Advice on which spectrum...

[nicki]

Still researching and asking questions but I'm close to making a decision on what lighting would be best for me and my orchids.

I'm down to either a CFL grow light system (not the spiral blubs) in 125 watt or 200 watt. That would be more ideal for me in size and distance from plant.

The other I am considering would be a 2' T5 HO set up. (24 watt)

I know with these bulb there are options to buy full spectrum, warm or cool. Is there a difference with choosing a full spectrum or going with 1 warm and 1 cool or do they end up fairly equal? Is there another combo I should consider? I would like to get away with using 1 bulb for the T5 if I choose that set up, but if that's not going to do a thing for the plants then I'd like to know which ones to go for.

Thanks for all help given so far

[madphrag]

Maybe I can help you out a little since I grow exclusively under lights.

1). How many orchids are you growing?
2). What kind of orchids are they?
3). Do you plan on expanding your collection in the future?

We'll start with this.

[nicki]

I have 8 or 9 orchids at the moment sitting on top of my chest of drawers. During the summer they get some sun when they are by the window but hardly any now.

I have a mix that I can't fully think of all the names at the moment. Mini vanda, phal, encyclia, eipcatt, cattleyas, brsdm, bolopetalum...

I do plan to expand! There are a couple of orchid shows in March

[madphrag]

If I was planning on expanding, I would look into a 4 ft. 4 tube T5 HO fixture w/ with a combination of both light spectrum's.

[Germinatorman]

I agree totally with Mitch. I have T5s, regular florescent, Metal Halide, HPS and compacts - the T5s have given me the best, most consistent results. The 4 ft. bulbs are 55 watts each. They burn a lot cheaper than most other bulbs and they have a life of 3 years, although I replace mine every 18 months. They are a little more expensive to start with but they are best in the long run. You really should consider the 4 bulb 4 ft. fixtures. And I also agree, mix the bulbs up - do not use all the same.

[nicki]

I'm not sure yet if I will have the space for 4'. I may have to do the 2' and have multiple shelves with them.
If I mix up the spectrum and were just using 2 bulbs, I would use one full spectrum and one warm since that aids in flowering or one cool and one warm?
Or is it not practical to use 2 bulbs?
BTW thanks for all the help with my questions and giving me a better understanding.