I opted to get a CFl 62 watt cool bulb, because of the overhang that is produced by the fixture for the T5. Although the T5 is a superior light, especially with the four bulb fixture, which allows you to use any number of bulbs depending on the light requirements of your orchids. The T5, 4 bulb @ 2' produces 22 watts per bulb @ 97 lumens each. That means that the almost 4000 lumens that may be 9" from most plants was a little too much. Just above 2000 lumens at the plant level. If I use that in the future, I would use 3 bulbs and add the fourth if needed.
You may want to look at a Hydroponic catalog from Brew and Grow in Illinois. If you call their phone line, they will happily send you a catalog, and if you need any help the staff at the Bolingbrook location, has been great help with advice and such. The catalog very detailed, with lots of useful info about light properties, bulbs, etc. Plus tons of fertilizer options, which I love to check out. Some non traditional fert, that I have had great success with, are a product called Awesome Blossoms (2-11-11) and Fox Farms Organic Big Bud, both are liquid applications.
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Hybrid Mode
