Ok...I know I've shown my set up in other posts but I'm happy to do it again.
Be prepared for lots of pics!
I am using a mix of HO T5's (most of my set up) and a mix of 8 lamps, 6 lamps, 4 lamps and 2 lamps--depending the space and needed coverage. The ceiling lights over shelves are 4 lamps, the mount areas are 8 lamps, Ctsm table and cactus space upstairs (not in these pics) are 6 lamps, and the lower 2 shelves on most of these shelving units are 2 lamps.
T8's - mostly 4 lamp over the shelves where they are being used. And, I have a few mix and match LEDs and CFLs in some spots where I needed extra coverage.
The majority of my high light plants and mounts are under HO T5's, lower light plants under a mix of T8's and 2' HO T5's, and CFLs are being used in spots for some extra light, where needed. I am also playing w/a couple/few LEDs but I've not been 100% pleased w/the ones I've used so I might just discontinue that next year. For now though...they stay.
As you will see...I am mostly using the black wire shelving type units but I do have a couple of other odds and ends shelving units thrown in where needed. And, this year the plants decided to take over the top of the free standing pantry there. The big shelves are the 48" w x 72".
I have been tweaking at the space (read- expanding) for several years (adding shelves/nooks/etc) whenever needed but the overall HO T5's and combo of other lights has been working very well for me in these years. This is where the plants live from mid-late Sept until late May each year...then they are outside for the summer.
I am using timers on all of my lights and they run 10hrs the entire time they are inside. I have played w/the time for a few years and have found no difference in blooming from the 10 to the 12hr run time. I might even play w/backing that off to 9hrs this winter...still on the fence w/that one though.
As for bulb changes -
T8's and CFLs get changed every year.
HO T5's - because I am growing outside part of the year and because I don't run my lights any longer than I do, I have been rotating out half my lights every other year. Meaning, I replace a bulb every 2nd season. This works for me but if I ran my lights longer and/or I didn't have that time outside I know I wouldn't be able to get away w/it. I used to replace them all every year and it was very expensive so I got to talking w/my hydro guy and he felt that given my run time on the lamps that I could run them 2 seasons. I've been doing it this way for 3yrs now and I've not seen any negative effects.
My grow space is an "L" shape and it's what normal people would call their living room and dining area. This the space that people see when they first enter my house so a major requirement was that it be neat, tidy and look pulled together. Well, as pulled together as a plant crazy person can make it.
W/out further ado...this is from the front door area
and it's what people see when they first enter our house. Watch out for that den on the left...he likes to grab people when they come in.
Walking over to the left and looking down the length of the "L" ...more shelves plus you can see my mounted plant hanging racks.
Next is looking back from the far end of that mount area. The shelves in the far right corner there are the lower light plants = T8's and 2' HO T5's. Directly in front of you is the Ctsm stand/space - 6 bulb unit of the HO T5s there. Above that is for the dormant guys and a few babies - also T5. On each side of the space are all T5s w/high light plants.
Then, back toward the front door/closet area at the entrance. That nook has more ctsm plus lycaste - again T5s there and a couple of LEDs for extra coverage.
Now back toward the N corner of the space ...it's a straight on shot of the corner from the 2nd pic. Phal and lower light plants in the corner there and you can see the ctsm table there. The window faces due East and there is good deal of natural morning light that hits part of that space each morning.
Lastly is a side shot of that corner that has the mount station area. The shelving unit in front of you has super high light/dry winter catts on the top and the 2 lower shelves are lower light areas w/T8's. The space also gets a good deal of direct sun (that window on the right is facing S and the window directly in front is E facing) so they all get decent natural light for some of the day.
And even though you didn't ask...I'll show you how I water.
First most of the shelves have these boot trays that my husband rigged so I can water in place. The trays have those light eggcrate things in them so the pots don't sit in the bottom. He drilled holes and installed drains that that allow me to attach hoses and the excess water drains into buckets that I empty. It's the closest I will ever get to watering in place w/out having a g/h.
The first year we did this we ordered black pre-cut plexiglass and my husband made the trays out of that but every year I would have to reseal w/silicon caulk and it got very old, very fast. He made these in '14 and they are so much better.
And, the mount station watering basins...also drain into buckets for easy watering in place.
These pics are older - ignore the flooring, that was before we re-did the redo but the pic gives you the gist of how it works.
Ok...I think that's it. Holp it helps to give you some ideas.
Linear Mode
