Using Aquarium Hood Lighting?

[DesignerofBeauty]

I have been wanting to get some supplementary lights for my orchids growing in a windowsill. But I don't want to install anything that will have lasting damage on my windowsill.

Could I just purchase one of these?
Amazon.com : COODIA Aquarium Hood Lighting Color Changing Remote Controlled Dimmable RGBW LED Light for Aquarium/ Fish Tank, Extendable (For Fresh and Salt Water) : Pet Supplies

To help support the light, I'd use command velco strips that are attached to a small block of wood. (see image attached, please forgive the poor illustration) The blocks of wood would then be attached to the inside of the windowsill. Since the light has extendable brackets, I'd extend the brackets to fit the inside of the windowsill. Once inside the window, the brackets would rest on top of the wooden blocks.

I'm new to artificial lighting. I don't want to install anything crazy or damage the windowsill (I'm renting an apartment). I also figured that I'd be able to adjust the height of the light easily. I'd also be able to dim or brighten the light and change the color.

Is this suitable for my orchids? Or is this a silly idea?

[estación seca]

The mounting idea looks fine. Aquarium LED lights often are not good for growing plants. There is no way to know in advance whether it will work, unless you have access to detailed information about the LEDs used.

[fooferdoggie]

something like this may be better Amazon.com : iPower GLT5XX2 Head Start T5 24W 6400K Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Seed Plant Starting, 2-Feet, Premium-Quality UL/CSA-listed : Patio, Lawn & Garden

[DesignerofBeauty]

Originally Posted by estación seca

The mounting idea looks fine. Aquarium LED lights often are not good for growing plants. There is no way to know in advance whether it will work, unless you have access to detailed information about the LEDs used.

Thanks, estacion! What information would I need to know?

Originally Posted by fooferdoggie

something like this may be better Amazon.com : iPower GLT5XX2 Head Start T5 24W 6400K Fluorescent Grow Light System with Stand Rack for Seed Plant Starting, 2-Feet, Premium-Quality UL/CSA-listed : Patio, Lawn & Garden

This is a great idea, but will not work for my set up.

[estación seca]

I'm not an expert on LEDs. There is a forum here for growing under lights. There is lots and lots of information there.

[DesignerofBeauty]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I'm not an expert on LEDs. There is a forum here for growing under lights. There is lots and lots of information there.

Thanks!

[fooferdoggie]

Originally Posted by DesignerofBeauty

Thanks, estacion! What information would I need to know?



This is a great idea, but will not work for my set up.

it looks like the frame legs are just attached so you could remove them. then hang it with double sided tape by the bar.
I have seen small plant lights at home depot too. here it is without the stand
ViaVolt 2 ft. T5 1-Bulb High Output 24-Watt Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture-V21 - The Home Depot

[DesignerofBeauty]

Originally Posted by fooferdoggie

it looks like the frame legs are just attached so you could remove them. then hang it with double sided tape by the bar.
I have seen small plant lights at home depot too. here it is without the stand
ViaVolt 2 ft. T5 1-Bulb High Output 24-Watt Fluorescent Grow Light Fixture-V21 - The Home Depot

That will work, thanks!

[Subrosa]

I grow all of my indoor plants under repurposed aquarium lighting. If a light is good for growing freshwater plants or corals for a reef tank it will definitely grow terrestrial plants. One thing to look for is individual emitters of at least 1W each. They are far more efficient than the fixture you referenced. It has 108 emitters for 18W. But if you're looking to buy new just buy something intended for plants. I use aquarium lighting because it's free.