Lighting for 24x18x24 Exo Terra

[margitks]

Hello my fellow Orchid Enthusiasts!

We currently have one Exo Terra fixture for our 24x18x24 tank, that allows for two linear 15 watt fluorescent tubes and two 35 watt halogen bulbs. However, I don't think these fluorescent tubes will have enough light output to grow many orchids, let alone anything with any higher light requirement.

That is the reason why I am looking at a two foot fixture with 2 HO t5 bulbs. My question is: do you all feel that this might be over-kill? I am wondering if any plants placed closer to the top might get burned ...

This a link to the fixture I am considering:

HTG Supply - GrowBright 2 Foot 2 Lamp High Output T5 With Choice of Bulbs

I am looking at this fixture because I have the same kind of fixture, but in the four foot size with 4 HO t5 bulbs, for my indoor growing shelf that I have been VERY happy with. That is why I am wondering if a smaller version might work for our Exo Terra.

The tank is a work in progress and will hold mostly orchids (no animals planned at this time). We will soon install a misting system from Mist King and two computer fans. Both have been purchased, just not installed yet

I am guessing that the temperature in the tank might end up being in the intermediate range, once the final lighting choice has been installed, the misting system is in place and the fans running. The gauges will hopefully tell us what might be happy in this tank in the near future

Your input is greatly appreciated about my choice of light fixture!

Thank you very much!

Margit

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[Nexogen]

Is not enough. Maybe you should use two fixtures.

[margitks]

Originally Posted by Nexogen

Is not enough. Maybe you should use two fixtures.

Wow! I did not expect that two-2 foot HO t5 bulbs would not be enough ...
My current fixture, definitely not enough, but the t5's ...
The two foot fixture is available with FOUR HO t5's though ...
Maybe one of those fixtures?

Margit

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[estación seca]

Go to a local hydroponics shop and talk to them about what kinds of vegetables grow under what kinds and sizes of lights, and at what distance from the lamps You'll learn a lot.

[margitks]

Originally Posted by Nexogen

Is not enough. Maybe you should use two fixtures.

Originally Posted by estación seca

Go to a local hydroponics shop and talk to them about what kinds of vegetables grow under what kinds and sizes of lights, and at what distance from the lamps You'll learn a lot.

Thank you Nexogen and estación seca for your input!
I know what I will be doing during my lunch time tomorrow
We have a hydroponics store close to where I work! Marvelous idea!
Thank you again

Margit