Need source for 5000K T5 Biax light bulbs

[goodgollymissmolly]

Becca, if you Google something like "fluorescent spectrum" you will find some output spectra like that you see on Ray's site. Then you can overlay Ray's absorption spectra to see if a given light produces in the proper range. Also if you look at some manufacturers web sites like Sylvania or GE or Phillips you can find the same kinds of spectra for their various products. You might also try something like "horticultural lighting" where the wavelengths of interest would be highlighted for marketing reasons. Some hydroponics web sites also show spectra of grow lights.

I'll see if I can find you some specific sites after I edit some pictures that I've been ignoring. None of this hard. A famous person (whose name escapes me like most names) once said, "nothing is complicated for the person who understands it". Come to think of it, I think it was a coworker who had just straightened me out on some subject.

[Ocelaris]

I think lighting is a very touchy topic for all of us... I think there is a lot of information out there and even more conflicting views.

I may have missed a few posts after editing, but it seems there is a concensus about attempting to hit the chrlorophyll spectra and not all lights being forthcoming enough to really gauge their value. we all have variations on the same theme, and it's important to remember we're all shooting for the same goal... Cheers!

There is a great article here:

Aqua Botanic-light bulb comparison

Covers PAR rating, which I think would be useful in comparing how valuable a lighting source is for chrlorophyll absorption.

I saw a recent video by National Semiconductor and Philips Lumileds (the high power LED people) about LEDs and plant growth, and they were saying basically that the spectrum of the 3 Red/Green/Blue LED lights out there on the market TOTALLY miss the chrlorophyll absorption region. If anyone is interested. I can post the link, it's a video about 150megs, but well worth it if you are interested in LEDs.

[mjsdas]

I appreciate the information provided but it is clearly over my head. I'm just trying to find out the best light set up to use with the new 24" T5 Biax 55w light fixture that I purchased. I looked over the previous postings on this forum and 5000K seemed to be the one noted the most. Since I can not find T5 Biax 55w bulbs in this kelvan, I plan to go with one 6400K and one 3000K bulb. I hope that this will be a good arrangement. Any other suggests would be appreciated. I also need recommendations on the distance above the Paphs that I should locate the light fixture. I have a LUX meter that I can use to monitor the light intensity. Thank again for the help.

[Ross]

Sorry your original question got so far afield. Sometimes that happens. You asked a rather simple question but got no answer. I am suspecting the fixture you are planning on purchasing is a two lamp 24" fixture? Then I would get one of each bulb. Not the best mix, but the best you can get for this particular setup. You need both the red end and blue end of spectrum, which this would give, but the plants and flowers will look off-color due to warmer than natural lighting. The plants should do just fine with this mix.