with little force and the one I received, was indeed, bent. Two of the light bulbs were broken in their sleeves. I decided to go ahead and test the unit anyway and the two inner light receptacles don't work. I have contacted the seller. Wish me luck.

[jchandra]

Originally Posted by Gail

Unfortunately, I did buy this light fixture. The frame is extremely flimsy. If I tried, I know I could bend it in two with little force and the one I received, was indeed, bent. Two of the light bulbs were broken in their sleeves. I decided to go ahead and test the unit anyway and the two inner light receptacles don't work. I have contacted the seller. Wish me luck.

Oh no! I hope they take care of you! I decided to go with the hydrofarm 4 ft 4 bulb light. I thought it might be a better idea to spend a little more and have the warranty to back up the product.

[Gail]

You were right to go with the Hydro Farm. In fact, today, Amazon has it for the same price.

Edit to say the same priced one was not the same item. It was 2 feet in length.