normando
Full Member
"Well, it's a cross between a butterwort and a Venus fly trap."
Posts: 35
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Post by normando on May 2, 2012 18:03:58 GMT
What would be the best t5 4 bulb 4' lighting system for a terarium? And what bulb combo would be the best? 4 vegitive grow bulbs?4 flowering grow bulbs or a combo of both for full spectrum of light? Thanks for any help provided. I want to start a 55+gallon terarium and want the best posible t5 lighting stystem for my greenhouse style terariumwith no suplemental heating.
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Post by Apoplast on May 2, 2012 22:52:58 GMT
Hello Normando - I suspect you are going to get all sorts of advice. Unfortunately, much of it is likely to be tribal knowledge. The basics are that HO bulbs will produce more light than regular bulbs, and that the more bulbs you can fit into the setup will produce more light. The last thing is that getting the bulbs as close to your plants as you can without causing heat damage will improve your light availability to your plants. If you are looking for more detailed explanation check out this thread. |
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Post by coldcoffee on May 17, 2012 16:38:35 GMT
My inclination would be to go with the growth spectrum bulbs or a combo of each (something like 3-grow, 1 bloom or half and half). To be honest, personally I do not think it really matters that much. I have some really nice horticultural equipment at home (Including a 4 tube 48" T5 fixture with 4 grow spectrum bulbs- Plants are doing amazing in it!). For the vast majority of my collection, I have phased out the expensive hydroponic store lights and switched to basic T8 shop lights with cool white tubes. They both seem to do pretty well. I use the T5s for my heat sensitive species like my pygmy droseras and tuberous droseras. My light shelf seems to generate too much heat for them (of course that is where I keep my chameleon as well so that room gets a little warm and humidy).
My two cents, T5's are generally better, brighter and generate less heat. I have had good luck with growth bulbs- have not felt a need to spend the money to try bloom bulbs (when it is time to replace tubes next I will make a point of picking a couple up to try out). But I do not personally think the marginal benefits of T5s justify the marginal cost so I have not felt the inclination to acquired more fixtures- the shop lights work really well for me. (Maybe if I start growing "medicine" I will have more reason to upgrade everything- for right now, the plants and RO system cost enough!) I know this does not directly answer your question. I guess what I am getting at is I think either would work really well. I would go primarily with blue spectrum bulbs (growth). Reds might we worth a try. I'll definitely try them out next bulb change. I would not be inclined to go all red personally.
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