|
Post by Kate on Feb 9, 2015 21:39:27 GMT -5
I have the opportunity to get a hold of some for a really good price. I have noticed there are a fair few on this forum who use this brand, though perhaps not with the same reflectors. Mostly I am concerned with how much heat they generate and how many lamps you use at what distance from the plants. They are the 18 inch version which will work perfectly for a 24 inch wide rack I already have. I believe they are 17 watt, 6400k lamps and the same replacement lamps are easily available.
Any input on what you currently use, or how you would configure the racks and lamps for this size would be greatly appreciated.
|
|
|
Post by shoggoths on Feb 9, 2015 22:34:56 GMT -5
Mmmm, hard to compare. I use 4 feet 54W T5HO so not the same wattage at all ...
I use 2 T5HO, 15 inches from pot top for every 2 X 4 surface.
I have difficulty finding replacement tubes.
If I were to do it again, I think I would rather go with T8 ...
A T5HO emit really strong light but I'm under the impression they often burn my plants. T8 light seem more smooth to me.
All this is no fact but my opinion.
|
|
|
Post by hal on Feb 9, 2015 23:31:32 GMT -5
Mmmm, hard to compare. I use 4 feet 54W T5HO so not the same wattage at all ... I use 2 T5HO, 15 inches from pot top for every 2 X 4 surface. I have difficulty finding replacement tubes. If I were to do it again, I think I would rather go with T8 ... A T5HO emit really strong light but I'm under the impression they often burn my plants. T8 light seem more smooth to me. All this is no fact but my opinion. What's the difference between 4 x 32W T8 bulbs and 2 x 54W T5HO on the same 4'wide x 18" deep shelf? I use 4 x T8s on my high light shelves, but I can't quite get the colours on my cephs that I see in other photos and my Cattleyas have yet to bloom.
|
|
|
Post by mattgraz on Feb 10, 2015 0:35:45 GMT -5
Im using the 24 inch 6400k 2300 lumen version x5 no reflectors yet tho made one for mine, and they tether to eachother keep em anywhere from 2"-12" apart
|
|
|
Post by lloyd on Feb 10, 2015 0:41:45 GMT -5
I think the T5HO's are brighter and hotter than other fluorescent bulbs. They definitely can burn plants. I'm trying some cheesecloth over my Mexiping terrarium to soften the light. I'm not sure that the Sunblaster's are better than the Roxio (etc.) T5HO's.
I've just found a Canadian place that delivers bulbs. I'll post the name of the vendor if my order comes in Ok this week.
|
|
|
Post by mattgraz on Feb 10, 2015 1:24:45 GMT -5
Havent had any issues, and im using the exact model mentioned, just a bit longer, all my seedlings are happy so far, may hook up to my dimmer if it does ever become an issue, i keep them about 10" away from my plants
|
|
|
Post by Kate on Feb 10, 2015 1:26:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the input everyone. I will admit I am still baffled by lighting. Best way to work it out is by doing though! My current plan based on what I have read here is to try these lights on the smaller shelf ( this shelf and at the current sale of $25 I might go pick up another one! Never hurts to have a spare shelf for smaller spaces). I am thinking I will start with 2 lights on just one shelf and see how it goes before I add more or start to use another shelf. I expect I will add at least one more light to the shelf, but at the price he is offering ($10 each, he has 8) I don't think I can get much more cost efficient for the initial set up.
|
|
|
Post by shoggoths on Feb 10, 2015 13:05:38 GMT -5
I can't say Hal. I read divergent texts about this. In theory, T8 and T5 almost give the same amount of Lumens per Watt (90 for T8 and 99 for T5) but T8 would have a better efficiency at room temperature ... it's very hard to compare. I was comparing Kate 17W vs my 54W. For me, plants under T5 are more yellow than green. I'll try to put pictures tomorrow of my D. hamiltonii under T5 vs T8. Also, T% are really hot to the touch in comparison with T8. With T8, the ballast is hot but not the lamp itself. Great, thank Lloyd. Good luck Kate, seems a good idea
|
|
|
Post by mattgraz on Feb 10, 2015 19:39:15 GMT -5
Mmmm, hard to compare. I use 4 feet 54W T5HO so not the same wattage at all ... I use 2 T5HO, 15 inches from pot top for every 2 X 4 surface. I have difficulty finding replacement tubes. If I were to do it again, I think I would rather go with T8 ... A T5HO emit really strong light but I'm under the impression they often burn my plants. T8 light seem more smooth to me. All this is no fact but my opinion. What's the difference between 4 x 32W T8 bulbs and 2 x 54W T5HO on the same 4'wide x 18" deep shelf? I use 4 x T8s on my high light shelves, but I can't quite get the colours on my cephs that I see in other photos and my Cattleyas have yet to bloom. how far away do you have them from the lights
|
|
|
Post by hal on Feb 10, 2015 21:58:16 GMT -5
how far away do you have them from the lights My CPs are 6-12" away from the lights. Orchids are a bit further.
|
|