Relying solely on lights - advice for my next setup?

[calvin_orchidL]

Originally Posted by SheilaJ

I got a 4 tube T5 high output fixture a year ago on ebay from a seller called "greatlights4less!" I am very pleased with it.

Hi Sheila! I have also looked at the lights offered by this seller! I was worried that the quality wouldn't be as good since it seems they are relatively cheaper than the other lights, and I couldn't find a brand name on their listing....but if you are happy with them, I may try them as well (I'm on a really tight student budget...while it's nice to make the investment, it may not actually be possible!)

Do you have a light meter and if so, have you measured the FC output? I'd be interested to know how it compares to the new wave brand which ross was recommending. Does each bulb have it's own reflector or is there one big reflector for all of them?
Sorry for all the questions!! Thanks!

[SheilaJ]

I kind of got the impression that he makes his own reflectors. It's one big reflector that covers all 4 tubes together. One corner of the reflector was bent a tiny bit - the box got crushed on one corner in shipping - but it was otherwise quite well packed.

Unfortunately, I have misplaced my light meter; otherwise I'd be happy to get a reading for you.

I chose this because the price was cheaper than the other options, and it seemed like the guy knew his stuff based on his writeup on the product.

[Ocelaris]

You can get a dual 4 foot T5 setup at home depot/lowes for 35$ or something silly cheap, I would check those stores first... The guy seems to be just putting a ring around the outside for a reflector on the T-5 setups. They are not the best reflector, as they are flat behind it, but they will work just fine, just not as fine as the ones you pay a lot more for... If you do see the lowes/home depot fixtures for cheap, definetly share, because I Think a lot of people would be interested. Bulbs will run you another 10$ (just get generic 4000k 80+ CRI bulbs and you'll grow just about anything fine).

The HPS/MH fixtures he is just buying old used Highbay/Lowbay ballasts and tossing on a reflector, you can usually pick a 400w MH/HPS fixture with bulb for ~70$ shipped if you are lucky, 100$ regular price. I've made the ammo box ballasts and DIY reflectors before and sold them on ebay. They work perfectly fine, just they're a PITA to make, so glad someone else is.

I've also scored some low wattage metal halide/HPS fixtures before as people had them labeled as flood lights etc... and didn't realize they had a ballast, there are 100s of halogen fixtures, but every once in a while there are some Metal Halide/HPS 100w or so for real cheap, I got one for 35$ shipped is my record!

[Lagoon]

Uh yes Calvin. Interesting point about the space issues and CFL's!
I've have some 42's and find they will take up some space aswell. I've thought about getting into some larger ones, but now that you mention that larger bulbs take up larger space, think I'll be putting that off.

My 42 CFL's work pretty well coupled with my 3ft. T-8's work well for me. I'm able to bloom catts and dends, with minimal heat mainly during our hot & very humid summers.

[calvin_orchidL]

Checked HD and Ronas (haven't checked Lowes yet) and haven't been able to find anything smaller than a T8. I will actually try looking around at aquarium shops because they seem to sell pretty intense lights. Will report back!

[Ross]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

Checked HD and Ronas (haven't checked Lowes yet) and haven't been able to find anything smaller than a T8. I will actually try looking around at aquarium shops because they seem to sell pretty intense lights. Will report back!

Good luck! I strongly suggest hydroponic stores or indoor growers. t5's will be nearly impossible to find right now as the technology hasn't been widely accepted outside the growing groups. Have you checked on line to see who will ship to Canada?

[Ross]

Calvin, I did a search on this web site Shipping Charges & Methods and it appears they ship to and from Ontario, Canada. So I recommend them since this is where I got mine. You get the bulbs with the fixture for their price.

[calvin_orchidL]

Thanks ross! Great to know they ship here - hope the price is not too extravagant. I'm going to save up and hopefully when my next pay day rolls along, I'll have enough to go for it. I just made a purchase for an 90gallon aquarium, so this project is quickly becoming an orchidarium project...which fits nicely considering I'm planning on getting involved with aerangis species