T5 lighting for phal hybrids & species
 

Okay, would someone please tell me if 2 T5 tubes will work for my grow stand? I am growing mostly phals with the occasional paph and really need to improve my light levels. I am planning on changing the light fixture of my stand, I have included a picture of the stand for reference, its item A. The leaves of the plants will be sitting around 12 to 18 inches but I can change the distance to the light by either suspending the smaller plants or putting the larger ones on upturned pots or whatever is handy. With all the things I have been reading, I think I am overloading and need an experienced grower to say what would be the best light source. my stand is near an east/north east window but they are not getting enough light for long enough times for them to do more than just sit there.

I will be installing an RO system of it all works out, within a week or two.


http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page...,44716&p=10549

Need opinions folks!!!! mary

in my opinion yes what you have will work. in another opinion the best light is natural it is free and easy to get. i saw earlier that you were looking at getting a light meter, the best light meter to use is your plants, it takes a little more time but they are highly accurate. i dont know alot on canada as far as temps and amount of light you have so i have not posted to your questions i just do not want to steer you wrong

T5's are great for this. I think a double t5 will work just fine, but your light meter will be the final answer. You can't really predict ahead with distance. You should be checking light intensity with a meter. 500-1200 foot-candles is great for Phals.