Starting lights (brand new to this) for winter

[lotis146]

I've learned - thanks to threads mentioning light meters & surprising results - that I have no where near the amount of light necessary to keep my plants happy, let alone the number of plants I've acquired. Therefore I'm going to get some lights. I happened across some T5 fixtures, used, for decent prices, as well as an 4' LED fixture. Being that I know nothing about grow lights - I'm learning - I have some questions regarding ballasts, specifically the units that appear to sit by themselves and you plug in one or more fixtures. Is it necessary to have these ballasts even with say the Sun Blaze T5 fixtures I'm getting? My understanding is that "ballasts" are part of the structure of the fixtures. Thus I'm wondering if a separate ballast - digital - is necessary, overkill, or a nice option for improved energy efficiency?

I think as well that I would like to set at least one of my fixtures vertically though it seems most people stick to horizontal. Is there any reasoning against vertical positioning?

Being as new as I am to lights I appreciate and welcome any and all comments, advice, etc. I'll provide more details regarding my set up in terms of space when I have them.

Thanks!

[Subrosa]

A given tube only requires one ballast to drive it. If the fixtures have the ballasts built in, there's no need or use for a second, external ballast. What type of fixture is the 4' led?

[lotis146]

It's a Lush Dominator, and I was wrong it's only 36".

[estación seca]

I once saw a large indoor Wardian case (approximately 8 feet tall by 6 feet wide by 3 feet deep!) for growing small to miniature mounted orchids. The ceiling had numerous lights. Both side walls had light fixtures almost all the way down to the floor. The back wall, and side walls between the lights, were covered with numerous mounts, and more dangled from the ceiling. The front wall was glass.

There was a thermostat-controlled exhaust fan and exhaust manifold to the outside through the ceiling to remove excess heat from the lights.

The plants looked great.

[Leafmite]

Last year was my first year I grew under lights. I went with Hydrofarm T5HO four foot, four bulb lamps. I ordered the lamps with the lights included from Amazon. I also ordered a shelving unit and used s-hooks to fasten the lights to the shelves. I bought the Hydrofarm timer, too, which is actually quite nice.
This year, I added a Sun Blaze, two foot, two light for my gardenias and a few other plants. Seems like a great lamp.

I tried to grow all my orchids under the lights last year but, this year, some of the orchids that need more humidity and/or shade are being grown in a window or a mini greenhouse next to the shelf/lights.
You will need to water more often and watch the humidity. Good luck!

---------- Post added at 10:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:39 PM ----------

If you can go for the LED, I would recommend it. You won't have the heat. Just check out the reviews before buying. Not all LED's are equal in quality.

[Nexogen]

I do not want to confuse, possible to talk about different things.
Lush Dominator is very good if you have more details can give you advice, it is likely to be much stronger than what you need.

Any lighting device that you buy and is equipped with power cord does not need ballast. Just plug in and start power button ON. A small clarification; will use the specified voltage.

[lotis146]

I got these lights through an auction so it's a bit of a gamble but the prices were good so should save me in the long run. I have mini Catts, three compact/standard Catts (two are seedlings), over a dozen various Zygopetalum hybrids & 'alliance members' (i.e. Chaubardia, Kefersteinia, Huntleya, Colax (Pabstia), Aganisia), Oncidiums (Wilsonara, Colmanara, Miltonia, Miltoniopsis, Helcia, etc.), one Angraceum, three Vanda types, Phals, Paphs & a lone Dendrobium (new to me, Australian Artist, young plant).

I'll set the metal shelving unit up in front of an east window. I also have a big south-facing window that I don't think provides enough light overall for the brighter requirements but I'm considering putting lower light plants there without lights then supplement the shelving unit at the east window.

Thanks everyone for tip on the ballasts. Trick now is configuring a circuit for my new setup, lucky me my boyfriend has some electrical knowledge.

[Leafmite]

I found it all rather confusing, too. That is why I just went with what I did. You might want to keep this thread updated to help others going through the same struggle. I always grew my plants in the window so trying to figure out all of this was quite a challenge for me. It was like being a newbie for me. I think I am still trying to get it right.
Good luck!

[Nexogen]

Be careful, 36" Lush Dominator has at least 500W, you could fry everything.

[kwubb]

I started with a 4 light T5 above each of my shelves. The cart was entirely enclosed and the lights got way to hot. It was 100 degrees in there. I switched to a single 46w 180 degree beam natural white LED. They are awesome. It's like looking at things out in the sun. The colors are vibrant and natural. The plants love them and they don't put out heat.