Relying solely on lights - advice for my next setup?

[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. I forget the price - maybe $175 to $200? Be careful reading the listings, though - he lists a fixture with 8 bulbs, but it's a 4 tube fixture with 2 sets of bulbs, not an 8 tube fixture.

I've misplaced my light meter, but this puppy is blazingly bright. I am currently flowering tropical waterlilies under it! With my old cheap shop lights, they merely survived through the winter with tiny leaves and no buds.

I too have longed for a greenhouse, but I couldn't afford the heating bills, especially now that energy prices are going up so fast. Growing under lights is definitely the way to go, if you have the room. I currently have a 9x11 foot spare bedroom full of lights, and I am working on expanding into the basement or playroom (hubby has put his foot down for now). Hmmm, once the kid leaves for college, her bedroom would make a nice orchid room....