T5 lighting for phal hybrids & species - Orchid Board

ladyslipper · #1 08-05-2007, 07:56 PM

Hi guys, would someone be able to confirm if 2 T5 lights would work as supplemental lighting for my phals? Its the top illustration.
Bustan - Toronto Hydroponics Grow Lights Nutrients Hydroponic Supplies Canada

I have a light meter coming from them and will know how much light I currently have versus how much more is needed. I am thinking that I can afix a cloth to the ballast to shield my living room from the bright light if I need to.

Generally, how close to lights should the phals be for optimum growth?

Regards, Mary

Ross · #2 08-05-2007, 08:01 PM

Yes, in theory, two tubes should work. As I understand it, you would be getting approx 5000 lumens per tube or approx 10,000 for the two tubes.

If you have a light meter, you will need a minimum of 500-750 foot-candles at leaf surface for Phals.

As for "how close" your light meter will determine this.

Ironwood · #3 08-05-2007, 11:32 PM

Mary, I am not sure why you passed on the T5 lights from the link for The Orchid Shop you posted in another thread. They are $14.50 cheaper ($34.50) and exactly the same light.??????????

cPanel®

ladyslipper · #4 08-06-2007, 02:11 AM

[QUOTE=Ironwood;48220]Mary, I am not sure why you passed on the T5 lights from the link for The Orchid Shop you posted in another thread. They are $14.50 cheaper ($34.50) and exactly the same light.??????????

Hi Ken, I am still feeling my way around this lighting issue of mine and right now focussing on making improvements to my set up that involve minimal changes to my current set up. I don't have a spare room that I could put a nice BIG grow set up for my 'chids so my set up is pretty small. I am glad you reminded me about the Orchid shop though. I am going to try to get lights locally though.
kindest regards, mary

Ironwood · #5 08-06-2007, 10:35 AM

Most hydroponics shops should have the exact same light and many of the larger nurseries would carry these as well. Prices should be between $35 and $40 each for these. I have found Bustans to have very high prices, don't know how they sell their products.

ladyslipper · #6 08-06-2007, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironwood

Most hydroponics shops should have the exact same light and many of the larger nurseries would carry these as well. Prices should be between $35 and $40 each for these. I have found Bustans to have very high prices, don't know how they sell their products.

Hi Ken, yes, I agree after looking at the Orchid shop listings that Bustan's is pricier but the funny thing is the only place I found that carried light meters in Calgary was $110 versus (I think) about $40 for Bustan's. I did call around but whomever I called either didn't carry meters or were out. I don't know if I spent more than I should have for a light meter, but I also knew that I would not have been able to improve my grow area guessing at light levels. I have NO intention of buying things like lights and ballasts and having to get it shipped. The cost would be a real ouch (I'd rather spend on plants)!

regards, mary