compact fluorescents

[jdarienzo]

Hello all

I was wondering if anybody did research on compact fluorescents for growing nepenthes. I have a couple areas I would like to use them as a tube would be too long.

Thanks

Joe D'Arienzo

[GregNY]

they work! heat is the only issue I've read/experienced. They put out enough to cause burn if located too close to the plants. Also, ensure, if you use them, to use high spectrum (ex: 5000k or 6500k) and the highest lumen out per bulb you can find. Hope that helps a little.

Could you better explain what you mean with your issue of space...

[taz6122]

There are now T5 tubes that have a higher output and you can get them as short as 12". They produce very little heat and are very cheap to run. Initial cost is high compared to T8 or T12 but well worth it in the long run. I have some 21" that only use 15w each and some 34" that use 21w ea.

[GregNY]

Hey Taz, just curious, where do you shop for your T5's? and are they the HO or VHO ones you were speaking of in another thread. I never heard of the VHO ones, I'd like to check them out.

[taz6122]

The ones I use are from lowes. HD also has them from a different manufacturer. I don't use HO or VHO but here's a link with some info about both.
www.growlightsupply.com/grow-lights-fluorescent-grow-lights-c-6_9.html

[Not a Number]

Oct 28, 2009 2:59:55 GMT taz6122 said:

They produce very little heat and are very cheap to run.

That's odd, many people complain about the heat T5s give out. Most T5 tubes are designed to run at around 35C (95F) for optimal output. Surface temperatures in the middle of the tube have been recorded at 71-77C (160-170F). That's why many T5 aquarium fixtures are equipped with fans for cooling.

See:
www.terraforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111461

[taz6122]

As I said, I'm not using HO or VHO. The center of my tubes are barely warm to the touch. Compare the VHO to the output and heat that HID put out and it's still not bad.

Just checked the back of the fixture(ballast) which is warmer than the tube and got 98F. The grow chamber temp. is 78F. There is no heat build up in the chamber with glass between it and fixture.

[Green Hornet]

I have used the VHO T-5's and they can work very well on neps, but can also work a little too well if not managed. Balance the distance of the lights from the plants and your photoperiod for optimum results with T-5s. Standard fluorescent shoplights are more forgiving of errors with these setting than the high output lights. Too much from the VHOs and your plants may cook. See also my recent post on the LED lights for more info on this topic.

[taz6122]

IMHO the VHO would be great for VFTs and Sarracenia and maybe the petiolaris Drosera. My Nepenthes and pygmy Drosera and Sarracenia seedling are doing great under the regular T5s.