Has anyone tried these?
 

I found this available locally and wonder as to it's ability for totally artificially lit orchidarium (not supplemental).

http://www.hydrofarm.com/content/PDF/compfluor.pdf

If someone has, please let me know the ins and outs of using the unit (for instance, how big an area does it REALLY cover - not the area the manufacturer states).

For my vivariums I'm going a cheaper way... I use the clip on spotlight fixtures (the metal ones, 6 or 7 bucks...) and compact fluorescent bulbs. You can get up to '150W' (maybe more) in the spiral bulbs now, but if you go beyond 125 you need to use a bigger fixture (easily available and not more than a couple bucks more expensive).

Two of these on each of my tanks (15 to 29 gallons). I'm using the 23W variety (I think that is the equivalent of 100W incandescent). I think the bulbs cost around 6 dollars each, so I'm spending maybe 25 dollars per tank in lighting equipment.

Just got back from checking with a local (36 miles) hydroponic place and they are getting away from CF for a symple reason - if the bulb burns out or fails - it fails! With the T5 fixtures (most recommended by this company) I could replace just one bulb and be up and running. But Rob brings up a good point - the ones I've been using (55 watt variety) have been doing job just fine and I can use standard light sockets.