| Sandra - if you can keep the weather off the light fixture one of the T5 fixtures might be the way to go? Now that it is getting cooler here I have found that the heat generated is no longer enough to keep my room warm (not an issue for you). For indoor use I think it is the easiest plan of attack - and the fixtures are really quite acceptable in terms of general appearance (not unsightly). Below is a photo of how I currently have my fixture set up. I used a couple inexpensive wall plant hangers to hang it from the wall below a window. Note that there is a flat surface on the hangers that I am now going to place a 1 X 8 or so to put some additional plants in the east facing window above. I am still in the experimental phase of finding the ideal distance between bulbs and plants. Initially I put the fixture in another frame that I have shop lights set up but the intensity was too great for the short distance I had - so have moved to the current configuration for this fixture only. Note that the fixtures shown earlier in this thread, like shop lights, will only provide enough light intensity for low light level plants like phals and paphs.
In your case, since you are indeed outside, I would seriously look at potentially putting up a 400W MH fixture that is convertable to HPS (works with both types of bulbs - dual purpose). It would light up an area approximately five foot square enough for medium light need orchids. If you have a heavy light need orchid or two you can just move it/them closer. It would be more critical that you kept water away from the bulb as it gets extremely hot in comparison to the fluorescent types. Do you have any hydroponic stores in your area? We have two here. Like any business they have people that just want to sell you something and they have people who are REALLY HELPFUL and will get you set up exactly as you need/want. |