Well, there are certainly folks who know lots more about orchids than I do, but maybe I can help.

If you are worried about crown rot there is one simple solution -- don't get water into the crown of the plant. I know, I know that is easier said than done. I water mine in the sink and put the faucet up close to the potting material, rather than just hosing them down. If I do get a little water either in the crown or down one of the leaves toward the plants, I take a paper towel and twist it so i can get down in there to soak up the water. (I don't leave the paper towel there of course.)

As for growing material, that depends a lot on personal preference. I pot mine with the bottom 2/3 of the pot a bark/charcoal mix that you can buy at box store or Lowes made by BetterGro and the top 1/3 with spangum moss. Some people hate mixed medium, but I like the moss because it keeps in a little more moisture, meaning I don't have to water my phals as often. (which is a bonus given that some other orchids are a little higher maintenance -- I can't be watering the entire collection three times a week.)

As for light, while phals do need less light than other orchids, they do need some light. I'd say as a rough measurement, put your hand up in front of the plant if your hand doesn't cast a shadow you probably don't have enough light. Your plant will also tell you in about two weeks if it doesn't have enough light by dropping its buds.

You will read a lot about orchids needing humidity, humidity trays and etc. All of that is true, but you don't want to leave a phal sitting in a tray of water. Their roots like to breath. If you want to use a humidity tray raise the pot above the water level. For some of my bigger phals, I went to Lowes and bought little tripod plant stands; I set the pot on the stand and then the stand in a saucer of water. That way there humidity, but the plant's pot doesn't sit in or touch the water.

I hope that is helpful. You may find something else works better for you. Good luck.